SAFETY, DIGNITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Child and Youth Safeguarding Policy

Kaivie Foundation is committed to protecting every child and young person who participates in, visits or is affected by our programmes.

1. Scope

This policy applies to board members, staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, partners, visitors and anyone acting on behalf of the foundation.

2. Safeguarding Principles

• The safety and best interests of children and young people come first
• All participants must be treated with dignity and without discrimination
• Concerns must be taken seriously and reported through the approved procedure
• Information should be shared only with people who need it to protect safety or manage a concern
• Programmes should identify and reduce foreseeable risks before activities begin
• Children and young people should be listened to in age-appropriate ways

3. Expected Conduct

• Use respectful, age-appropriate language and behaviour
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Follow approved supervision, transport, communication and activity procedures
• Avoid favouritism, humiliation, threats or inappropriate physical contact
• Never exchange sexual, exploitative or secretive messages with a participant
• Do not photograph, interview or publish participant information without approved consent
• Report concerns, disclosures or suspicious conduct immediately

4. Recruitment and Screening

Roles involving contact with children or young people should use appropriate applications, identity checks, references, qualification checks, interviews, safeguarding declarations and orientation according to the role.

5. Digital Communication

Staff and volunteers should use approved channels, avoid secret or disappearing communications, include appropriate adults where required and keep records of programme-related communication.

6. Photography and Stories

Photographs and stories must be respectful, necessary and supported by appropriate informed consent. Captions should not reveal sensitive information or expose a participant to avoidable risk.

7. Reporting a Concern

Anyone may report a concern using the safeguarding option on the Contact page. A dedicated safeguarding contact and emergency procedure must be confirmed before launch. Staff and volunteers should not investigate allegations independently.

8. Responding to Concerns

The foundation will prioritise safety, record the concern carefully, restrict information to appropriate people, follow the approved referral process and take action regarding any person who breaches safeguarding requirements.

9. Partner Responsibilities

Partners working directly with participants should meet agreed safeguarding standards, name responsible contacts and report concerns promptly.

10. Review