Children's Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose

Redemption Roasters is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children who engage with our organisation. This includes participants in our training programs, visitors, and anyone under the age of 18. This policy outlines our responsibilities to protect children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, aligning with UK safeguarding laws and best practices, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Redemption Roasters employees, board members, contractors, interns, volunteers, and representatives. It provides clear guidance on recognising, responding to, and reporting concerns about the safety and well-being of children.

3. Legislative Context

This policy is informed by the following statutory and regulatory frameworks:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004: Establishes the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018): Sets out responsibilities for organisations to work in partnership to protect children.
  • Education Act 2002: Stipulates safeguarding responsibilities for organisations engaging with children.
  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Guides the handling of personal and sensitive information.

 

4. Key Principles of Safeguarding

Redemption Roasters is guided by the following principles:

  1. Child-Centred Approach: Ensuring the safety and well-being of the child is paramount.
  2. Prevention: Taking proactive measures to reduce risks and prevent harm.
  3. Early Intervention: Acting quickly to address concerns and provide support.
  4. Partnership: Collaborating with parents, carers, schools, and safeguarding agencies.
  5. Accountability: Ensuring transparency and clarity in safeguarding roles and responsibilities.

These principles guide our response to safeguarding issues, ensuring a balanced and responsible approach that respects the dignity and rights of children and other participants.

5. Definitions and Types of Abuse

Abuse may take many forms. All staff should be trained to recognise the following:

  • Physical Abuse: Deliberate harm or physical injury to a child.
  • Sexual Abuse:  Coercion or exploitation of a child in sexual activities, including exposure to explicit materials.
  • Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Persistent behaviour causing emotional harm, such as intimidation, rejection, or ridicule.
  • Neglect and Acts of Omission: Failure to meet a child's basic physical, emotional, or educational needs. 
  • Financial or Material Abuse: Unauthorised use of a person’s funds or assets.
  • Discriminatory Abuse: Abuse motivated by prejudice, whether based on race, gender, disability, or other factors.
  • Organisational Abuse: Systemic neglect or poor care practices within institutional settings.
  • Modern Slavery: Exploitative practices including human trafficking and forced labour.
  • Self-Neglect: Inability or unwillingness to attend to personal needs, which can lead to harm.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

6.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Sophie Shipton is the DSL for safeguarding children, supported by Rosemary Ashworth as the Deputy DSL. The DSL’s responsibilities include:

  • Providing training and guidance to staff.
  • Maintaining safeguarding records and overseeing the implementation and review of safeguarding processes.
  • Assessing safeguarding reports and following up with appropriate action, ensuring defensible decision-making throughout the process.
  • Liaising with external safeguarding agencies such as Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) and Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH).
  • Escalation: In situations where safeguarding procedures are deemed insufficient, staff may escalate concerns first to Sophie Shipton, and if necessary, to Rosemary Ashworth. N.B. If neither are deemed suitable or there is a conflict of interest, individuals can contact Head of Human Resources, Nick Gerken. 

6.2 Responsibilities of All Staff

Every member of Redemption Roasters is responsible for:

  • Recognising signs of abuse and neglect.
  • Reporting concerns immediately to the DSL.
  • Completing safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

All staff should recognise that some participants, some of whom may be between the ages of 16 and 18, may require additional support and should facilitate connections to relevant resources when appropriate. Staff should treat caseworkers as key contacts for assistance and referrals.

6.3 Working in Partnership

When working in settings with children e.g. secure schools, Redemption Roasters will follow the institutions safeguarding guidelines and protocols. Redemption Roasters will work with a safeguarding lead in the school to ensure requirements are met and processes are understood. 

If Redemption Roasters had concerns about the safeguarding processes of the school or institution, then we would escalate to the relevant local authority i.e. LADO or local safeguarding body.

7. Recognising and Reporting Abuse

7.1 Recognising Signs of Abuse

Signs of abuse may include unexplained injuries, behavioural changes, signs of neglect, or financial irregularities. Redemption Roasters staff are trained to recognise and respond to such indicators, following a structured approach to safeguarding concerns.

Signs may include:

  • Unexplained injuries or frequent absences.
  • Sudden changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal or aggression.
  • Poor hygiene, clothing, or nutritional standards.

7.2 Responding to a Disclosure

When a child discloses abuse:

  • Listen without interrupting or questioning.
  • Reassure the child that they have done the right thing.
  • Explain that the information will need to be shared to keep them safe.
  • Document the disclosure accurately, including time, date, and key details.

7.3 Reporting Concerns

All concerns must be reported immediately to the DSL.

In cases of immediate danger, call 999, then inform the DSL.

8. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

All information relating to safeguarding must be shared on a strictly “need-to-know” basis in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Safeguarding concerns should be documented, and decisions must be defensible and justifiable.

9. Procedure for Managing Safeguarding Reports

9.1 Internal Process

Upon receiving a safeguarding report, the DSL will:

  • Assess the concern and decide on next steps.
  • Notify external safeguarding bodies, such as MASH or LADO, if necessary.
  • Maintain detailed and confidential records of all actions taken.

9.2 Escalation

If staff believe safeguarding procedures are insufficient or a conflict of interest exists, they may escalate concerns to the Deputy DSL (Rosemary Ashworth)  or Head of Human Resources (Nick Gerken).

10. Training and Awareness

  • All Staff: Receive safeguarding information during induction.
  • Regular Contact Staff: Complete detailed safeguarding training on identifying risks, responding to disclosures, and reporting procedures.
  • One-to-One Roles: Staff working directly with children complete externally accredited safeguarding training and government prevent training. 

11. Useful Contacts

  • Metropolitan Police: 0300 123 1212
  • Local Safeguarding Board: 0207 934 9714
  • Camden Children’s Safeguarding: 020 7974 3317 (9am-5pm) or 020 7974 4444 (outside these hours)
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Childline: 0800 1111

The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Camden is Jacqueline Fearon. You can contact the LADO through the following methods:

  • Phone: 020 7974 4556
  • Email: LADO@camden.gov.uk

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legal or procedural updates are required.

Last Reviewed: May 2025
Next Review Date: May 2026