1. Statement of Commitment

Aspire & Reach is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

We recognise our moral and legal responsibility to ensure that all young people participating in our programmes are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination.

Safeguarding is central to our mission. Every individual involved in Aspire & Reach — including staff, volunteers, trustees, partners, and contractors — shares responsibility for creating and maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.

We operate in accordance with:

• UK safeguarding legislation

• Local authority safeguarding procedures

• Charity Commission guidance

• Relevant statutory guidance including Working Together to Safeguard Children

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or harm of any kind.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• All staff (paid and voluntary)

• Trustees and leadership

• Contractors and external facilitators

• Partner organisations delivering joint activities

• Anyone representing Aspire & Reach

The policy covers all activities, including:

• Youth mentoring sessions

• Martial arts and structured programmes

• Community events

• Outreach activities

• Online or digital engagement

3. Safeguarding Principles

Aspire & Reach is guided by the following principles:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.

• All children and young people have the right to protection from harm.

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• All concerns must be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.

• Safe recruitment and training are essential safeguards.

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Trustees & Leadership

Trustees and senior leadership are responsible for:

• Ensuring safeguarding policies are up to date and reviewed regularly

• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Ensuring appropriate training is provided

• Ensuring safe recruitment practices, including DBS checks

• Monitoring safeguarding compliance

4.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving and recording safeguarding concerns

• Making referrals to relevant authorities where required

• Providing guidance to staff and volunteers

• Maintaining confidential safeguarding records

• Liaising with local safeguarding partners

4.3 Staff & Volunteers

All staff and volunteers must:

• Complete safeguarding training

• Undergo Enhanced DBS checks where required

• Follow the Code of Conduct

• Report concerns immediately

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

Failure to comply with safeguarding procedures may result in disciplinary action.

5. Recognising Abuse

Abuse may include:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Exploitation

• Online abuse

Staff and volunteers must remain vigilant for signs of harm and act immediately if concerns arise.

6. Reporting Procedures

If a safeguarding concern arises:

Step 1 – Immediate Safety

If a child is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999) without delay.

Step 2 – Report to DSL

All concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible on the same day.

Step 3 – Record the Concern

A written record must be completed, including:

• Date and time

• Factual description of concern

• Observations (not opinions)

• Actions taken

Step 4 – Referral

The DSL will determine whether a referral to Children’s Services, Local Authority Safeguarding Team, or Police is required.

Confidentiality will be maintained, but information may be shared where necessary to protect a child.

7. Safe Recruitment

Aspire & Reach implements safer recruitment practices, including:

• Enhanced DBS checks (where applicable)

• Identity verification

• Reference checks

• Safeguarding interview questions

• Mandatory safeguarding training

No individual will be permitted to work with young people without appropriate checks.

8. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

• Treat young people with dignity and respect

• Avoid being alone in isolated environments where possible

• Avoid inappropriate physical contact

• Not exchange personal contact details with participants

• Not engage in communication outside approved channels

Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times.

9. Confidentiality & Data Protection

Safeguarding records will be:

• Stored securely

• Accessed only by authorised personnel

• Managed in accordance with UK GDPR and data protection law

Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

10. Whistleblowing

Any concerns about safeguarding practices within Aspire & Reach should be raised with senior leadership or trustees.

Whistleblowers will be protected from victimisation when raising genuine concerns in good faith.

11. Key Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
[Name]
Email: [Insert Email]
Phone: [Insert Contact Number]

Deputy DSL:
[Name]

Local Authority Safeguarding Team:
Wolverhampton Children’s Services
[Insert Contact Details]

Emergency:
Police / Emergency Services – 999

12. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes

• Organisational structure changes

• A safeguarding incident occurs

Commitment Statement

Aspire & Reach is committed to providing safe, structured, and supportive environments where young people can grow in confidence, resilience, and belief in their potential.

Safeguarding is not an add-on — it is fundamental to everything we do.