Safeguarding Policy – Adults & Children

Think Cre8tive Group CIC

Date Adopted: 1 October 2025

Review Date: 1 October 2026

Responsible Officer: Pamela Eaton (Designated Safeguarding Lead)

1. Policy Statement

Think Cre8tive Group CIC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk who take part in our programmes, including Singing Clubs, care home choirs, training, and community activities.

We recognise our responsibility to:

  • Protect children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, neglect, exploitation, and abuse.
  • Provide safe, inclusive, and supportive environments where participants can thrive.
  • Respond quickly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns, following statutory guidance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, facilitators, directors, and volunteers of Think Cre8tive Group CIC.
  • All activities delivered under the organisation’s programmes, whether in-person or online.
  • All children (under 18 years) and adults at risk (as defined in the Care Act 2014).

3. Legal & Policy Framework

Our safeguarding approach is informed by:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
  • Care Act 2014
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023) (as relevant)
  • UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018

4. Designated Safeguarding Roles

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Pamela Eaton, Health Director
  • Deputy DSL: Frances Turnbull, CEO
  • Safeguarding Board Lead: Frances Turnbull, Chair of Directors

Responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring safeguarding training is provided for all staff and volunteers.
  • Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  • Maintaining secure records of safeguarding incidents.
  • Liaising with local safeguarding boards, social services, or police when necessary.

5. Code of Conduct for Staff & Volunteers

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Treat all participants with respect and dignity.
  • Put the welfare of children and adults at risk first.
  • Report any concerns immediately to the DSL.
  • Avoid unnecessary physical contact.
  • Not use offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language.
  • Not engage in one-to-one private communication with children via personal phones, social media, or email.

6. Recognising Abuse

All staff/volunteers should be aware of signs of abuse, including:

  • Physical abuse – unexplained injuries or refusal to explain.
  • Emotional abuse – withdrawal, low self-esteem, excessive fear.
  • Sexual abuse – inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour.
  • Neglect – poor hygiene, malnutrition, unattended medical needs.
  • Financial abuse (adults) – sudden financial difficulties, loss of possessions.

7. Responding to Concerns

If you are concerned about a participant:

  1. Listen carefully and remain calm.
  2. Do not promise confidentiality – explain you may need to share information.
  3. Record factually what was said or observed (date, time, people present).
  4. Report immediately to the DSL (or Deputy if unavailable).
  5. DSL action: decide on next steps, including referral to Social Services, Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), or Police.

8. Recording & Confidentiality

  • All safeguarding concerns must be recorded using the organisation’s Safeguarding Concern Form.
  • Records will be stored securely and only accessible by the DSL/Deputy DSL.
  • Information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis, in line with GDPR.

9. Safer Recruitment

  • All staff and volunteers working directly with participants will undergo enhanced DBS checks.
  • Recruitment will include reference checks and safeguarding interviews.
  • Safeguarding responsibilities will be included in job descriptions.

10. Training

  • All staff and volunteers will receive induction safeguarding training.
  • DSL and Deputy DSL will receive enhanced safeguarding training every 2 years.
  • Regular safeguarding updates will be provided as part of CPD.

11. Online & Digital Safeguarding

When delivering sessions online:

  • Use secure platforms with password protection.
  • A second staff member should be present in online sessions with children.
  • Never record or share online sessions without explicit consent.

12. Whistleblowing

Staff and volunteers are encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns about practice or individuals within the organisation. Concerns should be reported to the DSL, CEO, or external safeguarding board. Whistleblowers will be protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and updated in line with statutory changes and best practice.

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