Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Children and Young People

Policy Period: 2026 – 2028

Lead Safeguarding Officer: Katrina Thompson

Email: [email protected]

Review Cycle: Annual

Summary of Key Changes from Previous Version (2023–2025)

Policy period updated to 2026–2028 with a named Deputy Safeguarding Officer role added.
Statutory basis updated to reference Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and the Online
Safety Act 2023.
References to the defunct Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) removed; replaced with the
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
References to Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) replaced with Local Safeguarding
Children Partnerships (LSCPs).
Outdated terminology "Schedule One offender" replaced with "person posing a risk to children
(PPRC)".
NSPCC helpline corrected from 0800 800 5000 to 0808 800 5000.
Parentline Plus updated to Family Lives (formerly Parentline Plus).
Google Hangouts removed from approved virtual platforms; replaced with Google Meet.
Anti-discriminatory practice commitment added in line with Working Together 2026.
Section 4.1 updated with explicit reference to the Online Safety Act 2023.
UK GDPR compliance added to Section 2.6 (Minimising Risks).
DLN safeguarding email updated to [email protected].

1. Policy Framework

Diverse Leaders Network (DLN) is dedicated to unlocking the full academic, career and leadership potential of young people aged 7–19 from marginalised backgrounds. We partner with STEAM-based industries to provide an all-age leadership and careers curriculum designed to overcome barriers to social mobility: poor careers awareness, poor employment and leadership abilities and a lack of access to work-related opportunities.

As an organisation, Diverse Leaders Network is committed to creating an environment in which all young people that we work with are safe from harm, neglect, abuse and any potential mistreatment.

Diverse Leaders Network requires all staff, mentors and volunteers to be aware of this policy, support it and uphold the safeguarding interests of young people as paramount at all times. Mentors and volunteers should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of

the children and young people they are working with.

Safeguarding awareness is a required part of the induction process and all mentors and volunteers working directly with young people must receive, read and understand this policy prior to conducting any work with or on behalf of Diverse Leaders Network.

Legislative Basis

This policy has been drawn up based on law and statutory guidance that seeks to safeguard and protect children, notably the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, the Online Safety Act 2023 and the statutory framework Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026. This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

1.1 Overview

The needs of the child are paramount and should underpin all child protection work and resolve any conflict of interest.
All children deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
All children have the right to be safeguarded from harm and exploitation irrespective of their race, religion, first language or ethnicity; gender or sexuality; age; health or disability; location or placement; political or immigration status; or any criminal record or history.
In line with Working Together
2026, we are committed to anti-discriminatory practice and expect all practitioners to challenge racism and discrimination.
The responsibility for the protection of children must be shared because children are safeguarded only when all relevant agencies and individuals accept responsibility and cooperate with one another.
Statements about or allegations of abuse or neglect made by children must always be taken seriously, treated in confidence (subject to disclosure requirements) and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
The wishes and feelings of children are vital elements in assessing risk and formulating protection plans, and must always be sought and given weight according to the level of understanding of the child.
During enquiries, the involvement and support of those who have parental responsibility for, or regular care of a child, should be encouraged and facilitated, unless doing so compromises that enquiry or the child's immediate or long-term welfare.
Those planning, delivering, monitoring or providing training about child protection services must take all reasonable steps to support parents and children who have experienced racism and other forms of prejudice.

2. The Policy

2.1 Introduction

The Government has defined the term 'safeguarding children' as:

'The process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care that enables children to have optimum life chances and enter adulthood successfully.'

This policy aims to set out the principles and procedures that those working with or for Diverse Leaders Network should follow to meet their responsibilities to safeguard children and young people involved with their services, maximise protection from abuse and ensure that anyone who has been abused receives support and protection from further abuse.

2.2 Definitions of key terms

Safeguarding

Defined for the purposes of this guidance as: protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children's health or development; ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances.

Child protection

Part of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This refers to the activity that is undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.

Children

Anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. The fact that a child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently or is in further education, is a member of the armed forces, is in hospital or in custody in the secure estate, does not change his or her status or entitlements to services or protection.

