Our Policies

Wandering Emotions CIC – Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

1. Wandering Emotions CIC’s Commitment

Wandering Emotions CIC, (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Company’), is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people taking part in its wellbeing walks and activities. The Company will take all reasonable steps to protect participants from harm, respond to concerns appropriately, and create an environment where children feel safe, valued, and listened to.

2. Purpose of the Policy

This policy aims to:

• Clarify the legal responsibilities of everyone involved with Wandering Emotions CIC.
• Highlight safeguarding risks relevant to Company activities.
• Outline clear procedures for responding to concerns about a child’s welfare or safety.

This policy applies to all participants, volunteers, facilitators, employees, directors and trustees as appropriate..

3. Code of Conduct

All volunteers, facilitators, employees and representatives of the Company must adhere to the following principles:

• Understand that every child has the right to protection from harm, regardless of background or personal characteristics, and act accordingly.
• Recognise that some children may be more vulnerable due to past experiences, disabilities, communication needs, or family circumstances.
• Listen to and respect all participants, using age-appropriate and inclusive language.
• Foster openness, encouraging participants and volunteers to express concerns safely.
• Ensure that all suspicions or allegations of abuse or neglect are treated seriously and addressed promptly.

Prohibited behaviours include:

• Making promises of secrecy.
• Failing to report suspicions or allegations.
• Threatening, abusive, or bullying behaviour.
• Hasty judgements without evidence.
• Any sexual or intimate contact with a child.

4. Legislation

The Company’s safeguarding approach follows UK law and statutory guidance, including:

• The Children Act(s) 1989 and 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

We also work collaboratively with local safeguarding authorities to ensure best practice.

5. Definitions

• A child is anyone under 18 years old, even if living independently, in hospital, or a member of the armed forces.
• Child abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, bullying, online abuse, grooming, radicalisation, female genital mutilation (FGM), or exploitation.

6. Recognising Concerns

Volunteers should be aware of, and alert to, physical, behavioural and environmental signs of abuse.

• Physical signs: unexplained injuries, neglect, or FGM indicators.
• Behavioural signs: withdrawal, aggression, anxiety, sexualised behaviours, or sudden changes in attendance.
• Environmental signs: unsafe or neglectful home situations.

Early recognition and appropriate action are key.

7. Responding to Concerns

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for managing concerns.
• If a child discloses abuse:
  • Listen, reassure, and support the child.
  • Do not promise confidentiality.
  • Do not question the child in detail.
  • Report immediately to the DSL.
• For emergencies: call 999 if a child is at immediate risk.
• For welfare concerns without immediate danger: contact the local authority safeguarding team within 24 hours.
• Allegations involving volunteers or external organisations must be reported promptly to the DSL and local safeguarding services.
• Volunteers who share concerns should be supported and kept informed, while respecting confidentiality.

7.1 Initial Assessment

The DSL will:

• Gather information from the person raising the concern.
• Consider the type of concern, any prior history, and immediate risk.
• Decide on next steps, which may include statutory referral.

8. Record-Keeping

The DSL will securely record all safeguarding concerns, including:

• Date, time, and description of the incident/disclosure
• Details of all parties involved
• Actions taken and rationale
• Outcomes of any referrals or decisions

Records are stored securely (locked cabinets or encrypted digital files) and only accessible to authorised personnel.

9. Confidentiality, Consent, and Information Sharing

• Confidentiality is respected alongside the recognition that safeguarding may require the sharing of information.
• Parental consent is sought where appropriate, unless doing so would place the child at risk.
• Information is shared only for safeguarding purposes, recorded accurately, and with advice from statutory agencies or the NSPCC Helpline where needed.

10. Recruiting and Training Volunteers

• Volunteers cannot officially represent the Company in any activities or communications within and outside of the organisation unless they have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and have undertaken appropriate safeguarding training. This covers:
  • Code of conduct 
  • Recognising abuse and neglect
  • Responding to disclosures
  • Reporting procedures and DSL contact
• Training costs will be provided by the Company.
• Walk leaders are required to complete first aid training so they can respond to minor injuries or medical emergencies during activities.
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) receives additional specialist training to support decision-making and manage safeguarding concerns.

11. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Internal version (for volunteers and staff):
  • Name: Abbie Chay
  • Email: safeguarding@wanderingemotions.co.uk
  • Phone: 07375 638999
• Public-facing version (for website or participants):
  • “If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact Wandering Emotions CIC via safeguarding@wanderingemotions.co.uk or call 07375 638999.”
  • Alternative contacts: Brighton and Hove Safeguarding Team BHSCP https://www.bhscp.org.uk/ or NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000).

12. Reviewing Policy

• This policy and procedures are reviewed every two years, or sooner if guidance or circumstances change.

Approved by the Board of Directors:

Abbie Chay  Date: 22/10/2024
Madison Renwick  Date: 22/10/2024
Joan Crowley Date: 22/10/2024

Reviewed:       12 February, 2026. 
Next Review:   12 February 2028.