Brixton Community Based Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
MISSION
Brixton Community Based inspires and helps young people find their unique voice through free participatory drama and performing arts activities, helping them to develop enduring and transferable skills that lead to increased life chances and long-term well-being. Inclusivity and diversity are at the heart of what we do. We work from the core belief that providing access to high quality arts activities is key to expanding young people’s horizons and creating lasting transformation.
Brixton Community Based is committed to providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment, for all children and young people and vulnerable adults regardless of race, culture, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability. Children, young people and vulnerable adults have the right to be supported and protected from abuse of any kind, and all work carried out within Brixton Community Based adheres to these principles.
This policy and the rules contained in it apply to all staff irrespective of seniority, tenure and working hours, including any volunteers.
Children and young people and vulnerable adults may be abused and/or neglected by their parents, carers, guardians, other young people, trusted adults as well as by strangers. It is the responsibility of each one of us to prevent abuse of children, young people and young adults and to report any abuse or neglect which is discovered or suspected.
INTRODUCTION
This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding children, young people, and adult participants under the age of 24. It is written in accordance with the Children Act 2004 (an expansion of the Children Act 1989) and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Care Act 2014.
Brixton Community Based recognises that our mission statement requires us to hold safeguarding at the heart of all our activities. We embed safeguarding most importantly by valuing young people, listening to them, and respecting them.
The policy offers both general safety guidelines, and specific procedures to deal quickly with any concerns about young people suffering abuse, both in our care and in their lives outside. The policy must be applied whenever there is a concern about a child, young person, or adult at risk or about the behaviour of an adult.
All those working and interacting with Brixton Community Based have a duty to uphold and abide by the Safeguarding Policy. Trustees, staff, facilitators, workshop leaders, visiting practitioners and volunteers have a duty to act in accordance with this policy, and to support service users and other stakeholders to act in accordance with the policy principles.
This policy will be reviewed annually, and modified or supplemented in response to new legislation, changes to the working environment or on advice from staff, volunteers, or trustees. All staff, workers and volunteers will receive the latest policy and will be trained to take responsibility for its implementation.
DEFINITIONS
Child: A CHILD is defined, by the Children’s Act 1989, as a person under the age of 18 years. As Brixton Community Based works with individuals beyond this age we refer to our members as young people and consider this policy to cover all participants, including at risk volunteers.
Young Person/People: For the purposes of this policy, we will use the term young people to include all children and adult participants or volunteers (whether or not deemed ‘at risk) under the age of 25.
Facilitators: All session leaders, whether freelance workshop leaders or staff, including paid work experience or trainees.
Volunteers: All volunteers aged 18+, regardless of role, including those who may take part in other projects as a participant.
Workers: For the purposes of this policy, ‘workers’ is used as a generic term for all employees, freelancers, volunteers, trainees, placements, and any other representative of Brixton Community Based deemed to have responsibility to implement safeguarding procedures.
Child Abuse and Neglect: A generic term encompassing all ill treatment of children including serious physical and sexual assaults as well as cases where the standard of care does not adequately support the child’s health or development. More detailed definitions of different types of abuse and guidance on recognising signs of abuse is included in Appendix A: Recognising Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
RESPONSIBILITIES
Trustees: The Charity Commission is clear that Trustees have primary responsibility for safeguarding in their charity. Brixton Community Based trustees will fulfil their duty of care to safeguard young people with whom Brixton Community Based works by:
● acting in their best interests
● taking all reasonable steps to prevent any harm to them.
● assessing and managing risk
● putting safeguarding policies and procedures in place
● undertaking ongoing monitoring and reviewing to ensure that safeguards are being implemented and are effective.
● responding appropriately to allegations of abuse
● Informing the Charity Commission of any serious incidents
The Designated Trustee for Safeguarding matters (named at the end of the document) will take the lead in overseeing safeguarding practice and responding to allegations of abuse, in consultation with fellow trustees.
