1. Introduction

You will be C.I.C. is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all individuals who engage with our projects and activities. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and neglect.

2. Principles

• The welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount.
• Everyone has the right to be safe from harm.
• All staff, volunteers, and partners have a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns.
• We will maintain confidentiality and share information on a need-to-know basis.
• We will promote a culture of vigilance and continuous improvement.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors, and partners of You will be C.I.C., regardless of their role or location.

4. Definitions

• Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
• Adult at Risk: An individual aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
• Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or discriminatory abuse; neglect; or organisational abuse.
• DBS Check: Disclosure and Barring Service check.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

• Board of Trustees: Responsible for ensuring effective safeguarding policies are in place.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Responsible for overseeing safeguarding matters and liaising with external agencies.
• Project Managers: Responsible for project risk assessments and managing safeguarding concerns.
• All Staff and Volunteers: Responsible for adhering to this policy and reporting concerns.

6. Project-Specific Safeguarding

Each project will undergo a thorough risk assessment. For projects involving children or adults at risk, the Project Manager will ensure appropriate supervision ratios, regular risk assessment reviews, clear reporting channels, and relevant training.

7. Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the DSL or a senior member of staff, in writing using the organisation's safeguarding incident report form.

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• All safeguarding information will be treated confidentially on a need-to-know basis.
• Information will only be shared with external agencies with consent, unless there is a risk of significant harm.
• Records will be kept securely in accordance with data protection legislation.

9. Training and Development

All staff and volunteers will receive appropriate safeguarding training. The DSL will receive advanced training, regularly reviewed and updated.

10. Safer Recruitment

You will be C.I.C. will follow safer recruitment practices including obtaining references, conducting DBS checks, and including safeguarding questions in interviews.

11. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or best practice.

12. Contact Information

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Hermione Crowe - hermione@maltonsculpturetrail.org
• Local Authority Safeguarding Team: lado@northyorks.gov.uk
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111