Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: February 2026

Our Commitment

Evolution Impact Initiative CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who engage with our programmes, events and services.

We believe that every person has the right to be safe from harm, abuse and neglect. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and we take this duty seriously.

Policy Statement

We recognise that:

• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount
• All children and vulnerable adults have the right to protection from abuse
• All suspicions and allegations of abuse should be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
• All staff and volunteers have a responsibility to report concerns

Safer Recruitment

All team members and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults:

• Undergo enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks
• Provide two references which are verified
• Complete safeguarding training before working with participants
• Receive regular safeguarding updates and refresher training
• Sign our Code of Conduct

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for:

• Receiving and recording safeguarding concerns
• Making referrals to statutory agencies when necessary
• Ensuring all staff receive appropriate training
• Maintaining safeguarding records securely
• Reviewing and updating safeguarding policies

Types of Abuse

We train our team to recognise signs of:

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, burning, or other physical harm
• Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment causing severe effects on development
• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities
• Neglect: Persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs
• Online Abuse: Cyberbullying, grooming, or exposure to harmful content
• Child Criminal Exploitation: Including county lines and gang involvement
• Child Sexual Exploitation: Manipulative or coercive sexual exploitation

Reporting Concerns

If you have a concern about a child or vulnerable adult:

1. If there is immediate danger, call 999
2. Record your concerns factually and as soon as possible
3. Report to our Designated Safeguarding Lead
4. Do not investigate yourself or promise confidentiality
5. Do not discuss with others unless necessary for the child's safety

Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

• Treat all children and vulnerable adults with dignity and respect
• Avoid being alone with a child where possible
• Never use physical punishment or engage in inappropriate physical contact
• Not share personal contact details with participants
• Report any concerns or allegations immediately
• Follow our photography and social media policies
• Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times

Photography & Social Media

We obtain consent before photographing or filming children at events. Images are:

• Only taken on organisation devices or by approved photographers
• Stored securely and deleted when no longer needed
• Never used to identify a child by their full name online
• Not shared if consent is withdrawn

Event Safety

At all events we:

• Maintain appropriate adult-to-child ratios
• Conduct risk assessments for all activities
• Ensure at least one trained first aider is present
• Have clear registration and sign-out procedures
• Ensure all team members are identifiable (e.g., branded clothing, badges)
• Have emergency procedures in place

Training & Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes. All team members receive safeguarding training as part of their induction and refresher training at least every two years.

External Resources

• NSPCC - Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline - 0800 1111 (free for children)
• Medway Council Children's Services - 01634 334466

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