SAFEguarding and child protection policy

Purpose Driven Youth
Date of Issue: September 2025
Review Date: September 2026
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Michael Olarewaju, dsl@purposedrivenyouth.co.uk

1. Policy Statement

Purpose Driven Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We believe that:

  • All children and young people, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, belief, language, sexual orientation, or background, have the right to equal protection from harm.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

  • Children and young people must be listened to and their views respected.

We aim to create a safe and supportive environment where children and young people can flourish, and where concerns are taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately.

2. Purpose of the Policy

This policy aims to:

  • Ensure all staff, tutors, and mentors understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding children.

  • Provide clear guidance on recognising signs of abuse or harm.

  • Outline procedures for responding to concerns or allegations.

  • Demonstrate compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.

3. Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with the following legislation and statutory guidance:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)

  • The Education Act 2002

  • The Equality Act 2010

  • The Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR

  • Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)

4. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, tutors, mentors, and volunteers working with Purpose Driven Youth

  • All children and young people (under the age of 18) with whom we work

  • All interactions, whether in person, online, in schools, community venues, or during home visits

5. Definitions

  • Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

  • Child Protection refers to the processes and actions undertaken when a child is identified as suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.

  • DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) is the person responsible for overseeing safeguarding within the organisation.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

  • Acts as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns

  • Ensures safeguarding policies and procedures are followed

  • Liaises with external agencies (e.g. Local Authority, Police, LADO)

  • Maintains safeguarding records securely

  • Provides support and guidance to staff

  • Ensures staff receive appropriate training

DSL Name: Michael Olarewaju
Email: dsl@purposedrivenyouth.co.uk
Phone: 073 5959 9827

All Staff, Mentors, and Tutors Must:

  • Familiarise themselves with this policy and attend regular training

  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Record concerns factually and confidentially

  • Never promise confidentiality to a child disclosing abuse

7. Types of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, burning, etc.

  • Emotional abuse – persistent emotional maltreatment

  • Sexual abuse – sexual activity or exploitation of a child

  • Neglect – failure to meet a child’s basic needs

  • Child criminal exploitation (CCE)

  • Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

  • Domestic abuse

  • Radicalisation and extremism (Prevent Duty)

  • Online abuse and grooming

A full list of signs and indicators is available in Keeping Children Safe in Education and will be covered during staff training.

8. Responding to a Concern or Disclosure

If a child discloses abuse:

  1. Listen carefully and calmly – allow the child to speak

  2. Do not promise confidentiality – explain that you must share the concern

  3. Reassure the child they have done the right thing

  4. Record the disclosure in the child’s own words as soon as possible

  5. Report the concern immediately to the DSL (within the same working day)

If you have a concern (even without a disclosure):

  • Report it to the DSL immediately

  • Do not investigate or confront individuals

  • Record factual information: what was said, what was observed, dates/times/people involved

9. Recording and Record Keeping

  • All concerns must be documented using the appropriate safeguarding concern form

  • Records must be factual, clear, dated, and signed

  • Safeguarding records are stored securely and separately from general records

  • Only authorised personnel (DSL and deputies) may access safeguarding files

10. Safer Recruitment

Purpose Driven Youth is committed to safer recruitment practices to ensure that unsuitable individuals are not permitted to work with children.

We will:

  • Obtain enhanced DBS checks for all staff and tutors

  • Verify identity and right to work in the UK

  • Seek appropriate references

  • Conduct interviews with safeguarding questions

  • Provide safeguarding induction and ongoing training

11. Online Safety

We are aware that many of our mentoring and tutoring sessions are conducted online. As such, we have strict online safety protocols, including:

  • Use of approved, secure platforms

  • Parental consent for online sessions

  • Clear guidance for mentors on appropriate online behaviour

  • No sharing of personal contact details or social media interaction

  • Sessions should take place in appropriate settings with professional backgrounds

12. Whistleblowing and Allegations

Whistleblowing:

Staff are encouraged to report concerns about the behaviour of colleagues. Purpose Driven Youth supports a culture of openness and will protect whistleblowers acting in good faith.

Concerns about the behaviour of another staff member should be reported to the DSL or Director.

Further details can be found in the Whistleblowing policy.

Allegations Against Staff:

If an allegation is made against a mentor, tutor, or staff member:

  • It will be reported immediately to the DSL and Director

  • We will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for advice

  • The individual may be suspended pending investigation

  • We will cooperate fully with any external investigation

13. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

  • Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis

  • We follow government guidance on information sharing in safeguarding

  • Staff must not discuss safeguarding matters with anyone outside the relevant team

14. Training and Supervision

All staff, mentors, and tutors will:

  • Complete safeguarding training on induction

  • Undertake refresher training at least annually

  • Receive supervision where appropriate

  • Be kept up to date with changes in legislation and best practice

15. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed annually or in response to:

  • Legislative changes

  • Significant safeguarding incidents

  • Recommendations from inspections or external audits

16. Approval and Sign-Off

Signed: ______________
Name: Zoe Olarewaju
Position: Director, Purpose Driven Youth
Date: September 2025

17. Key Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Michael Olarewaju
Email: dsl@purposedrivenyouth.co.uk
Phone: 073 5959 9827

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000 – www.nspcc.org.uk