Policy Owner: SLT Safeguarding Lead
Date of Approval: January 2025
Date of Next Review: December 2025
Introduction
Bright Futures UK is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with our services. We believe that no one should ever experience abuse of any kind and we have a duty of care to promote welfare and protect those who use our services from harm.
All individuals accessing our services—especially those experiencing long-term illness and educational disruption—are recognised as vulnerable, regardless of age.
Purpose of This Policy
This policy aims to:
- Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who engage with Bright Futures UK.
- Provide guidance for staff, volunteers, trustees, and contractors on recognising, responding to, and reporting safeguarding concerns.
- Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and where concerns are dealt with appropriately.
Scope
This policy applies to:
- All Bright Futures UK staff (paid and unpaid), trustees, sessional workers, agency staff, and volunteers.
- All activities and programmes delivered by or in partnership with Bright Futures UK.
Legal Framework
This policy is underpinned by UK legislation and guidance, including:
- Children Act 1989 & 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- The Care Act 2014
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- The Children and Families Act 2014
- Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
Safeguarding Principles
We are guided by the following principles:
- The welfare of the child is paramount.
- Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard.
- We promote a culture of openness, trust, and respect.
- We support early intervention and work in partnership with children, families, carers, and agencies.
- We ensure safeguarding is embedded in governance and operations.
Recognising Vulnerability
Children and young people using our services may be particularly vulnerable due to:
- Physical or mental health conditions
- Time spent out of school
- Isolation and social exclusion
- Emotional distress or dependency on others
Extra measures are taken to safeguard these individuals.
Roles & Responsibilities
All safeguarding reports must be escalated to the DSL or SLT Safeguarding Lead.
Staff & Volunteers:
- Must complete safeguarding training before engaging in programme delivery.
- Must read and adhere to this policy.
- Are responsible for recording and reporting concerns immediately.
Trustees:
- Ensure safeguarding policies are in place, reviewed, and implemented.
- Provide oversight and scrutiny of safeguarding practices.
Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
Immediate Steps:
- Remain calm and listen without judgment.
- Avoid asking leading questions.
- Reassure and explain that you will get them help. As such, do not promise confidentiality, as it is your duty to report.
- If the individual is at immediate risk, call emergency services. If not, and it is within BFUK business hours, email programmes@brightfuturesuk.com. If it is urgent but not an emergency and outside office hours, contact the individual’s emergency contact and/or the local authority.
- Always inform Bright Futures of what has occurred so they can support you through the process.
Contact Methods:
Business hours (9:30 am to 5:30 pm):
- Email: programmes@brightfuturesuk.com with the subject line “URGENT SAFEGUARDING”.
- Call: +44 (0) 2080641190 and request to speak with a Safeguarding team member.
A safeguarding-trained staff member will respond within 24 hours of receiving your concern. Bright Futures UK is not a crisis service. In an emergency, call 999.
External Reporting:
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Text Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (Free, confidential mental health support)
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
- Safeguarding concerns override confidentiality.
- Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis.
- Data is handled in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
Safer Recruitment and Training
- All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced DBS checks before engagement.
- References are collected as part of recruitment.
- Safeguarding training is mandatory before independently running a programme.
- Ongoing annual training refreshers are provided.
Breaches of the Policy
Failure to adhere to this policy may lead to:
- Disciplinary action (for staff or volunteers)
- Referral to statutory agencies
- Suspension or termination of engagement
- Report to the Charity Commission or DBS, if applicable
Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Bright Futures UK is committed to:
- Treating all service users and staff equally.
- Upholding non-discrimination in safeguarding.
- Promoting an inclusive and respectful culture where every voice matters.
Review Process
- This policy is reviewed annually or sooner in response to legislative or organisational changes.
- Feedback from staff, volunteers, and young people is considered during review.
- Last reviewed on: January 2025