Young carers

Children and young people under 18 who provide or intend to provide care assistance or support to another family member. They carry out on a regular basis significant or substantial caring tasks and assume a level of responsibility which would usually be associated with an adult. Young carers can be particularly vulnerable.

2.3 Definitions of abuse

Abuse

A form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others (e.g. via the Internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children. This includes child-on-child abuse and harms occurring outside the home (contextual safeguarding).

Physical abuse

A form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.

Emotional abuse

The persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone.

Sexual abuse

Involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the Internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males; women can also commit acts of sexual abuse as can other children.

Neglect

The persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and psychological needs is likely to result in the serious impairment of the child's health or development. Neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter; protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; ensure adequate supervision; or ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. This is not an exhaustive list and it must be recognised that it is not the role of mentors or volunteers to make an assessment of whether children or young people have suffered harm. Mentors and volunteers do have a duty to report any concerns about harm in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) guidelines and procedures.

2.4 Recognition of harm and abuse

The harm or possible harm of a child may come to your attention in a number of possible ways:

Information given by the child, his or her friends, a family member or a close associate.
The child's behaviour may become different from the usual, be significantly different from the behaviour of their peers, be bizarre or unusual or may involve 'acting out' a harmful situation in play.
An injury which arouses suspicion because it does not make sense when compared with the explanation given; the explanations differ depending on who is giving them; or the child appears anxious and evasive when asked about the injury.
Suspicion is raised when a number of factors occur over time, for example, the child fails to progress and thrive in contrast to his or her peers.
Contact with individuals who pose a risk to children (PPRC) — someone who has been identified as presenting a risk to children.

Physical signs of abuse

Any injuries not consistent with the explanation given for them.
Injuries which occur to the body in places which are not normally exposed to falls or games.
Unexplained bruising, marks or injuries on any part of the body.
Bruises which reflect hand marks or fingertips (from slapping or pinching).
Cigarette burns, bite marks, broken bones or scalds.
Injuries which have not received medical attention.
Neglect: under-nourishment, failure to grow, constant hunger, stealing or gorging food, untreated illnesses, inadequate care.
Repeated urinary infections or unexplained stomach pains.

Changes in behaviour which can indicate physical abuse

Fear of parents being approached for an explanation.
Aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts.
Flinching when approached or touched.
Reluctance to get changed, for example, wearing long sleeves in hot weather.
Depression, withdrawn behaviour or running away from home.

Emotional signs of abuse

A failure to thrive or grow, particularly if a child puts on weight in other circumstances.
Sudden speech disorders or persistent tiredness.
Developmental delay, either in terms of physical or emotional progress.

Changes in behaviour which can indicate emotional abuse

Obsessions or phobias; sudden under-achievement or lack of concentration.
Inappropriate relationships with peers and/or adults; being unable to play.
Attention-seeking behaviour; fear of making mistakes; self-harm.
Fear of parent being approached regarding their behaviour.

Signs of sexual abuse

Pain or itching in the genital or anal area.
Bruising or bleeding near genital or anal areas.
Sexually transmitted diseases; vaginal discharge or infection.
Stomach pains; discomfort when walking or sitting down.

Changes in behaviour which can indicate sexual abuse

Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour, e.g. becoming withdrawn or aggressive.
Fear of being left with a specific person or group of people.
Sexual knowledge which is beyond their age or developmental level.
Bedwetting; eating problems such as over-eating or anorexia.
Self-harm or mutilation, sometimes leading to suicide attempts.
Substance or drug abuse; suddenly having unexplained sources of money.
Not allowed to have friends (particularly in adolescence).
Acting in a sexually explicit way with adults.

Signs of neglect

Constant hunger, sometimes stealing food from other children.
Poor personal hygiene; loss of weight or being constantly underweight.
Inappropriate dress for the conditions; untreated medical conditions.
Complaining of being tired all the time; having few friends.
Mentioning being left alone or unsupervised.

