1. Introduction

Charles Owen is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our duty of care to protect individuals from harm and ensure that all persons associated with our organisation uphold the highest standards of conduct. This policy sets out our principles, responsibilities, and procedures for identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns.

2. Policy Statement

Charles Owen maintains a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation, neglect, or discrimination. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to report concerns without fear of reprisal. Safeguarding is the responsibility of every employee, volunteer, contractor, and individual acting on behalf of the organisation.

3. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

- Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with Charles Owen.

- Provide clear guidance on recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.

- Outline roles and responsibilities throughout the organisation.

- Ensure compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation, industry standards, and best practice.

- Embed safeguarding into all organisational activities, programmes, and interactions.

4. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, interns, contractors, consultants, and any individual representing Charles Owen at events or activities, on or off company premises. It covers all physical and digital environments in which the organisation operates.

5. Definitions

Child: Any person under the age of 18.

Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who requires care or support and may be unable to protect themselves from harm.

Abuse: Any action or lack of action that causes harm, including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, discriminatory, or organisational abuse.

Safeguarding Concern: Any suspicion, allegation, or disclosure indicating that someone may be at risk of harm.

6. Responsibilities

Senior Leadership: Ensure safeguarding is prioritised and resourced.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Main contact for safeguarding concerns, manages reporting, maintains records, and liaises with statutory bodies.

All Staff and Representatives: Comply with this policy, report concerns promptly, complete training, and maintain professional boundaries.

7. Code of Conduct

All representatives must treat individuals with respect, maintain appropriate boundaries, avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible, communicate appropriately, and act immediately on safeguarding concerns. Prohibited behaviours include harassment, inappropriate communication, unnecessary physical contact, and unauthorised transportation.

8. Safe Recruitment

Charles Owen follows safe recruitment procedures including interviews, reference checks, identity verification, and criminal records checks for relevant roles. Safeguarding responsibilities are included in job descriptions and inductions.

9. Recognising Abuse

Signs of abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect-related, financial, or environmental. Staff must maintain professional curiosity and report any concerns, even if uncertain.

10. Reporting a Concern

Immediate Action: Contact emergency services if someone is in immediate danger.

Disclosure Response: Listen, do not promise confidentiality, record facts, and report to the DSL.

Internal Reporting: Use the Safeguarding Concern Form and report without delay. Staff should not investigate independently.

11. External Reporting and Escalation

The DSL may refer cases to social care services, the police, or the LADO for allegations involving children. The organisation will cooperate fully with statutory agencies.

12. Record Keeping

Safeguarding records must be accurate, factual, dated, signed, securely stored, and retained in line with data protection legislation. Access is restricted to authorised staff.

13. Allegations Against Staff

The DSL will conduct an immediate risk assessment. Staff may be suspended depending on the situation. External authorities will be informed where required. Confidentiality will be maintained, and support provided to those involved.

14. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

Information related to safeguarding will be shared only when necessary and in accordance with data protection legislation. Sharing with statutory agencies will occur when required for protection.

15. Training and Awareness

All staff receive induction training, with regular refreshers. The DSL receives advanced safeguarding training. Safeguarding information is promoted across the organisation.

16. Working with Third-Party Organisations

Safeguarding requirements are communicated to external partners, and due diligence is carried out to ensure appropriate measures are in place. Responsibilities must be clearly defined during joint activities.

17. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner in response to legislative changes, incidents, or organisational developments.