Safeguarding Commitment

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Paulo Coll Barrios.

DSO Contact: paulo@christianlearningcommunity.com

Policy Purpose: This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. This includes all individuals participating in lessons delivered during afterschool and out-of-office hours, Mondays to Fridays, and Saturday mornings at third-party church venues.

1. Health and Safety

Christian Learning Community is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants, staff, and volunteers. Given that lessons are delivered in hired third-party venues, the following will be implemented:

• Risk Assessments: A comprehensive risk assessment will be completed for each venue to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Emergency Procedures: Staff and volunteers will be briefed on fire exits, assembly points, and other emergency procedures relevant to each specific venue.
• First Aid: The Lead Tutor and any additional staff will ensure that first aid kits are readily available.
• Supervision: All sessions will led by an enhanced DBS checked responsible adult.

2. Safeguarding Adult and Child Protection

Christian Learning Community recognises its responsibility to protect children and adults from harm and abuse. Our policy is based on the principle that the welfare of the child and adult at risk is paramount.

• Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Paulo Coll Barrios is the Designated Safeguarding Officer. He holds an enhanced DBS check and is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.
• Reporting Concerns: All staff, tutors, and volunteers have a duty to report any concerns about a participant’s welfare to the DSO immediately. Concerns can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or radicalisation. The DSO will then follow established procedures, which may include consulting with or reporting to the relevant local authority, children’s or adult social care services and/or the police.
• Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality, sharing information only on a “need-to-know” basis to ensure the safety of the individual.

3. Suitability for Volunteers

Christian Learning Community is committed to ensuring that all staff and volunteers are suitable for their roles, particularly when working with children and adults at risk.

• Recruitment: All individuals who volunteer or work for the organisation will undergo a formal recruitment process, including an interview.
• Background Checks: All staff and volunteers who work with children or adults at risk will be required to undergo or provide an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Code of Conduct: All staff and volunteers must agree to and sign a code of conduct which outlines appropriate behaviour and professional boundaries when working with participants.

4. Governance

This safeguarding policy is a living document that is fundamental to the operation of Christian Learning Community Ltd.

Training: All staff and volunteers will be provided with appropriate safeguarding training.

Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually by the Lead Tutor, Paulo Coll Barrios, and updated as necessary to reflect best practice and changes in legislation.

Communication: All staff, volunteers, and parents/carers will be made aware of this policy and their roles and responsibilities in upholding it.