2.5 Acting on concerns

In the instance of a safeguarding concern to staff, mentors and volunteers this should be reported to the Diverse Leaders Network Lead Safeguarding Officer: Katrina Thompson. If a staff member, mentor or volunteer has immediate concerns about a child's welfare and believes they are in immediate danger, they should seek assistance from police or other emergency services by dialling 999.

Seeking Medical Attention

If a child has a physical injury and there are concerns about abuse, and if emergency medical attention is required, this should be sought immediately by phoning for an ambulance. You should then follow the procedures for informing DLN and referring a child protection concern to Local Authority Children's Social Care.

Managing a Disclosure

Listen to what the child has to say with an open mind. Do not ask probing or leading questions designed to get the child to reveal more.
Never stop a child who is freely recalling significant events. Make note of the discussion, taking care to record the timing, setting and people present, as well as what was said.
Do not ask children to write a statement.
Never promise the child that what they have told you can be kept secret. Explain that you have a responsibility to report what the child has said to someone else.
The designated lead for child protection (Katrina Thompson) from Diverse Leaders Network must be informed immediately.

2.6 Minimising risks

Diverse Leaders Network will ensure it safeguards young people in the following ways:

Ensuring that all Diverse Leaders Network staff, mentors and volunteers working with young people have gone through a standard or enhanced DBS check (as appropriate). No mentor or volunteer may be alone with a young person until their DBS check is cleared and approval verified by DLN.
Should a DBS check highlight evidence of a previous criminal conviction, Diverse Leaders Network reserves the right to assess a mentor's or volunteer's suitability for mentoring and is at liberty to withdraw any previous offer of working with DLN.
A person who is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults will be breaking the law if they work or volunteer with those groups. Diverse Leaders Network will notify the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) if a member of staff or volunteer is dismissed because they have harmed a child or vulnerable adult.
Prior to commencing any work directly involving working with children, Diverse Leaders Network will ensure all mentors and volunteers have received safeguarding training.
Ensuring that all Diverse Leaders Network staff and volunteers are aware of the DLN Code of Conduct regarding what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate behaviour with and towards young people.
Identifying a Safeguarding Officer or lead point of contact for any schools or colleges that we work with.
Complying with UK GDPR regarding the secure handling and sharing of safeguarding information.

3. The Complaints Procedure

3.1 Responding appropriately to suspicions of abuse

If abuse is reported to, suspected, alleged or witnessed by any member of staff, mentor or volunteer, they must inform the Safeguarding Lead Officer at Diverse Leaders Network immediately. You may then be requested to record and complete an incident form.

If a child or young person is at immediate risk, the emergency services may also need to be contacted as a priority.

3.2 Recognising abuse

All staff and volunteers working directly with young people have a responsibility to be aware of possible signs and indicators of abuse and a duty to report immediately any concerns they may have for any reason concerning any person. Please see sections 2.3 and 2.4 for definitions of abuse and common indicators.

3.3 Guidelines for responding to an allegation of abuse

General Points

Keep calm — do not appear shocked or disgusted.
Accept what the young person says without passing judgement (however unlikely the disclosure may sound).
Look directly at the young person (where feasible).
Be honest.
Let them know you will need to tell someone else (the Diverse Leaders Network Lead Safeguarding Officer, Katrina Thompson) — do not promise confidentiality.
Be aware the young person may have been threatened and fear reprisals for having spoken to you.
Never push for information or question them as this can undermine any subsequent criminal investigation.

Helpful things to say or show

"I take what you are saying very seriously."
"I am pleased that you have told me. Thank you for telling me."
If appropriate: "It isn't your fault and you are not to blame at all."
"I am sorry that happened to you."
"I will help you."

Things not to say

"Why didn't you say something before?"
"I really can't believe it."
"Are you sure this has happened?"
"Why?" "Where?" "When?" "Who?" "What?" "How?"
Never make statements such as "I am shocked!" or "Don't tell anyone else."

Avoiding leading questions

Be careful not to ask leading questions. For example, instead of asking "How much will prices go up next year?", rephrase as "Do you think prices will go up next year?" — the same principle applies to disclosures.

