Bernardine Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all participants, and has zero tolerance of abuse. The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is always the paramount concern.
1. Commitment and Scope
This Policy applies to everyone involved in the Programme — staff, coaches, contractors, volunteers, and participants. It covers all participants, with the strictest standard applied to those under 18 and to vulnerable adults. It is informed by the Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the Care Act 2014.
2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
We appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead with overall responsibility for safeguarding, and a deputy in their absence. Their name and contact details are displayed at every venue and shared with participants and guardians. All concerns are reported to the DSL without delay.
3. Safer Recruitment
- All staff and coaches working with under-18s or vulnerable adults hold an enhanced DBS check with barred-list check.
- References and identity are verified before engagement.
- Safeguarding training is mandatory before any participant contact.
4. Code of Conduct
- Never be alone with a young person or vulnerable adult in an unobserved setting.
- All communication with under-18s uses approved, monitored channels — never personal accounts or private messaging.
- Maintain professional boundaries; no gifts, favouritism, or personal relationships with participants.
- Avoid physical contact except where necessary for safety and appropriate to the situation.
5. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
Staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse or neglect (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, exploitation). If a concern arises or a disclosure is made: listen, reassure without promising confidentiality, do not investigate or lead, record the facts promptly, and report to the DSL the same day.
6. Information Sharing and Referrals
Where a child or adult is at risk, the DSL will refer to the relevant Local Authority Children's / Adult Social Care and, where a crime may have occurred, the police. We share information lawfully and proportionately; safeguarding overrides confidentiality and data-protection concerns where someone is at risk.
7. Allegations Against Staff
Allegations against any member of staff are referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and handled under a clear, fair procedure that protects both the participant and the accused pending investigation.
8. Online Safety
Online safeguarding is governed by this Policy together with the Digital Discipline SOP. All digital contact with under-18s is through monitored channels.
9. Review
This Policy is reviewed at least annually and after any safeguarding incident.