Purpose

At Let’s Go! Mcr, the safety and well-being of all children and young people participating in our activities are paramount. We are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of every child and young person, ensuring they are protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. This policy outlines the measures we take to promote a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, and staff.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and board members involved in the organisation, as well as any external partners or service providers working with us.

 

Aims
  • To create a safe environment for children and young people where they can participate in our trips and activities without fear of abuse, neglect, or harm.
  • To protect children and young people from abuse, ensuring that their welfare is our top priority in all our operations.
  • To ensure staff and volunteers are appropriately prepared to recognise and report safeguarding concerns.
  • To establish clear reporting procedures for safeguarding concerns or incidents.

 

Definitions

Child/Young Person – Any individual under the age of 18.

Abuse – Any form of harm or mistreatment of a child or young person, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.

 

Safeguarding Principles
  • Welfare of the Child: The welfare of the child is the primary concern. All actions and decisions must prioritise the safety and well-being of the child or young person.
  • Equality and Non-Discrimination: All children, regardless of race, gender, disability, or background, have equal rights to protection and to participate in our activities.
  • Confidentiality: Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only with those who need to know in order to protect the child or young person and respond appropriately to the concern.
  • Zero Tolerance for Abuse: Let’s Go! Mcr has zero tolerance for any form of abuse. Any incident or concern will be dealt with promptly and rigorously.

 

Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL is responsible for overseeing all safeguarding matters, ensuring the proper implementation of policies, and responding to any safeguarding concerns or allegations.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL): The Deputy DSL supports the DSL and acts as the safeguarding point of contact when the DSL is unavailable.

Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers have a responsibility to uphold this Safeguarding Policy, report concerns, and participate in safeguarding training or briefings appropriate to their role.

Board of Directors: The board is responsible for ensuring that safeguarding remains a priority, monitoring policy implementation, and reviewing safeguarding measures.

 

Training and Awareness

All staff and volunteers will receive appropriate safeguarding information and guidance as part of their induction or before taking part in activities.

Staff working regularly with children and young people will be expected to undertake appropriate safeguarding training and to keep their knowledge up to date through refresher training where necessary.

Volunteers will be made aware of their safeguarding responsibilities, including how to recognise and report concerns, and will be briefed on Let’s Go! Mcr’s safeguarding procedures before supporting activities.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will undertake appropriate safeguarding training for the role and keep their knowledge and training up to date.

 

Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers, and external partners are expected to follow these guidelines:

  • Treat all children and young people with respect and dignity.
  • Avoid being alone with a child or young person whenever possible.
  • Use positive reinforcement rather than negative or physical discipline.
  • Do not engage in any inappropriate physical contact or make suggestive remarks.
  • Ensure any electronic communication with children is professional and necessary for the activity.
  • Always report any safeguarding concerns or breaches of this policy.

 

Recognising Abuse

Types of Abuse:

  • Physical Abuse – Deliberate harm to a child, such as hitting, shaking, or other physical injuries.
  • Emotional Abuse – Persistent emotional ill-treatment, which may involve criticizing, threatening, or ignoring a child.
  • Sexual Abuse – Involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities.
  • Neglect – The persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs, including food, shelter, and medical care.

 

Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
  1. Recognise – If you observe signs of abuse or if a child discloses abuse, ensure the child feels safe and heard. Do not make promises of confidentiality; instead, explain that the information may need to be shared with professionals for their safety.
  2. Respond – If a child makes a disclosure, remain calm, listen carefully, and avoid asking leading questions. Record the information as accurately as possible.
  3. Report – All concerns must be reported as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). If the DSL is unavailable, the concern should be reported to the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL). If a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services.
  4. Record – Any incident or concern should be documented in writing, noting the child’s exact words and any observations. This report must be signed, dated, and stored securely.
  5. Referral – The DSL is responsible for making any necessary referrals to external safeguarding authorities, such as the local authority’s Children’s Services or the police.

 

Managing Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff or volunteer:

  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) must be informed as soon as possible.
  • The concern will be taken seriously and appropriate steps will be taken to safeguard the child or young person involved.
  • The staff member or volunteer may be asked to step away from their duties while the concern is considered, where appropriate.
  • The DSL will seek advice from, and make a referral to, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or other relevant safeguarding authority where appropriate.
  • Any action taken will be recorded appropriately and handled sensitively and confidentially, with information shared only where necessary.

 

Safer Recruitment

Let’s Go! Mcr is committed to safer recruitment practices to help ensure that staff and volunteers working with children and young people are suitable for their roles. Recruitment and onboarding arrangements will be appropriate to the role and the level of responsibility involved.

  • Appropriate DBS checks will be carried out where required for the role.
  • An individual’s suitability, experience and, where appropriate, references will be considered before they begin their role.
  • Staff and volunteers will be made aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and the standards of conduct expected of them.
  • Staff working in defined roles will be provided with clear information about their role and responsibilities.

 

Online Safety

Let’s Go! Mcr recognises the importance of safeguarding children and young people in online spaces. Any online interaction with children or young people connected to Let’s Go! Mcr must be conducted safely, appropriately and professionally.

Staff and volunteers must maintain appropriate professional boundaries when communicating online and must not use personal social media accounts to communicate privately with children or young people.

Any safeguarding concerns arising through online communication or social media must be reported in accordance with this Safeguarding Policy.

 

Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or operational practices. Any updates will be communicated to staff and volunteers promptly.

 

Contact Information for Safeguarding Issues:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Stephanie Kilanski

Contact Number: 07931 672 842

Email: letsgomcr.cic@gmail.com

 

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL): Louise Donohue
Contact Number: 07747382300
Email: letsgomcr@hotmail.com

 

 

Policy reviewed: 10/08/2026
Reviewed by: Stephanie Kilanski
Next review due: 10/08/2027