SAFEGUARDING POLICY

# Safeguarding StatementConfident InsideOut CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people and vulnerable adults we work with. This applies to everyone involved with our organisation, including staff, volunteers, facilitators, and partners.## Our commitmentWe believe every young person has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported. We are particularly mindful of the additional vulnerabilities that can affect young refugees, LGBTQIA+ young people, and minority communities, and we take a proactive approach to protecting their wellbeing.Our participants range from 16-24. This means some of the young people we work with (16-17) are legally children under UK law, and child protection duties apply to them specifically. Participants aged 18-24 are adults, some of whom may also meet the criteria for "adults at risk" depending on their circumstances. We apply safeguarding principles across the full age range we serve.## Our approach- All staff and volunteers working directly with young people undergo appropriate background checks (e.g. DBS checks, where applicable).
- We follow safeguarding best practice as set out by [relevant reference, e.g. the NSPCC / local safeguarding partnership guidance].
- We have a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for handling concerns: [Francesca's name], contactable at [email/phone].
- As a small organisation, our DSL is also our founder. To ensure independent oversight, any concern relating to the DSL specifically should be raised with our second point of contact: [name/role of trusted mentor, associate, or advisor], contactable at [email/phone]. As the organisation grows, we intend to appoint a formal deputy DSL.
- Any safeguarding concern raised with us is taken seriously, recorded appropriately, and escalated to the relevant authorities where necessary.
- We maintain participant confidentiality wherever possible, while balancing this against our duty to protect welfare.## Reporting a concernIf you have a safeguarding concern about a young person connected to Confident InsideOut CIC, please contact:FRANCESCA IOPPOLO
[email protected]If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, please contact emergency services on 999.You can also report concerns to the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000.