Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy

1.⁠ ⁠Policy Statement

•⁠ ⁠Catch ‘Em CIC is fully committed to protecting the welfare of all children and young people under the age of 18 who access our services — including children of our adult service users, young people attending our youth workshops, and any child who comes into contact with our work.
​
•⁠ ⁠Every child has the right to be safe, protected from harm, and supported to thrive — no matter their age, background, or circumstance. The wellbeing of the child is always our first priority.
​
•⁠ ⁠This policy applies to all staff, Project Leads, Directors, volunteers, contractors, and anyone acting on behalf of Catch ‘Em CIC.

 2.⁠ ⁠Legal & Good Practice Basis

•⁠ ⁠Children Act 1989 & 2004
​
•⁠ ⁠UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
​
•⁠ ⁠Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance
​
•⁠ ⁠Royal Borough of Greenwich safeguarding procedures
​
•⁠ ⁠Equality Act 2010

 3.⁠ ⁠Our Commitments

•⁠ ⁠We will listen to children and take their views seriously.
​
•⁠ ⁠We will act on any concern about a child’s safety or wellbeing — immediately.
​
•⁠ ⁠We will share information with the right agencies when a child may be at risk.
​
•⁠ ⁠We will never attempt to investigate concerns ourselves — this is for the police and children’s social care.
​
•⁠ ⁠All staff and volunteers will be appropriately checked, trained, and supported.

 4.⁠ ⁠Recognising Concerns

•⁠ ⁠We remain alert to signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation or grooming, impact of domestic abuse, and online safety risks.
​
•⁠ ⁠Concerns may show in a child’s behaviour, appearance, mood, or words — all concerns are taken seriously.

 5.⁠ ⁠Roles & Responsibilities

•⁠ ⁠Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): leads on all safeguarding concerns; makes referrals; keeps records; provides support to the team.
​
•⁠ ⁠Deputy DSL: acts when the DSL is unavailable; supports all safeguarding work.
​
•⁠ ⁠All staff and volunteers: know the policy; spot signs; report concerns to the DSL; follow procedures.
​
•⁠ ⁠Directors: ensure the policy is in place, reviewed, and fully resourced.

 6.⁠ ⁠Procedure — What to Do if Concerns Arise

•⁠ ⁠If a child is in immediate danger — call 999 straight away, then inform the DSL.
​
•⁠ ⁠Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible, ideally the same day.
​
•⁠ ⁠Make a written note: what was seen, heard or said; date, time, and who was present.
​
•⁠ ⁠Do not confront the family or suspected abuser.
​
•⁠ ⁠Do not promise to keep something a secret — explain that you need to tell the people who can help keep them safe.
​
•⁠ ⁠The DSL will contact Royal Borough of Greenwich Children’s Services or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub and follow local referral procedures.
​
•⁠ ⁠Keep clear, confidential records.
​
•⁠ ⁠Inform Directors as appropriate without compromising the child.
​
•⁠ ⁠After referral — support the child and family appropriately, follow up on next steps, and review practice if needed.

 7.⁠ ⁠Safer Recruitment & Checks

•⁠ ⁠Enhanced DBS check and barred list check before starting.
​
•⁠ ⁠Two references.
​
•⁠ ⁠Identity and eligibility verification.
​
•⁠ ⁠Safeguarding training completed before working with children.
​
•⁠ ⁠Signed code of behaviour.
​
•⁠ ⁠DBS updates every 3 years; annual safeguarding refreshers.

 8.⁠ ⁠Code of Behaviour

•⁠ ⁠Work in open, visible spaces where possible; avoid being completely alone with a child.
​
•⁠ ⁠Always let someone know if meeting a child or young person one-to-one.
​
•⁠ ⁠No private messaging of children — use group or parent channels only.
​
•⁠ ⁠No physical contact beyond age-appropriate, consensual gestures.
​
•⁠ ⁠No gifts to individual children without approval.
​
•⁠ ⁠Respect boundaries — ask before touching a child.
​
•⁠ ⁠Never use physical punishment or shaming language.

 9.⁠ ⁠Confidentiality & Information Sharing

•⁠ ⁠Personal information is kept private and secure.
​
•⁠ ⁠If a child is at risk, confidentiality does not prevent sharing necessary information with authorities.
​
•⁠ ⁠Information is shared only with those who need it to protect the child.

10.⁠ ⁠Training & Review

•⁠ ⁠All team members complete safeguarding children training before starting.
​
•⁠ ⁠Annual training refreshers.
​
•⁠ ⁠Policy reviewed every 12 months or sooner if guidance changes.

11.⁠ ⁠Useful Contacts

•⁠ ⁠Royal Borough of Greenwich Children’s Services / MASH — [insert local number]
​
•⁠ ⁠NSPCC — 0808 800 5000
​
•⁠ ⁠Childline — 0800 1111
​
•⁠ ⁠Police — 999 (emergency) / 101 (non-urgent)
​
•⁠ ⁠National Domestic Abuse Helpline — 0808 2000 247