Safeguarding policy

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of the Armed Forces Education Trust (the Trust), including the board of trustees, paid staff and volunteers.

Trustees are committed to the welfare of all children and young people.  They will endeavour to ensure that beneficiaries of the Trust, primarily children and young people, are kept safe from harm.

The Trustees believe that:

  • Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
  • We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe.

The Trustees recognise that:

  • the welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we take. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
  • some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
  • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

Legal framework

  • This policy has been drawn up based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in the United Kingdom. A summary of the key legislation is available from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system. The Trust will seek to keep the young people we support safe making sure that children, young people and their families know where to go for help if they have a concern.

Supporting documents

This policy should be read alongside other supporting information as follows:

  • Role description for the designated Safeguarding Lead
  • Dealing with disclosures and concerns about a child or young person
  • Whistleblowing policy – Managing allegations against staff and volunteers
  • Recording concerns and information sharing
  • Young person records’ retention and storage
  • Code of conduct for staff and volunteers
  • Photography and sharing images guidance
  • Safer recruitment
  • Managing complaints
  • Health and safety
  • Induction, training, supervision and support

Disclosure and Barring Service

  • On appointment Trustees and volunteers will undergo a basic check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
  • The Chair, Treasurer and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will undergo an enhanced check from DBS at the start of their appointment.
  • Trustees will have a new DBS whenever their term is renewed. This in normally every 3 years.
  • Records of this will be maintained by the CEO.

Actions to ensure safeguarding

  • The CEO will provide all new Trustees with a copy of the Charity Commission for England and Wales Policy on Safeguarding and Young people. Trustees will sign to confirm that they have read and understood these documents and the CEO will maintain a record.
  • The Trust will have a named Safeguarding Lead, but the Trust recognises that safeguarding is the responsibility of the whole board of Trustees, not just the named lead. The Trust will nominate a lead Trustee for safeguarding who will support the Safeguarding Lead.
  • No Trustee will put himself/ herself in the position of being alone with a child or young person who is a beneficiary of the Trust.
  • Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis and where possible and always with the child (if over 12) and parents’ consent. If this is not the case, the Chair and Safeguarding Lead must be consulted.
  • The Trust will ensure the secure recording, storing and using of information takes place in line with data protection legislation and guidance.
  • The Trust has procedures in place to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately.
  • The Trust will ensure that they have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place.
  • All parents or guardians of beneficiaries of the Trust will receive information stating the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and that information will be shared on a need-to-know basis.
  • Safeguarding will be a standard agenda item at each Trustee meeting.
  • This Safeguarding policy will be reviewed, approved and endorsed by the board of Trustees annually or when legislation changes.

Nominated Safeguarding Lead

Name: Phone/email: Charmian Hickman

Trustee lead for safeguarding

Name: Phone/email: Lucy Robinson

NSPCC Helpline

0808 800 5000

February 2023