LION Culture CIC Safeguarding Policy

 

Introduction

LION Culture CIC is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people involved in our programs and activities. This Safeguarding Policy provides a framework for all actions taken by staff and volunteers to protect children from abuse and harm. It establishes clear guidelines to promote the safety and well-being of the children and young people we serve.

 

Objectives

The objectives of this policy are:

  • Safety: To ensure all children and young people feel safe in our environment.
  • Empowerment: To provide children with knowledge and tools to express concerns or seek help.
  • Prevention: To implement practices that prevent abuse and neglect.
  • Responsiveness: To have clear procedures for responding to concerns or allegations of abuse.
  • Training: To provide comprehensive safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.
  • Partnerships: To maintain effective working relationships with statutory agencies to support child welfare.

 

Definitions

 The various definitions are:

  • Safeguarding: The action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.
  • Child: Any individual who is under the age of 18 years.
  • Abuse: Any action that causes harm or puts a child at risk of harm. This can include:
  • Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, or any action causing physical harm.
  • Emotional Abuse: Continuous emotional maltreatment leading to severe adverse effects on emotional development.
  • Sexual Abuse: Involvement of a child in sexual activities beyond their understanding or consent.
  • Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and emotional needs.

 

Legal Framework

This policy is guided by the following legislation and guidance to ensure compliance and best practices:

 

Roles and Responsibilities

Board of Directors.

  • Oversight: Ensure that safeguarding policies are effective and adhered to.
  • Accountability: Hold teams accountable for implementing safeguarding measures.
  • Review: Regularly review safeguarding files and records to ensure best practices are maintained.

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Training: The DSL must undergo regular and advanced training in safeguarding and child protection.
  • Record Management: Maintain secure records of all concerns, noting dates, times, individuals involved, and actions taken.
  • Support: Act as a point of contact for staff, volunteers, children, and parents regarding safeguarding issues and concerns.

 

Staff and Volunteers

  • Awareness: Stay informed about safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Engagement: Build trusting relationships with children and ensure they feel safe to disclose concerns.
  • Reporting: Report safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL, following established procedures.

 

Safeguarding Procedures

  • Recognising.  All staff and volunteers should be attuned to signs that may indicate a child is at risk, including:
  • Physical Indicators: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries; signs of malnutrition or poor hygiene.
  • Behavioural Indicators: Sudden changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fearful reactions, or excessive compliance.
  • Sexual Indicators: Knowledge or behaviours inappropriate for their age, or signs of sexual exploitation.
  • Neglect Indicators: Lack of appropriate clothing, dental or medical needs unmet, or regular absence from activities.

Reporting Concerns

 

Immediate Action:

  • If there is an immediate risk of harm to a child, contact emergency services (999) without delay.
  • Remove the child from unsafe situations if feasible.

 

Report to DSL:

  • All concerns should be reported to the DSL within 24 hours, using a safeguarding concern form that captures:
  • Description of the concern.
  • Context and any actions already taken.
  • Names of individuals involved, including witnesses.

 

Handling Information

Maintain confidentiality but ensure necessary information is shared with relevant parties on a “need-to-know” basis to protect the child. Avoid discussing concerns with individuals not directly involved in safeguarding.

 

Responding to Concerns

The DSL will investigate all reports promptly and sensitively, assessing the need for further action. Documentation should be maintained in a secured, confidential manner. If a referral to social services is necessary, the DSL will guide the process, ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritized.

 

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

  • Immediate Reporting. Responsibility to Report: All staff and volunteers are required to report any allegations against themselves or their colleagues immediately. This is crucial to ensure the safety of the children involved.
  • Reporting Protocol: Allegations should be reported directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) without delay. If the DSL is implicated in the allegation, staff and volunteers should report to a member of the Board of Directors.
  • Documentation: It is essential that the person making the report documents the details of the allegation as soon as possible, including date, time, who was present, specific statements made, and any other relevant information. This documentation should be maintained securely and handed over to the DSL.
  • Confidentiality: Upon reporting, all information regarding the allegation should be treated with the utmost confidentiality to protect all parties involved. Only those directly involved in the investigation should be informed.