Concluding the conversation

Reassure the young person that they were right to tell you.
Let them know what you are going to do next and tell them that you will let them know what is happening at each stage.

What to do after the conversation

Make notes about the conversation as soon as possible after the discussion. Record exactly what
the young person said and when he or she said it and what was happening immediately
beforehand. Note the time, date and place of the conversation and the name of any other person
present. If the initial note is handwritten, keep it if it is subsequently typed up.
Inform the DLN designated Lead Safeguarding Officer, Katrina Thompson.
Either the designated Safeguarding Officer or you should contact the Social Services Area Office.
Allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the designated Safeguarding
Officer. In the absence of this person, you should not delay a referral to Social Services.
Do not be tempted to try to investigate further the claims — this could lead to contamination of the
evidence and could jeopardise any Police investigation and criminal prosecution activity.

Diverse Leaders Network Safeguarding Officer

The Lead Safeguarding Officer for Diverse Leaders Network is

Katrina Thompson

In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the reporting procedures above, the named person will deal with any concerns raised by parents, police, social services or the Board of Advisors.

4. Code of Conduct

All staff, mentors and volunteers are expected to uphold their safeguarding duties outlined in this policy. Diverse Leaders Network's primary beneficiaries are children, many of whom are vulnerable. To further minimise any potential safeguarding risk, staff, mentors and volunteers should adhere to the following guidelines at all times.

You must:

Treat all children with respect.
Be sensitive to the needs and issues that children may face and discuss sensitive issues with caution.
Respect children's personal views but be willing to challenge negative or inappropriate behaviour and attitudes in a caring and supportive way.
Respect children's rights to personal privacy and treat all information and data pertaining to a young person with sensitivity.
Be open, honest, transparent and willing to share responsibly from your own life experiences.
Ensure that all appropriate physical contact with children is child-initiated and be aware that any physical contact can and may be misinterpreted.
Operate within the guidelines of this policy in the event of a disclosure or safeguarding concern.

You must not:

Have inappropriate physical contact or verbal communication with a child.
Act in a manner that is threatening, aggressive or otherwise harmful to a child.
Make suggestive or derogatory remarks towards or in front of children.
Be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other substances when engaging in work with children.
Pry if a child is making a disclosure — all information must be offered freely.
Promise a child that any information they share will be kept confidential.
Take photographs of children without prior permission from the relevant people or parental consent.
Jump to conclusions, exaggerate or trivialise abuse.
Allow your priorities to compromise the care, happiness or well-being of a child.

4.1 Virtual Mentoring and Programmes

Online Safety Act 2023

In accordance with the Online Safety Act 2023, all staff, mentors and volunteers must adhere to the following guidelines when participating in virtual mentoring and programmes to protect children from online harms.

You must:

Only use the approved, secure channels to communicate virtually (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom).
Follow DLN's and the school's guidelines about camera access. Student cameras should only be switched on during a video call if the child is at school or previous permission has been obtained.
Be mindful of your background environment, ensuring it is suitable for your call if your camera is switched on.
Work hard to build a rapport with your mentee online just as you would face-to-face.
Feel free to share your work email and/or LinkedIn (if comfortable) for after-programme contact.

You must not:

Use Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp or any other unapproved personal channels to communicate with children until they are 18.
Allow or encourage students to have their cameras on if the call is taking place whilst they are at home without permission.
Video call from your bedroom, bathroom or other inappropriate place.
Exchange personal mobile phone numbers.
Invite anyone else onto the video call (unless prior permission has been obtained from DLN and the child's parents).

5. Contact Details

Organisation / Role

DLN Lead Safeguarding Officer

Katrina Thompson

DLN Deputy Safeguarding Officer

Diverse Leaders Network Office

Police (Emergency)

NSPCC

Family Lives (formerly Parentline Plus)

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP)

Contact Details

Email: [email protected]

[To Be Appointed]

Tel: 0203 663 2298

999

Tel: 0808 800 5000

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 0808 800 2222

Tel: 03000 200 190 www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-andbarring-service

Refer to local authority contact details for the specific region

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