Brixton Community Based Staff and Volunteer Handbook: Safeguarding Procedures

Brixton Community Based Staff and Volunteer Handbook: Safeguarding Procedures

Purpose 

This handbook outlines how to uphold safeguarding principles in your role at Brixton Community Based, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all children, young people, and adult participants under 25.

Core Principles 

·       Children and young people must be protected from abuse, harm, and neglect 

·       Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility 

·       Inclusivity, respect, and vigilance are embedded in every activity

Your Responsibilities 

·       Follow the safeguarding policy at all times 

·       Attend safeguarding training appropriate to your role 

·       Report concerns, disclosures, or inappropriate behaviour promptly 

·       Maintain boundaries and avoid private relationships with young participants 

·       Cooperate fully with risk assessments and safeguarding updates

DBS and Safer Recruitment 

All staff and volunteers undergo interviews and reference checks 

You will need an Enhanced DBS check. If you have one from another organisation, it must be dated within 2 years or registered with the DBS Update Service

Communication and Boundaries 

·       Never contact participants outside of Brixton Community Based programmes 

·       Do not follow or ‘friend’ participants on social media 

·       Use professional email and messaging channels only 

·       Maintain appropriate language and topics in all interactions 

·       Physical contact must be appropriate, consensual, and never initiated when alone

Supervision and Ratios 

·       Follow Brixton Community Based supervision guidelines 

·       Ratio: minimum 1 adult to 8 children (under 12); 1 to 10 (age 13 and over) 

·       Avoid being alone with a young person unless necessary. In such cases: 

o   Leave doors open

o   Stay within sight or hearing of others 

o   Inform a colleague 

o   Record the interaction if it relates to concerns or wellbeing

Handling Disclosures or Concerns 

If a young person discloses abuse or harm: 

·       Stay calm and listen carefully 

·       Do not promise confidentiality 

·       Ask only open questions (Tell, Explain, Describe) 

·       Record what was said in their own words 

·       Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

If you notice signs or feel concerned: 

·       Report concerns, even if they feel minor 

·       Do not delay or dismiss unusual behaviour 

·       Do not attempt to investigate yourself

Accidents and Incidents 

·       Report accidents to a senior manager immediately 

·       Record in the accident book 

·       Notify the parent or carer unless unsafe to do so 

·       Ensure confidentiality and sensitivity with the wider group

Online Safety and Technology 

·       Monitor use of devices during sessions 

·       Support safe behaviour on social media and online activities 

·       Never ask participants to share personal details online 

·       Use official Brixton Community Based accounts for any digital communication or content

Photography and Use of Images 

·       Images may only be taken with written parent or guardian consent 

·       Never use full names or identifying details publicly 

·       All media must be stored securely in line with the Data Protection Policy

Reporting Abuse or Unsafe Practice 

·       You must report concerns about any staff, volunteer, or participant’s conduct 

·       Concerns do not need to meet an abuse threshold to be valid 

·       Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately

Whistleblowing and Support 

Raising safeguarding concerns will never put your role at risk 

If internal concerns are not addressed, contact: 

NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line – 0800 028 0285 

Protect (UK whistleblowing charity) – www.protect-advice.org.uk / 020 3117 2520

Key Contacts 

Designated Safeguarding Leads 

Max Gold – 07960 964558 / maximjgbrandon@hotmail.com 

David Baker – info@brixtonyouththeatre.com 

Safeguarding Trustee Lead 

Caroline Funnell – 07958 448690 / carolinefunnell@btinternet.com 

Emergency Contacts 

Lambeth Council Children Services – 020 7926 5555 

NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000 

Police Child Protection Team (Brixton) – 0207 326 1212

Document Review 
Approved by Board of Trustees: July 2025 next review: July 2026 or earlier if guidance changes.