 

Investigation Process

  • Impartial Investigation: An independent and impartial investigation will be conducted to ensure fairness. The DSL will not lead the investigation if they are implicated. Instead, a senior member of the Board of Directors or an external investigator may be appointed to oversee the process.
  • Notification: Relevant authorities, such as local safeguarding boards or child protection services, will be informed as necessary, especially in cases where a child is considered at risk.
  • Protective Measures: The organisation will take immediate steps to protect the child involved and any other children who may be affected. This includes considering the suspension of the staff member or volunteer implicated in the allegation, pending the investigation, and ensuring that all communication remains professional and non-discriminatory.
  • Maintaining Confidentiality: Throughout the investigation, confidentiality must be preserved for all parties, including the alleged victim, the accused, and any witnesses. Information should only be shared with individuals who are conducting the investigation.

 

Support for the Alleged Victim

  • Emotional Support: Counselling and emotional support will be provided to the child involved in the allegation. The DSL will ensure that the child feels safe and listened to throughout the investigation process.
  • Communication: Regular communication with the child and their guardians will be maintained to inform them of the process and to answer any questions they may have. Their concerns should be validated and addressed with empathy.
  • Additional Resources: The organisation will offer access to external support services, such as child psychologists or trained professionals in child welfare, if needed.
  • Creating a Safe Environment: The environment around the child should be monitored to ensure safety, and any necessary adjustments should be made to their participation in activities while the investigation is underway.

 

Outcome

  • Post-Investigation Review: Following the culmination of the investigation, a thorough review will be conducted to evaluate findings. This will include assessing the adequacy of the investigation processes and outcomes.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Depending on the findings, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken against the staff member or volunteer involved, which may include:
    • Verbal or written warnings.
    • Mandatory further training or supervision.
    • Temporary suspension or permanent removal from their position, depending on the severity of the allegations.

 

Reporting to Regulatory Authorities 

In cases where the allegations involve serious misconduct or if a child is at risk, the organisation will report the findings to appropriate regulatory authorities, such as local child protection services or relevant governing bodies.

 

Feedback Loop

A debriefing session will be held with relevant staff members, including the DSL and other key personnel, to discuss the findings and identify any shortcomings in current safeguarding practices. This will help improve future safeguarding protocols. By implementing these detailed procedures, LION Culture CIC ensures a comprehensive approach to handling allegations against staff or volunteers, safeguarding the welfare of children and fostering trust within the community.

 

Training

All staff and volunteers will undergo comprehensive safeguarding training upon recruitment and mandatory annual refresher training. Training will include:

  • Recognising signs of abuse and neglect.
  • Reporting procedures and responsibilities.
  • Roles and responsibilities of the DSL and other staff.
  • Information on how to support children effectively.

 

Working with Other Agencies

LION Culture CIC will establish and maintain working relationships with local safeguarding children boards, local authorities, and law enforcement agencies. In cases of cross-agency collaboration, we will ensure effective information sharing and coordination of services to protect children. The DSL will attend multi-agency safeguarding meetings and training to stay current with best practices.

 

Recruitment and Vetting

A rigorous recruitment process will be in place, ensuring:

  • All staff and volunteers complete an application form and declare any previous safeguarding issues.
  • Background checks (DBS checks) are completed before any engagement with children.
  • References are obtained and verified from previous employers or relevant organisations.
  • Safer recruitment practices adhered to during the selection process.

 

Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or the sooner if deemed necessary due to incidents or changes in legislation. The DSL will collect feedback from staff, volunteers, parents, and children to assess the effectiveness of safeguarding measures and the culture around safeguarding within the organisation. Documentation and records must be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with procedures and report all incidents to the Board of Directors.

 

Conclusion

 In conclusion, our commitment to safeguarding at LION Culture CIC is integral to our mission of providing a safe and nurturing space for children and young people. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we strive to foster an environment where all participants feel secure, valued, and empowered to express their concerns. By implementing this comprehensive Safeguarding Policy, we aim to not only prevent abuse but also respond effectively to any threats to the welfare of the children in our care. We are dedicated to ongoing training, monitoring, and collaboration with other agencies to ensure that our practices remain current and effective. Together, we can create a supportive community that ensures the well-being of every child.

 

Contact Information

For any safeguarding concerns, inquiries, or to report an incident, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at LION Culture CIC:

 

Name: Joseph Fleming

Position: Designated Safeguarding Lead

Phone: 07400265956

Email: joseph@lionculture.co.uk

 

Alternatively, you can reach out to our administrative office:

Office Address: 113 Liverpool Rd, Co Working Studios, Crosby Liverpool

General Inquiries Email: Info@lionculture.co.uk

 

For immediate concerns involving the safety of a child, please contact local child protection services or emergency services directly.