Co-Artistic Directors/Designated Safeguarding Officers: The Co-Artistic Directors/ Designated Safeguarding Officers are jointly responsible for promoting and implementing safeguarding practices across Brixton Community Based, including informing all staff, workers, and volunteers about safeguarding procedures and ensuring they receive appropriate training to implement these practices across the organisation.
The Designated Safeguarding Officers together with the Designated Trustee Safeguarding Lead, will take the lead responsibility for:
● Monitoring and review of this Policy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees
● Providing safeguarding advice across programmes
● Ensuring that all procedures (including risk assessments) align with safeguarding practices.
● Responding in a timely manner in line with all safeguarding protocols to any suspected abuse allegations
● Updating the Trustees with regard to any incidents where a safeguarding process had to be implemented (e.g., disclosure or referral to social services)
● Keeping written records in line with our Data Protection Policy
● Referring a case on to social services where necessary
● Reporting any case where an allegation is made against a worker (including volunteers) to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
All Workers/Volunteers: All workers are responsible for following the Safeguarding policy and procedures, particularly by:
● Understanding their responsibility in safeguarding
● Following the safeguarding arrangements set out in this policy.
● Reporting any suspicions of abuse or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Officers
● Reporting any concerns about the behaviour of any members of staff, volunteers, or contractors towards young people.
GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Awareness, vigilance, and peer support are key in providing a secure environment, both in relation to drama practice and the general welfare of young people. Our awareness and vigilance in relation to suspected abuse extends to the young people’s lives beyond the time they spend in our care.
Creating a Safer Environment: Brixton Community Based aims to create a psychologically and physically safer working environment by fostering a culture of respect and care.
Workers should immediately challenge any behaviour that might be seen as bullying or discriminatory, or that might develop into bullying by referring to standards of behaviours expected of all. Phrases that might be useful include: “We don’t act like that here” “Everyone works together at Brixton Community Based”; “We don’t talk about people who aren’t in the room”.
Workers should report any concerning language, including gesture or body language, to the lead tutor(s) at post-session debriefs. Lead facilitators will create a plan of action, as appropriate, to address the behaviour. This may include talking to a parent/carer or further conversations with the individual or the group.
Workers should be aware of using appropriate language and talking about appropriate topics when young people are present.
All disclosures or allegations must be addressed in a timely manner. No one should feel discouraged from reporting concerns for fear of not being believed.
Safer Worker Recruitment: All staff, volunteers and trustees are required to attend interviews and provide references. During interview all candidates will be questioned regarding their understanding of safeguarding and how that might be a consideration in the role they are applying for.
DBS Checks: All trustees, staff, facilitators, and volunteers with regular direct contact with young people will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. DBS checks will be considered valid for 2 years. Brixton Community Based will accept DBS checks undertaken at other organisations if they were undertaken within 2 years prior to the end of the contracted project. Brixton Community Based will pay for worker and volunteer DBS checks and will facilitate the application process through an online system.
Training: All workers and volunteers will receive and be asked to familiarise themselves with Brixton Community Based policies, including Safeguarding. Workers will also be expected to familiarise themselves with Brixton Community Based codes of behaviour including, Risk Assessments.
Employees will be expected to undergo online safeguarding training as appropriate for their role every 3 years. If the individual has not had previous safeguarding training, they will be expected to take a Level 1 course within their probation period. Refresher courses may include training for safeguarding concerns of marginalised groups.
Communication with Participants and Emergency Contacts: All participants in Brixton Community Based workshops return a registration form, including any particular needs they may have, emergency contact names and numbers. Parent/guardian consent is required for young people under 18 to take part in an activity. In occasional circumstances, staff may accept initial verbal consent, followed up by signed paperwork.
Brixton Community Based collects consent for participants to either be collected or make their own way home at the end of a session. Staff may accept verbal consent from parent/carers to alter these arrangements.
Participant and emergency contact details are stored on an online password secured digital database. Workers should ensure they have access to participant and emergency contact details during activity, as per risk assessments.
