1. Policy Statement

Elev8 Journeys Wellbeing CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who participate in our programmes. We believe that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• All children, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or background, have the right to be protected from harm
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• Children who need help and protection deserve and will receive a prompt, effective response

This policy applies to all directors, employees, volunteers, associates, freelancers, and anyone acting in any capacity on behalf of our organisation.

2. Scope

This policy covers safeguarding in relation to:

• Children and young people aged 7–13 who participate in our SEL programmes
• Delivery in schools, youth centres, community organisations, and any other setting where we work with children

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving and managing all safeguarding concerns or allegations
• Liaising with statutory agencies (children’s social care, police) where required
• Ensuring all staff, associates, and volunteers are trained and aware of this policy
• Keeping safeguarding records securely
• Reviewing and updating this policy annually

In the absence of the DSL, safeguarding concerns should still be reported without delay — contact the relevant local authority children’s services or, in an emergency, dial 999.

4. Recruitment and Vetting

All staff, associates, volunteers, and contractors who work with children on behalf of Elev8 Journeys Wellbeing CIC are required to:

• Hold a current and valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check with barred list check prior to working with children
• Provide references that have been followed up
• Declare any convictions, cautions, or pending matters that may affect their suitability to work with children
• Not begin working with children until all vetting checks are satisfactorily completed

DBS checks are renewed every 3 years or sooner if concerns arise.

5. Code of Conduct

All staff, associates, and volunteers must:

• Treat all children with dignity, respect, and sensitivity
• Not meet children one-to-one without a responsible adult from the setting present nearby or within sight
• Not engage in physical contact with children beyond age-appropriate incidental contact (e.g. a handshake); never initiate hugging or physical contact
• Not communicate with children individually via personal social media, personal mobile, or private messaging
• Not take photographs or recordings of children without explicit written consent from the setting and, where appropriate, from parents/guardians
• Not discuss their personal life, relationships, or share personal contact details with children
• Not give children personal gifts, money, or favours
• Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times, both in person and online

Any behaviour that falls below this standard must be reported to the DSL immediately.

6. Recognising Abuse

Staff and associates should be alert to signs and indicators that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect. The four main categories of abuse are:

• Physical abuse — including hitting, shaking, burning, or causing physical harm to a child; can also include a parent or carer fabricating or inducing illness in a child.
• Emotional abuse — persistent emotional maltreatment such as threats, humiliation, rejection, isolation, or putting age-inappropriate expectations on a child.
• Sexual abuse — any sexual activity involving a child. This includes non-contact abuse such as involving a child in watching or producing sexual material.
• Neglect — persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical, emotional, or developmental needs, including food, shelter, supervision, affection, and medical care.

Additionally, be aware of:

• Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
• Domestic abuse (children witnessing or experiencing)
• Online abuse
• Bullying and peer-on-peer abuse
• Child criminal exploitation (CCE) including county lines
• Female genital mutilation (FGM) — a mandatory reporting duty exists for regulated professionals
• Radicalisation and extremism (Prevent duty)

Signs to look out for include (not exhaustive):

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• A child who discloses abuse or harm (directly or through play/artwork)
• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood
• Withdrawal, fearfulness, or aggression
• Hunger, poor hygiene, or inappropriate clothing for the weather
• A child who appears to fear going home
• A child who is consistently tired or appears unwell
• Sexualised behaviour inappropriate for the child’s age

7. What to Do If You Have a Concern

7.1 If a child makes a disclosure

• Listen carefully — do not interrupt, prompt, or ask leading questions
• Stay calm — do not show shock or disbelief
• Reassure the child — tell them they were right to tell you and that you will do your best to help
• Do not promise confidentiality — explain that you may need to tell someone whose job it is to help keep children safe
• Do not investigate — this is the role of statutory services
• As soon as possible, record what was said in the child’s own words, noting the time, date, and any witnesses

7.2 Reporting to the DSL

Any concern, allegation, or disclosure — no matter how minor it seems — must be reported to the DSL on the same day it arises.

Report to: Craig Jenkinson | craig@elev8journeys.com

The DSL will decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include:

• Informing the school’s or setting’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Referring to the relevant local authority children’s services
• Contacting the police (dial 999 if a child is in immediate danger)

7.3 If the concern is about the DSL

If the concern involves Craig Jenkinson, contact the local authority children’s services directly or the NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000.

8. Working With Partner Settings

When we deliver programmes within schools, youth centres, or other organisations:

• We recognise that the setting has its own safeguarding lead and procedures
• We will introduce ourselves and identify the setting’s DSL at the start of each engagement
• Any safeguarding concern arising during a session will be reported to the setting’s DSL and to our own DSL immediately
• We will cooperate fully with the setting’s safeguarding procedures
• In an emergency, we will not delay taking action (e.g. calling 999) while waiting for contact with a DSL

9. Information Sharing

We understand that the safety of a child overrides confidentiality. If we have reasonable cause to believe a child is at risk of harm, we will share relevant information with statutory services without delay and without seeking prior consent if doing so would put the child at greater risk. Information sharing decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, proportionately, and in accordance with ICO guidance on data sharing.

10. Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made against any member of our staff, associates, or volunteers, we will:

• Take all allegations seriously, regardless of who makes them
• Not investigate the allegation ourselves
• Refer the matter immediately to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and cooperate fully
• Suspend the individual concerned from working with children pending the outcome of any investigation
• Keep records of all actions taken

Any member of staff who is the subject of an allegation will be treated fairly and supported through the process while the investigation is ongoing.

11. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and actions taken will be recorded in writing by the DSL. Records will include:

• Date and time of the concern or disclosure
• Description of the concern or what was said (using the child’s own words where applicable)
• Actions taken and by whom
• Outcome

Safeguarding records are kept securely, separately from general records, and retained in accordance with legal requirements.

12. Training

The DSL will undertake recognised safeguarding training (at a minimum, aligned to Level 2 awareness) and refresh this training every 2 years. All staff and associates delivering programmes will receive safeguarding awareness training before working with children and will be required to read and acknowledge this policy annually.

13. Useful Contacts

National contacts

Barnsley Local Authority — Children’s Safeguarding

Barnsley Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP)

Barnsley LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer)

For allegations or concerns about a professional or volunteer working with children. LADO advice must be sought before any internal investigation begins.

Barnsley Local Authority — Adult Safeguarding

Barnsley Safeguarding Adults Board

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the DSL, or sooner in response to:

• Changes in legislation or statutory guidance
• A safeguarding incident or concern
• Changes to our organisation’s activities or structure

15. Related Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Complaints Policy
• Code of Conduct for Staff and Associates

This policy is informed by the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) and the principles of the Children Act 1989 and 2004.