Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

TechJumpstart Hub CIC is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, particularly women and young people from underserved communities. Our mission is to provide a safe, respectful, and empowering environment free from abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

All staff, volunteers, contractors, and trustees.
Partners, third-party service providers, and any individuals or organizations engaging with TechJumpstart Hub CIC in delivering services to beneficiaries.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

Our policy aligns with UK legislation and safeguarding best practices, including:

Children Act 1989 and 2004
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
Care Act 2014
Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR

4. Policy Statement and Commitment

Zero Tolerance for Abuse: TechJumpstart Hub CIC has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, harassment, and discrimination.
Duty of Care: We are committed to ensuring that all beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers feel safe, supported, and respected.
Transparency and Accountability: Safeguarding is embedded in all our activities, and we take responsibility for maintaining a culture of vigilance and protection.

5. Principles of Safeguarding

Our approach to safeguarding is based on the following principles:

Empowerment: Respect and support individuals’ autonomy and choices.
Prevention: Proactively reduce risk by implementing clear safeguarding procedures.
Protection: Respond promptly and effectively to safeguarding concerns.
Partnership: Collaborate with local authorities, charities, and service providers to protect and support beneficiaries.
Accountability: Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Oversees safeguarding across all programs, ensures compliance, and reports incidents to external authorities when required.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs): Support the DSL in managing safeguarding concerns and provide guidance to staff and volunteers.
All Staff and Volunteers: Must adhere to safeguarding policies, attend training, and report any concerns. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.

7. Safe Recruitment Practices

DBS Checks: All staff and volunteers working with young people or vulnerable adults must undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
Reference Checks: Minimum of two references (character and professional) are required for all positions.
Interviews: Safeguarding-related questions will be part of the recruitment process.
Code of Conduct: Every staff member and volunteer must sign and adhere to a Code of Conduct, outlining safeguarding expectations.

8. Training and Induction

Mandatory Safeguarding Training: All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training, including awareness of signs of abuse, handling disclosures, and understanding their responsibilities.
Annual Refresher Training: Ensures staff and volunteers remain updated on safeguarding practices and legislative changes.
Induction Process: New staff and volunteers receive an induction covering safeguarding procedures, organizational values, and the Code of Conduct.

9. Safeguarding Procedures

Risk Assessment: Risk assessments are conducted regularly, especially for activities involving young people. Risk assessments will be documented, reviewed, and updated as needed.
One-on-One Interaction: Avoid situations where staff or volunteers are alone with young people unless absolutely necessary and in line with policy.
Digital Safeguarding: For online interactions, ensure that secure, monitored platforms are used. Parental consent is required for young people’s online participation.

10. Recognizing and Responding to Abuse

Types of Abuse: Staff and volunteers will be trained to recognize various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, and discriminatory abuse.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse: Staff and volunteers are required to be vigilant and aware of physical, behavioral, and emotional indicators of abuse.
Handling Disclosures: All disclosures must be taken seriously and reported immediately. Staff should provide a safe environment, listen actively, and avoid leading questions or making promises of confidentiality.

11. Incident Reporting and Management

Reporting Process: All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the DSL or DDSLs within 24 hours. In urgent cases, concerns should be reported to local safeguarding authorities immediately.
Documentation: The DSL will record all reported incidents confidentially and securely. Documentation must include the nature of the incident, actions taken, and any follow-up required.
Escalation Procedure: Where necessary, the DSL will escalate cases to relevant authorities (e.g., police, local authority).
Confidentiality and Data Protection: All information regarding incidents is managed confidentially and in compliance with GDPR.

12. Risk Management

Health and Safety: Conduct regular health and safety checks for physical activities and online platforms.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide necessary PPE for in-person activities as required by health regulations.
Environmental Risk Assessments: Risk assessments will be conducted in advance of all events, workshops, or activities involving beneficiaries.

13. Digital Safeguarding and Data Protection

GDPR Compliance: Ensure all personal data is handled securely, with appropriate measures to protect beneficiaries’ privacy.
Social Media Policy: Safeguard young people and vulnerable adults by only using organisation-approved social media platforms, monitoring online interactions, and obtaining parental consent when required.

14. Reporting to Funders and Stakeholders

Annual Safeguarding Report: TechJumpstart Hub CIC will provide an annual report to funders and stakeholders detailing safeguarding incidents, resolutions, and continuous improvements.
Transparency and Accountability: We will maintain transparency with funders by promptly informing them of any significant safeguarding concerns or improvements.

15. Partnerships and Third-Party Collaboration

Safeguarding Compliance Checks: Any partner organization or contractor must comply with safeguarding standards equivalent to those of TechJumpstart Hub CIC.
Due Diligence: Vet all third-party organizations to ensure they meet safeguarding requirements.
Written Agreements: All partnerships will include written agreements outlining each organisations safeguarding responsibilities.

16. Complaints and Whistleblowing

Complaints Procedure: Beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers can report concerns via a clear complaints procedure.
Whistleblowing Policy: Staff and volunteers can report safeguarding concerns confidentially without fear of retaliation.
External Reporting Channels: If concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, whistleblowers may contact local safeguarding authorities.

17. Review and Continuous Improvement

Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed annually by the DSL and trustees to ensure it remains current with UK legislation and best practices.
Feedback Mechanism: Beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to provide feedback on safeguarding practices.
Learning from Incidents: TechJumpstart Hub CIC will conduct a review following any significant safeguarding incident to identify lessons learned and make improvements.
Learning from Incidents: TechJumpstart Hub CIC will conduct a review following any significant safeguarding incident to identify lessons learned and make improvements.

Key Contacts:

Safeguarding Lead: Wendy Amexo, Director, reachable at wendy@techjumpstarthub.co.uk

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Diana Margine, reachable at diana.margine@yahoo.com

TechJumpstart Hub CIC is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers. By implementing this safeguarding policy, we strive to uphold the highest standards of safety, respect, and accountability, ensuring the welfare of those we serve.