Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy applies to all AODI trustees, staff, volunteers, mentors, partners, and anyone working on behalf of AODI. It covers all AODI activities, programs, and events, whether conducted online or in person.

The policy aims to:

• Protect children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, and exploitation
• Provide clear guidance on recognizing and responding to safeguarding concerns
• Ensure all representatives understand their responsibilities
• Promote a culture of safety, transparency, and accountability

2. Our Safeguarding Principles

3. Definitions

Child: Any person under 18 years of age.

Young Person: Individuals aged 16-25 who may be transitioning to adulthood but may still require additional protections.

Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who needs care and support, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves because of their care and support needs.

Abuse: Includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, financial abuse, discriminatory abuse, and institutional abuse.

4. Types of Abuse

All AODI representatives must be aware of the different forms of abuse:

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, burning, or causing physical harm
• Emotional Abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment, bullying, threats, humiliation, or rejection
• Sexual Abuse: Forcing or enticing participation in sexual activities, including online exploitation
• Neglect: Failure to meet basic physical or psychological needs, or failure to protect from harm
• Financial Abuse: Theft, fraud, exploitation, or coercion in relation to money or assets
• Discriminatory Abuse: Harassment or harm based on race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, or other protected characteristics
• Online Abuse: Cyberbullying, grooming, sharing inappropriate content, or exploitation through digital platforms

5. Prevention Measures

5.1 Safer Recruitment

We implement robust recruitment practices for all staff, volunteers, and mentors:

• Clear role descriptions and person specifications
• Application forms requiring disclosure of relevant information
• Verification of identity and qualifications
• Enhanced background checks (DBS or equivalent) for roles involving direct contact with young people
• At least two references, including character references
• Interviews including safeguarding-focused questions
• Probationary periods with regular supervision

5.2 Training and Awareness

• All AODI representatives receive safeguarding induction training
• Regular safeguarding refresher training (at least annually)
• Designated Safeguarding Lead receives advanced training
• Training covers recognizing abuse, reporting procedures, and appropriate boundaries

5.3 Code of Conduct

All AODI representatives must:

• Treat all participants with dignity, respect, and fairness
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Never engage in behavior that could be interpreted as inappropriate
• Avoid being alone with a young person unless necessary and with proper safeguards
• Not share personal contact details (personal social media, phone numbers) with mentees
• Report any concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Not take or share photographs of participants without consent
• Use official AODI communication channels only

6. Mentoring-Specific Safeguards

Given the one-to-one nature of mentoring relationships, additional safeguards apply:

• Clear mentoring agreements outlining expectations and boundaries
• Mentoring sessions conducted in appropriate settings (e.g., open areas, virtual platforms with recording capabilities)
• Regular check-ins and supervision for mentors
• Clear protocols for online mentoring sessions
• Defined timeframes and objectives for mentoring relationships
• No meetings outside of program activities without prior approval
• Mentees encouraged to speak up if they feel uncomfortable

7. Online Safety

For online activities and communications:

• Use official AODI platforms and accounts only
• Avoid one-to-one online conversations where possible; use group settings
• Keep a record of online communications
• Do not request or share inappropriate content
• Report any concerning online behavior immediately
• Ensure privacy settings are appropriate on all platforms used
• Be aware of online grooming tactics and report suspicions

8. Recognizing Signs of Abuse

Potential indicators of abuse may include (but are not limited to):

• Unexplained injuries or changes in behavior
• Withdrawal, fearfulness, or reluctance to participate
• Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior for age
• Signs of neglect (poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, malnutrition)
• Disclosure of abuse by the individual
• Changes in academic performance or attendance
• Self-harm or expressions of low self-worth
• Reluctance to go home or fear of certain individuals

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, report it.

9. Reporting Procedures

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will assess the concern, decide on appropriate action, and where necessary, make referrals to statutory agencies (e.g., local authority children's services, police).

10. Responding to Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If an allegation is made against an AODI representative:

• The allegation will be taken seriously and handled sensitively
• The individual may be suspended pending investigation (this is a neutral act, not a presumption of guilt)
• The matter will be referred to relevant statutory agencies as appropriate
• AODI will cooperate fully with any external investigations
• Support will be provided to all parties involved
• The outcome will be documented and reviewed

11. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding information is shared only on a "need to know" basis. We will share information with statutory agencies where necessary to protect someone from harm. We cannot promise absolute confidentiality if doing so would put someone at risk. Records are stored securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

12. Partner Organizations

All partner organizations working with AODI must demonstrate adequate safeguarding arrangements. AODI will conduct due diligence on partners and require written commitment to safeguarding standards. Partners must report any safeguarding concerns arising from AODI-related activities.

13. Serious Incident Reporting

Serious safeguarding incidents will be reported to the Charity Commission (as required under charity law) and other relevant regulatory bodies. AODI will conduct internal reviews following serious incidents to identify lessons learned and improve practices.

14. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the AODI Board of Trustees or more frequently if there are significant changes in legislation, guidance, or following a serious incident. All AODI representatives will be notified of policy updates.

15. External Resources

For additional support or to report concerns externally:

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (UK) | nspcc.org.uk
• Childline: 0800 1111 (UK) | childline.org.uk
• NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285
• Police: 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency)
• Charity Commission: Report a concern about a charity