1. Introduction

Youthful Minds is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all children, young people, and adults. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to preventing harm, promoting well-being, and ensuring that everyone involved in our programs, activities, and services is protected from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect children, young people, and adults from harm.

• Provide clear guidance for staff, volunteers, and partners on safeguarding principles and procedures.

• Ensure that everyone involved with Youthful Minds understands their responsibilities in promoting safety and responding to concerns.

This policy serves as a framework to ensure consistent and effective safeguarding practices across all aspects of our work.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals associated with Youthful Minds, including:

• Employees and volunteers

• Contractors and consultants

• Partners, affiliates, and representatives acting on behalf of Youthful Minds

4. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by and complies with key legislation and national guidance, including:

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004

• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• The Care Act 2014

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

5. Definitions

• Safeguarding: Actions taken to promote the welfare of children and adults and to protect them from harm, abuse, or neglect.

• Child: Any individual under the age of 18.

• Adult at Risk: An adult who, due to their care and support needs, may be unable to protect themselves from harm, abuse, or neglect.

6. Policy Statement

Youthful Minds believes that the safety and well-being of all individuals are paramount.
We are committed to:

• Protecting everyone from all forms of harm, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

• Embedding safeguarding as a shared responsibility across our organisation.

• Promoting a culture of openness, accountability, and continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
  Responsible for overseeing safeguarding matters, maintaining up-to-date policies, coordinating training, and ensuring appropriate action is taken when concerns arise.

• All Staff and Volunteers:
  Must familiarise themselves with safeguarding procedures, attend regular training, and report any concerns promptly to the DSL.

• Board of Directors:
  Ensures that safeguarding remains a strategic priority, that appropriate policies and resources are in place, and that safeguarding practice is regularly reviewed.

8. Safe Recruitment

Youthful Minds operates a robust recruitment process to ensure that all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. This includes:

• Enhanced DBS checks for all relevant roles, kept up to date through the DBS Update Service.

• Verification of qualifications and references, retained on file.

• Mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers as part of induction.

9. Training and Supervision

• All staff and volunteers receive regular safeguarding training to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

• Ongoing safeguarding supervision is provided by a qualified member of staff to ensure continued awareness and compliance.

10. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

• Any safeguarding concern, suspicion, or disclosure must be reported immediately to the DSL.

• The DSL will assess the situation and take appropriate action, which may include contacting relevant local authorities or emergency services.

• Staff should not investigate concerns themselves but ensure that information is passed on accurately and promptly.

Further guidance and external reporting information are available via our safeguarding resources (link opens in a new window).

11. Confidentiality

All safeguarding information will be handled with sensitivity and shared strictly on a need-to-know basis.
Information will only be disclosed to appropriate authorities in line with data protection laws and safeguarding best practice.

12. Monitoring and Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation or organisational needs.

• Feedback from staff, volunteers, and service users will be considered as part of the review process.

13. Contact Information

• Designated Safeguarding Lead:
  Ima Elina Kreismane
  📧 admin@youthful-minds.com

• Local Safeguarding Authority:
  Kent Local Authority (link opens in new window)

14. Conclusion

This safeguarding policy establishes Youthful Minds’ firm commitment to protecting the welfare of all individuals we engage with.
All members of the organisation share responsibility for maintaining a culture of vigilance, respect, and