Safeguarding Policy

WorkUp protects every child, young person and vulnerable adult who takes part in our programmes.

We create safe, inclusive environments where people feel respected, supported and listened to.

Safeguarding sits at the centre of our work.

Everyone connected to WorkUp shares responsibility for keeping people safe.

Who This Policy Applies To

  • Staff, trustees and volunteers

  • Freelancers, mentors and facilitators

  • Partners delivering activities on our behalf

  • Anyone representing WorkUp in schools, theatres or community spaces

  • All beneficiaries and participants in our programmes

Safeguarding Leads

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Helena Jarrold
Responsible for safeguarding across WorkUp.
Leads on responding to concerns, reporting to external agencies and ensuring compliance.

Deputy Safeguarding Lead

Sarah Harkins
Supports the DSL.
Acts when Helena is unavailable.
Provides governance-level oversight at trustee level.

Both contacts can be approached about any safeguarding concern.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We commit to:

  • Protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm

  • Acting quickly and appropriately when concerns arise

  • Creating safe online and in-person environments

  • Recruiting safely and responsibly

  • Training everyone involved in delivery

  • Working with schools, theatres and community partners to maintain strong safeguarding practice

Preventing Harm

We take simple but effective steps:

  • Risk assessments for every activity

  • Professional boundaries for all staff and volunteers

  • Enhanced DBS checks where appropriate

  • Safe communication practices

  • Supervision, feedback and reflective practice

  • Clear expectations for mentors and facilitators

Recognising Concerns

Staff stay alert to signs of:

  • Physical, emotional or sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Bullying or harassment

  • Domestic abuse

  • Online harm

  • Radicalisation

  • Grooming

  • Homelessness or unsafe living situations

  • Any behaviour that makes a participant feel uncomfortable or unsafe

If unsure, staff must still report.

If You Have a Concern

Report immediately to:

  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead, or

  • The Deputy Safeguarding Lead

In an emergency or where there is immediate danger, call 999. Concerns are logged securely by WorkUp.

How WorkUp Responds

When a concern is reported, we:

  • Listen

  • Record the information

  • Assess the risk

  • Decide the next steps

  • Contact statutory services when required

  • Support the young person or vulnerable adult

  • Work closely with partner organisations when appropriate

We share information only when necessary to keep someone safe or when required by law.

Training

Everyone working with young people completes safeguarding training. We refresh training regularly and keep safeguarding active across the organisation.

Information Sharing

We follow UK GDPR and store information securely. We share information only when:

  • Someone is at risk

  • It is required by law

  • It supports safeguarding action

Policy Review

We review this policy every year.

We update it sooner if legislation changes or if safeguarding practice evolves.

External Support Contacts

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

  • Childline: 0800 1111

  • Samaritans: 116 123

  • Local Authority Children’s Services (varies by borough)