1. Introduction

Revolution is committed to safeguarding children and young people, adhering to practices that protect them from harm. This policy emphasizes that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.
• All children have the right to protection from abuse, regardless of their background.
• Cooperation with children, their families, and other agencies is crucial to promote their welfare.

Policy Objectives

• Protect children and young people who interact with Revolution’s services.
• Provide guidance to staff and volunteers to uphold our safeguarding principles.

Applicability

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and anyone associated with Revolution.

2. Safeguarding Practices

Revolution commits to:

• Valuing, respecting, and listening to children and young people.
• Adopting and enforcing child protection guidelines and a conduct code for volunteers.
• Conducting thorough background checks during volunteer recruitment.
• Promoting awareness and good practices in child protection among children, parents, and volunteers.
• Sharing relevant information with necessary agencies and involving parents and children as appropriate.
• Providing effective management through supervision, support, and training of staff and volunteers.

3. Link with Other Policies

This policy is linked with:

• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Safeguarding Adults Policy

4. Nominated Safeguarding Lead

Nominated Person: Waled Mannan

• Volunteers must report any concerns about a child’s safety to the nominated person.
• Responsibilities include advising on cases, ensuring compliance with best practices, and managing safeguarding audits.

5. Reporting Concerns

Immediate Risk

• Call 999 if a child is at immediate risk of harm.

Other Concerns

• Contact Waled Mannan for non-immediate concerns to decide on further actions like referrals.
• Utilize external resources for advice or reporting:
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Local councils with specific contact numbers provided for office and out-of-office hours.

6. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Report allegations to Waled Mannan immediately. Local authorities should be notified within one working day. They provide guidance and ensure a fair process in collaboration with the police and other agencies.

7. Independent Resources

Children and young people can also contact:

• Childline: 0800 1111
• NSPCC helpline: 0800 328 0904

8. Recognizing and Responding to Abuse

Volunteers should:

• Be vigilant for signs of abuse and neglect.
• Understand how to handle disclosures through training and supervision provided by Revolution.

9. Information Sharing

Adhere to seven golden rules of information sharing to ensure the safety and welfare of children:

• Be transparent, obtain consent when appropriate, and ensure that shared information is necessary, secure, and timely.

10. Code of Behavior

Expectations for all individuals working with children include:

• Treating all children with respect and fairness.
• Avoiding any behavior that could be misinterpreted.
• Reporting any breaches of conduct.

Appendices

• Privacy Statement: Outlines how personal information is managed and rights related to marketing communications.

Other Relevant Policies

• Confidentiality Policy
• Handling Personal Information Policy & Procedure