As per Brixton Community Based Data Protection Policy, communication with young people should remain within Brixton Community Based. Workers should not communicate with participants outside Brixton Community Based activities, ‘friend’ or follow participants on social media.
Worker to Participant Ratios: Brixton Community Based activities are led by 2 facilitators and supported by volunteers. We aim for the adult/child ratio to be at least 1 to 8 (if under 12) and 1 to 10 (if 13+).
Brixton Community Based aims for staff, facilitators, and volunteers to not be left alone with individuals or groups of young people. However, there may be times when one worker must work with a small group in a separate space or hold confidential one-to-one sessions. In these instances, the following procedures should be followed:
● Where possible, you should work within sight or hearing distance of other adults
● You should ensure that other adults are present in the building.
● You must tell other adults present where you will be working and for how long
● If working one to one, or with a small group, you will always have the door open.
● If you are left alone with a young person while waiting for parents/carers to collect them you must notify a co-worker about the situation. When the young person is collected, you must report that the child is no longer in your care to your co-worker
● Physical Contact: Theatre involves contact. We recognise that appropriate physical touch between young people, and between adults and young people, can be healthy and acceptable in public.
Workers must ensure that any physical contact is appropriate and consensual and should not typically initiate physical contact. Workers should be aware that what may be appropriate for one person may feel unsafe to another and should aim to keep the other party feeling safe at all times. Workers should also apply these principles to personal space boundaries.
Workers should be aware of inappropriate attachments forming between adults and children and should re-establish boundaries to ensure a professional working environment. For instance, if a child repeatedly initiates hugs with a particular worker, the worker can suggest giving high-fives instead.
Workers must not engage in physical contact if they are alone with a young person.
Use of Toilets: All workers are asked to avoid entering these while young people are in the space, and to use designated staff toilets.
Social Media, Technology and Online Use:
Facilitators must supervise members in restricted online access related to project activities. Members are asked to switch off personal devices during sessions. Facilitators should monitor the use of personal devices during break times to avoid photos/videos of members being shared inappropriately online, referring to the project’s group contract as necessary in regard to the safety of the group.
Use of Images
Brixton Community Based recognises that taking pictures and videos of the achievements and activities of children and young people is a wonderful way of capturing a memory and promoting successes, but consideration needs to be given to who might have access to those images in whatever media and who gives permission for their use. Brixton Community Based endeavours to safeguard the rights of children and young people in images by:
• always seeking written consent from the parent/guardian or carer for children and young people under the age of 18 BEFORE taking photographs.
• always being clear about how the image will be used.
• being careful when naming a child or young person and never using the person’s full name or the place where they live in conjunction with a photograph
• never publishing any images that could be used inappropriately.
• ensuring consent forms and images are stored safely and securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
Brixton Community Based recognises the risks associated with user interactive services and social media including sexual exploitation, online grooming and cyber bullying.
Most children and young people use the Internet positively but sometimes behave in ways that may place themselves at risk and some risks do not necessarily arise from the technology itself but result from offline contact following interaction on social media.
Brixton Community Based will:
• ensure that any webpage/profile created specifically for a social media site adheres to this policy’s guidelines relating to the privacy of personal information and the use of images
• monitor the use of such sites, and comments made on the sites, to ensure that they are appropriate and not abusive
• ensure there is a senior manager responsible for setting up, managing and moderating (overseeing / reviewing /responding to posted content) of BYT social media sites. Brixton Community Based will ensure that this person is trained in and understands online safeguarding issues, including warning signs of grooming and sexual exploitation.
• use an official organisation email address when creating a profile on a networking site such as Facebook (e.g. @Brixton Community Based.co.uk rather than @hotmail.com), in order to reduce the risk of impostor or fake profiles
• keep the log-in details to the account (including the password to the account and webpage/profile) secure in order to reduce the risk of someone hacking into online information
• set appropriate privacy levels
• set the 'accept comment' setting in order to check messages; and ensure that all messages are checked before they appear on the webpage / profile, and block any inappropriate messages and, if necessary, report them to the service provider.
