Policies

Thrive Studios Safeguarding Policy for children, young people and adults at risk 1. Purpose of This Policy 1.1 Promote the welfare of any child, young person or adult at risk who uses the services of Thrive Studios. 1.2 Protect any child, young person or adult at risk who receives services from Thrive Studios. 1.3 Ensure that everyone involved with Thrive Studios understands their safeguarding responsibilities. 1.4 Ensure that all personnel are aware of the appropriate actions to take if they have concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk. 1.5 Ensure that anyone involved in a safeguarding case receives timely and appropriate support. 2. Principles 2.1 The welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is paramount. 2.2 Every individual, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, faith, background or disability, has the right to protection from all forms of abuse. 2.3 All those working with these groups must work in partnership with other relevant agencies to promote their welfare. 2.4 This policy applies to everyone working on behalf of Thrive Studios in any capacity, including members, volunteers, paid staff, interns, students, guest visitors, teachers and assistants. 3. Definitions 3.1 Safeguarding refers to protecting individuals from abuse—whether children or vulnerable adults who may be at risk of neglect or exploitation. 3.2 A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18. 3.3 An adult at risk is an individual aged 18 or over who may be vulnerable due to disability, illness, age or other reasons, and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm. 3.4 Abuse includes (but is not limited to): physical abuse, domestic abuse (including honour-based violence), sexual abuse, psychological abuse, financial or material abuse, modern slavery, discriminatory abuse, organisational abuse, neglect and acts of omission, and self-neglect. 4. Promoting Good Practice Thrive Studios will promote these principles by ensuring: 4.1 Children, young people and adults at risk are listened to, respected, and their views are considered. 4.2 Any safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and addressed in line with the procedures outlined in Section 5. 4.3 All individuals working with these groups undergo appropriate recruitment checks, including an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. 4.4 No individual will be allowed to work with vulnerable groups if they are barred from doing so. 4.5 All relevant personnel have undertaken appropriate safeguarding training, including that required by any governing, regulatory or insurance bodies. – See: NSPCC online training (children) – See: SCIE online training (adults) 4.6 Consent from parents or carers must be obtained for one-to-one work with children or young people. 4.7 When working with adults at risk, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 should be followed. Key principles include: 4.7.1 Assume capacity unless proven otherwise. 4.7.2 Provide all possible support to help someone make a decision. 4.7.3 An unwise decision alone does not mean a person lacks capacity. 4.7.4 Always act in the person's best interests if they lack capacity. 4.7.5 Choose the least restrictive option that meets the need. Additional support should be offered to help individuals make informed decisions, including communication support and choosing appropriate timing. 5. Raising Concerns 5.1 All concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Ellie. 5.2 If a child or young person is believed to be at risk of significant harm, refer to the Duty Social Worker (Children’s Services) or the police as per Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. 5.3 If an adult at risk may be in danger, refer to the Adult Safeguarding Team or relevant statutory agency. 5.4 Ensure that individuals and carers have clear information on how to report concerns. 5.5 All staff must be trained to recognise signs of abuse and must keep their safeguarding training up to date. 5.6 Keep clear, signed, and dated records of disclosures, meetings, and actions taken. 5.7 Upon receiving a disclosure, individuals should: - Listen attentively - Explain that the information may need to be shared - Ask open questions without suggesting answers - Reassure the individual - Outline what will happen next - Call 999 if urgent medical help is needed - Be mindful of preserving evidence - Record the conversation in writing (as per 5.6) - Inform the DSL without delay - If the DSL is unavailable and delay poses a risk, raise the concern directly with the Local Authority's safeguarding team - Complete and submit a referral form to social care after speaking to the duty social worker 6. Role and Responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 6.1 Record all safeguarding concerns reported to them. 6.2 Advise colleagues on next steps. 6.3 Support staff through partnership with statutory services. 6.4 Respect confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Policy (see https://www.wearethrivestudios.com/policies), sharing information only with relevant safeguarding bodies. 6.5 Offer ongoing support and supervision to individuals affected by safeguarding matters. 7. Allegations Against a Member of Thrive Studios 7.1 Any allegation made against a member of Thrive Studios must be reported directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). 7.2 If the allegation concerns the DSL, the matter must be referred to a member of the Management Committee, who will then take appropriate steps to investigate and respond. 7.3 The allegation will be discussed with the individual involved. The findings will be reviewed with the Director, and a course of action will be agreed. 7.4 The Designated Safeguarding Lead (or another responsible member of management, if the DSL is implicated) will consult with external safeguarding agencies to ensure that the proposed response is appropriate, and to determine whether any additional action is required. 7.5 A full, dated written record of all discussions and actions will be maintained. 7.6 The individual against whom the allegation has been made will be informed of what action will be taken, as soon as it is appropriate to do so. 8. Supporting Policies This policy should be read in conjunction with: - Health and Safety Policy - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy 9. Relevant Legislation This policy aligns with the following legislation: - The Children Act 1989 - The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991 - The Sexual Offences Act 2003 - The Children Act 2004 - The Data Protection Act 2018 - The Mental Capacity Act 2005 - The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 - The Care Act 2014 - Guidance from Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB) and Safeguarding Adults Boards (SAB) 10. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed annually each September to ensure best practice is maintained.