Safeguarding Policy

Aspire Steps CIC Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 25 May 2025
Review Date: 25 May 2026
Version: 1.0

1. Policy Statement

Aspire Steps CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with our services. We believe everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation and we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment across all of our activities. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

This policy outlines our safeguarding principles, responsibilities, and procedures for identifying, responding to, and preventing harm.

2. Purpose of the Policy

  • To protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved with Aspire Steps CIC.

  • To ensure all Aspire Steps CIC activities are conducted in a safe and supportive environment.

  • To outline responsibilities for safeguarding.

  • To comply with relevant UK safeguarding legislation and best practice guidance.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All Aspire Steps CIC staff, mentors, volunteers, contractors, trustees, and representatives.

  • All digital and in-person services and events, including mentoring, workshops, webinars, school visits, and content delivery.

4. Definitions

  • Child/Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.

  • Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who may be at risk of harm or exploitation due to mental, physical, or emotional conditions.

  • Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, financial, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and radicalisation.

  • Safeguarding: Protecting individuals from abuse, harm, or neglect.

  • DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead): Individual responsible for managing safeguarding issues and concerns.

5. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by and compliant with:

6. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

  • Deputy DSL: Appointed in the absence of DSL.

  • All Staff and Volunteers: Must report any safeguarding concerns and complete training.

  • Board of Directors: Holds ultimate responsibility for safeguarding oversight.

7. Types of Abuse & Signs

  • Physical Abuse: Bruising, unexplained injuries.

  • Emotional Abuse: Low self-esteem, withdrawal.

  • Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge.

  • Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition.

  • Exploitation: Grooming, radicalisation, financial or online exploitation.

  • Bullying & Cyberbullying: Repeated, intentional harm online or offline.

8. Code of Conduct for Staff, Mentors & Volunteers

  • Treat all service users with dignity and respect.

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

  • Avoid inappropriate relationships or private contact (e.g., personal social media).

  • Use official communication channels.

  • Avoid being alone in a private setting with a young person.

  • Report all concerns immediately.

9. Safer Recruitment

  • Enhanced DBS checks for relevant roles.

  • References and identity checks.

  • Safeguarding clauses in job descriptions and contracts.

  • Induction includes safeguarding briefing.

10. Induction and Ongoing Training

  • Mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.

  • Annual refresher training.

  • Clear instruction on how to recognise and report concerns.

11. Online Safety

  • Secure platforms (e.g., Google Meet, Zoom).

  • Parental/guardian consent for under-18s.

  • No private 1:1 video calls unless supervised or pre-approved.

  • Official Aspire Steps accounts used for all communications.

  • Digital communication monitored where appropriate.

12. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

Warning signs include: unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, distress, disclosure of abuse.

Reporting procedure:

  1. Listen: Stay calm, avoid leading questions.

  2. Record: Use objective, factual language.

  3. Report: Inform the DSL immediately.

  4. Refer: DSL may escalate to social care or police.

Do NOT:

  • Promise confidentiality.

  • Delay reporting.

  • Investigate independently.

13. Responding to Allegations or Disclosures

  • Disclosures must be taken seriously.

  • Record and report without delay.

  • DSL will manage follow-up and contact appropriate agencies.

  • Support will be offered to the person disclosing.

14. Confidentiality & Data Protection

15. Whistleblowing

16. Working with Partners and Schools

  • Written agreements must include safeguarding expectations.

  • Aspire Steps CIC will only partner with organisations that meet safeguarding standards.

  • Joint responsibilities clarified in MOUs.

17. Policy Review and Management

  • Policy reviewed annually or following major incidents, changes in legislation or operations.

  • Responsibility for updates lies with the Board.

  • Latest version available to all stakeholders.

18. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

External Contacts:

Aspire Steps CIC believes safeguarding is a collective responsibility. We are dedicated to protecting every young person and vulnerable adult who interacts with our services, and we commit to continuous improvement of our safeguarding practices.

Approved by: Favour Iyoha (favouriyoha@aspiresteps.com)
Date Approved: 25 May 2025