• include contact details on the webpage / profile so people can contact the organisation directly, including a website address and telephone number, in order for users to get in touch and verify the organisation
• take all possible measures not to target or encourage potential users who are likely to be under the minimum age for the social media service (which is usually 13 years old), and report underage users to the service provider and to the young person's parents (if possible);
• not accept 'friend' requests from underage children
• not ask users to divulge any personal details - including home and email addresses, schools or mobile numbers - that may help locate a child, young person or adult at risk
IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
If an accident occurs, workers should report the accident to a senior manager. The senior manager will take responsibility for the following:
● Seeking medical attention, if necessary, and calling 999.
● Recording the accident in the accident book.
● Informing the parent/carer/emergency contact, unless there is concern for the safety of the young person.
The effects of any accident or incidence of abuse on the rest of the young people in the group should not be underestimated, and appropriate explanations given, bearing in mind the importance of confidentiality.
RESPONDING TO SAFEGUARDING CONCERNS
You may become concerned about a person for a number of reasons:
● A young person may tell (disclose) that s/he or someone else has been, is being or may be abused or harmed
There may be concerns due to the person’s behaviour or presentation
Concerns may be raised about the behaviour of an adult, who may be a member of staff, volunteer, another professional or a member of the public.
● A parent, carer, relative or member of the public might share their concerns about a young person.
In all cases if you believe a young person has been, is being or may be harmed, you report your concerns using the following procedures:
If a young person, member of the public or colleague makes an accusation of abuse:
● Stay calm; listen carefully to what is being said.
● Find an appropriate early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others. Do not promise to keep secrets.
● Allow the young person to continue at his/her own pace.
● Ask questions for clarification only. Try to use the TED method, asking questions that start with “Tell”, “Explain” or “Describe”. Avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer.
● Reassure the person that they have done the right thing in telling you.
● Tell them what you will do next and with whom the information will be shared.
● Using the Safeguarding Report - Appendix One record in writing what was said using the young person’s own words, note the date, time, any names mentioned, to whom the information was given and ensure that the record is signed and dated. Report with the form to the designated person at the earliest opportunity.
● If you consider it unsafe for the young person to leave your care, the designated person should contact Social Services immediately to discuss putting safety measures into effect.
Concerns (No Disclosure): If you become concerned about a young person due to the young person’s behaviour, presentation, or other reason:
● Do not trivialise or dismiss your concerns - Information that may seem trivial can frequently form the missing piece of the puzzle and lead to protective action being taken.
● If the behaviour may be sexually or psychologically harmful to other young people do not explain it away as ‘normal teenage behaviour’
● Report your concerns to your Designated Person as soon as you can.
If you feel a young person may be going to tell you about abuse, but then stops or tells you something else, let them know that you are always ready to listen to them and/or remind them of the Childline number: 0800 1111. You should report your suspicions to a supervisor or Designated Person as soon as possible.
Who You Should Report To:
Volunteers and any other non-paid workers should report their concerns to the supervising staff member for the activity. The supervising staff member will take lead responsibility for carrying out the Safeguarding Reporting Procedures. If allegations are made against the supervising staff member, concerns should be reported directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the BCB Trustees.
All concerns should be reported to Brixton Community Based Designated Safeguarding Lead (See roles and contact details below). The Designated Safeguarding Lead will:
● Inform the Trustees about any issues requiring an outside referral.
● If the allegation is against a worker or other participant in the project, suspend him/her from the project pending investigation.
● Report any allegations against a worker to the Designated Trustee.
● Agree with the lead staff member a plan of action and make a note of this plan.
● Keep records of disclosure secure and confidential
● Contact police if it is suspected that a crime has been committed or will be committed imminently.
● Call 999 if a young person is in immediate threat of harm (including self-harm)
● In the case of suspecting that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has taken place or will take place imminently, reporting to 101, asking for the FGM Protection Unit
● Contact emergency services if there is a need for immediate medical attention (including for mental health emergencies)
● Consult with Lambeth Social Services, Lambeth Safeguarding Board, and other partner organisations as necessary.
