1. Purpose

The Policy sets out Teens Unite’s responsibilities for safeguarding the young people supported by the charity, in accordance with the Children Act 1989 and 2004, The Care Act 2014, The Children and Social Work Act 2017, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

 

2. Scope

2.1. Subject area: Responsibilities for all people involved in supporting young people including staff and volunteers. It includes advice, procedures, and contact information.​

2.2. Individuals This policy relates to all those working for, or on behalf of Teens Unite, including volunteers and trustees.

 

Policy 3.1 Organisational responsibilities

Teens Unite will be responsible for the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, designating a specific team member to manage the Safeguarding Policy and its implementation. The designated Safeguarding Lead must have advanced safeguarding training, updated annually. It is the responsibility of the Safeguarding Lead to take appropriate action following any expression of concern and make referrals to the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) or other appropriate agencies. Teens Unite will ensure that the designated Safeguarding Lead participates in regular safeguarding training so that they are aware of the procedures for identifying and reporting suspected cases of abuse and neglect and are up to date with any legal changes. All staff and volunteers will be made aware of this safeguarding policy and related relevant procedures as part of their induction and their contract of employment. All staff and volunteers will participate in safeguarding training every two years to ensure their knowledge remains current.

 

Recommended resources include:

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• NSPCC Learning

• Staff Skills Training (referenced links) Teens Unite will work in accordance with guidance and good practice from:

• Hertfordshire Children’s Services 0300 123 4043

• Hertfordshire Constabulary 101 (999 in an emergency)

• NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 800 5000

• Childline 0800 1111

• Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 8088 088

• FGM Helpline 0800 028 3550

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​4.0 Safeguarding Lead Responsibilities

The Safeguarding Lead will take appropriate action following any expression of concern, disclosure, or reported incident and make referrals to the appropriate agency.

 

4.1 Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

Any new member of staff or volunteer with direct contact with young people will be taken through this safeguarding policy as part of their induction process and must complete safeguarding training within the first 3 months of commencing their role. All staff and volunteers will participate in safeguarding refresher training every two years. All staff have a duty of care to ensure that any suspected incident, allegation, or other manifestation relating to child protection is reported using the procedures detailed below in this policy. If in any doubt about what action to take, employees must seek advice from the Safeguarding Lead or, in their absence, the CEO or Board of Trustees.

 

5.0 Safeguarding Information

 

5.1 Definitions of Harm For the purpose of this policy, Teens Unite has adopted the following definitions:

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• Neglect – the persistent failure to meet the basic physical and physiological needs of the young person that results in serious impairment of their health and development, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, and failure to respond to basic emotional needs, such as being cared for when sick.

• Abandonment – leaving a child alone and unattended in circumstances that are inappropriate for their age/level of ability.

• Emotional abuse – persistent, emotional ill treatment that has a severe adverse effect on the emotional development of children and young people.

• Physical abuse – hitting, kicking, shaking, slapping, throwing, scalding, burning, poisoning, drowning, suffocating, or other action intended to cause physical harm or ill health.

• Racial abuse – any type of verbal or physical abuse that is directed at an individual or group because of their racial or ethnic background.

• Witnessing Ill treatment – including domestic abuse of another person which may impact the health or development of a child or young person.

• Sexual abuse or sexual exploitation – forcing or enticing a child or young person to participate in sexual activities.

 

6.0 General Safeguarding Advice 

• Maintain a professional manner when working with young people.

• Do not accept a young person as a friend on social networking sites that you use.

• Always keep a record of any text or email exchanges with a young person (staff will use work telephones where available).

• Avoid one-on-one private messaging unless strictly necessary.

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7.0 Reporting Procedures

All safeguarding concerns must be documented within 24 hours. If a child/young person is in immediate danger, call 999. Any disclosure or evidence of concern must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead. The Safeguarding Lead will document the concern and refer the matter to the appropriate agency or Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) without delay.

 

8.0 Responding to a Disclosure

• Listen carefully rather than asking leading questions.

• Never promise confidentiality

 • Write down what you have been told within 24 hours and discuss this with the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

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9.0 Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Any allegation against a staff member or volunteer must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead immediately. The Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) may be contacted to provide guidance on the next steps.

 

10.0 Confidentiality and Whistleblowing

Teens Unite will follow the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which provides legal protection for staff raising safeguarding concerns. All staff must understand that the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 are not barriers to information sharing where failing to share information would place a child at risk of harm.

 

11.0 Safer Recruitment Policy Statement

All staff and volunteers will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Check with Barred List. The policy follows Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, ensuring safer recruitment practices.

 

12.0 Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner in response to changes in legislation or significant incidents.

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This policy was approved by the Board of Trustees at their meeting on 29th April 2025.