Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Purpose

This policy sets the charity's commitment and response where a child or adult may be at risk of harm.

Commitment

The welfare of children is central to our work. Every child has the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and avoidable harm. We listen to children and families, act on concerns, avoid promising secrecy, and share information lawfully and proportionately when protection requires it.

Scope

This policy applies to trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors and anyone acting for the charity. It covers applications, grants, events, visits, communications, photographs, online activity, fundraising and contact with families.

Safeguarding lead

Designated safeguarding lead — Jenny Kennedy

Deputy — Michael Kennedy

Safeguarding email — info@hereandnowcharity.com

Emergency — Call 999 where someone is in immediate danger

Recognising concerns

Concerns may arise from a disclosure, observation, communication, unexplained injury, neglect, coercion, exploitation, online behaviour, inappropriate adult conduct or information in an application. A person does not need proof before reporting a concern.

Immediate response

1. If there is immediate danger or urgent medical need, call 999.

2. Listen calmly. Do not investigate, confront an alleged person responsible or ask leading questions.

3. Explain that information may need to be shared with people who can help.

4. Record the facts promptly, using the person's own words where possible, with the date, time and source.

5. Report immediately to the safeguarding lead or deputy. If both are implicated or unavailable and risk is urgent, contact the local authority social work service or Police Scotland directly.

6. Preserve relevant messages, forms or other evidence securely.

Referrals and information sharing

The safeguarding lead will assess the immediate risk and obtain appropriate advice. The charity will refer concerns to the relevant local authority social work service, Police Scotland, NHS service or other safeguarding body when required. Information will be limited to what is relevant and necessary. A parent or guardian will normally be informed unless doing so may increase risk, prejudice an investigation or conflict with professional advice.

Safer working

• Avoid unsupervised one-to-one contact with a child unless specifically risk assessed and authorised.

• Use approved communication channels and include the parent or guardian in routine communications.

• Do not accept inappropriate gifts, form exploitative relationships or use information gained through the charity for personal purposes.

• Obtain separate, informed permission for photographs and stories; never make publicity a condition of support.

• Complete proportionate role checks, references and PVG consideration before anyone undertakes regulated or close-contact activity.

• Plan events and visits with risk assessments, consent, supervision, accessibility and emergency arrangements.

Allegations about a representative

An allegation about a trustee, worker, volunteer or contractor must be reported immediately to the safeguarding lead, or to the Chair if the lead is implicated. If the Chair is implicated, it must go to another unconflicted trustee. Protective action may include temporary restriction from duties without prejudging the outcome. Statutory agencies, Disclosure Scotland, insurers, OSCR or other bodies will be notified where required.

Recording and confidentiality

Safeguarding records must be factual, dated, access-restricted and stored separately from ordinary application material. They are shared only on a need-to-know basis and retained according to risk, legal duties and professional guidance. Ordinary 12-month unsuccessful-application deletion does not automatically apply to safeguarding records.

Training and review

Trustees must identify the training and checks required for each role before direct services or events begin. The Board reviews this policy annually and after any safeguarding incident, near miss or material change in activity.