If the Designated Safeguarding Leads are not available, the Designated Safeguarding Lead Trustee should undertake the responsibilities described above.
Referrals to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub:
The Designated Safeguarding Leads should first seek consent from parents/carers before a referral, unless they feel seeking consent would put the child at further risk of harm or cause unnecessary delay.
If a child is in immediate threat of harm, the Designated Safeguarding Leads, or senior worker present should call emergency services immediately.
Allegations Against Workers: It is VERY IMPORTANT you do not ignore or dismiss concerns or suspicions about another professional or colleague, however well or little you know them, or whatever position they may occupy in their organisation, including volunteers. Concerns do not need to meet the threshold of suspected abuse to be reported. If you are concerned that another worker is not abiding by safeguarding practices, whether intentionally or unintentionally, you must report this.
Any concerns regarding a worker should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead Trustee (roles and contact details below.)
The Trustees will:
● Assess the information quickly and carefully, seeking further information from facilitators, staff, volunteers, young people, parents, or carers as appropriate.
● Ensure that the steps set out above have been taken and take these steps if necessary.
● If the allegations are against a staff member, suspend the staff member whilst the matter is investigated.
● If, after investigation, the staff member is found to have seriously breached the safeguarding policy, dismissing the staff member under grounds of gross misconduct.
Further Concerns and Whistleblowing: All staff, freelancers and volunteers should feel responsible for raising safeguarding concerns should they arise. Your role with Brixton Community Based, whether paid or unpaid, will not be at risk because you have raised or escalated your concerns.
If you are dissatisfied with the response to any of your concerns above, raise these again with your Designated Safeguarding Lead.
If you have concerns about how Child Protection matters are being handled at and do not feel that your concerns have been or will be acted on appropriately, you can contact the NSPCC’s Whistleblowing Advice Line to discuss your concerns: 0800 028 0285.
CONTACTS FOR REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE
Brixton Community Based Designated Safeguarding Leads
Max Gold maximjgbrandon@hotmail.com 07960964558
David Baker info@brixtonyouththeatre.com
Designated Trustee Safeguarding Lead:
Caroline Funnell (Chair of Trustees) carolinefunnell@btinternet.com 07958 448690
Lambeth Council Children and Young Peoples Services
Tel: 020 7926 5555 (Option 2)
NSPCC – Reporting Concerns
Tel: 0808 800 5000
Police
Child Protection Team
Brixton Police Station, 367 Brixton Road SW9 7DD Tel: 0207 326 1212
Protect
www.protect-advice.org.uk / 020 3117 2520
I have read and understood this policy.
Signed (staff member or volunteer):
Date:
21st July 2025
Policy Review
Approved by Board of Trustees: July 2025, next review: July 2026, or in line with any developments in child protection (whichever comes first).
Appendix one
Brixton Community Based Safeguarding Concern Reporting Form
Reporter’s Details
Name:
Role at Brixton Community Based:
Date and time of report:
Contact details:
Details of Individual at Risk
Name of child/young person/adult at risk (if known):
Date of birth or approximate age:
Any known support needs, vulnerabilities or risk factors:
Nature of Concern
Date and time concern was raised or observed:
Location of incident or concern:
How did the concern arise (e.g. disclosure, observation, third-party report):
Summary of concern:
(Include exact words used if a disclosure was made. Avoid interpretations—stick to factual content.)
Any visible injuries or evidence noted:
Immediate Actions Taken
Was emergency action required? (Yes/No)
If yes, what was done and by whom:
Were safeguarding leads or emergency services informed immediately?
Names of staff or others involved in initial response:
Referral
Name of Designated Safeguarding Lead informed:
Date and time informed:
Advice or direction received:
Was referral to external agency made? If yes, provide details (e.g. Early Help, Social Care, Police):
Reporter Declaration
I confirm that this report is accurate to the best of my knowledge and has been completed in line with Brixton Community Based’s Safeguarding Policy.
Signature:
Date:
This form should be stored securely and submitted directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.