1. Policy Statement
GVO Safe Spaces CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with our organisation.
We believe that every individual has the right to:
Feel safe
Be listened to
Be treated with dignity and respect
Participate in creative and community activities free from harm, abuse, discrimination, exploitation, or neglect
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
This policy applies to:
Staff
Freelancers
Volunteers
Trustees
Mentors
Workshop facilitators
Artists and creatives working on behalf of GVO Safe Spaces CIC
2. About Our Organisation
GVO Safe Spaces CIC delivers:
Youth work
Arts programmes
Music and drama activities
Sports and wellbeing sessions
Mentoring and community support
Safeguarding awareness projects
Creative media and filmmaking initiatives
We work with children, young people, families, schools, community organisations, and vulnerable individuals.
3. Legal Framework
This policy is informed by:
Children Act 1989 & 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
Care Act 2014
UK GDPR & Data Protection Act 2018
Human Rights Act 1998
Equality Act 2010
4. Definitions of Abuse
Abuse may include:
Physical Abuse
Causing physical harm or injury.
Emotional Abuse
Persistent emotional mistreatment affecting wellbeing or development.
Sexual Abuse
Forcing or encouraging sexual activity, exploitation, grooming, or inappropriate contact.
Neglect
Failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs.
Criminal or Child Exploitation
Including:
County lines
Gang exploitation
Online exploitation
Financial exploitation
Trafficking
Online Abuse
Cyberbullying, grooming, coercion, or harmful online content.
5. Our Safeguarding Commitments
GVO Safe Spaces CIC will:
Provide safe and inclusive environments
Promote emotional wellbeing
Listen to concerns seriously
Respond appropriately to safeguarding disclosures
Follow safer recruitment procedures
Ensure DBS checks where appropriate
Provide safeguarding training
Work with local safeguarding agencies when necessary
Maintain confidentiality appropriately
Record and store concerns securely
6. Safer Recruitment
We aim to safely recruit staff and volunteers by:
Conducting interviews and reference checks
Requesting enhanced DBS checks where required
Providing safeguarding induction and guidance
Ensuring clear codes of conduct
No individual may work unsupervised with children or vulnerable adults without appropriate checks being completed.
7. Code of Conduct
All adults representing GVO Safe Spaces CIC must:
Treat young people respectfully
Maintain professional boundaries
Avoid favouritism
Never use abusive, discriminatory, or sexualised language
Never engage in inappropriate physical contact
Avoid private communication with young people outside approved channels
Report safeguarding concerns immediately
8. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If a child, young person, or vulnerable adult discloses abuse or harm:
Stay calm
Listen carefully
Do not promise confidentiality
Reassure them they did the right thing
Record information accurately
Report concerns immediately to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or appropriate authority
If someone is in immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted.
9. Confidentiality & Information Sharing
Information will be handled sensitively and shared only:
On a need-to-know basis
To protect individuals from harm
In accordance with safeguarding law and guidance
Safeguarding concerns may override normal confidentiality where safety is at risk.
10. Online Safety & Social Media
GVO Safe Spaces CIC recognises risks associated with digital platforms and social media.
We will:
Promote safe online behaviour
Monitor organisational online spaces appropriately
Obtain consent before sharing identifiable images
Challenge online bullying, exploitation, or harmful behaviour
Staff and volunteers must maintain professional online boundaries at all times.
11. Photography, Film & Creative Media
As an arts and media organisation, we may create:
Photography
Artwork
Films
Audio recordings
Promotional content
We will:
Obtain appropriate permissions and consent
Avoid identifying vulnerable participants unnecessarily
Ensure media content is respectful and safe
Remove content if safeguarding concerns arise
12. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to creating environments that are:
Inclusive
Anti-discriminatory
Trauma-informed
Culturally respectful
We recognise that some individuals may face additional barriers to disclosing harm.
13. Reporting Concerns
Safeguarding concerns should be reported immediately to:
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
[Insert Name]
Email: contact@goodvibesonlycic.com
Website: www.goodvibesonlycic.com
If a person is in immediate danger:
Call 999
Contact local safeguarding services
14. Policy Review
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
Legislation changes
Organisational activities expand
Safeguarding incidents highlight the need for updates
15. Approval
This policy has been adopted by GVO Safe Spaces CIC and applies to all activities, services, and projects delivered by the organisation.