All our staff and volunteers, including contractors and partner agencies, are required to take shared responsibility for the welfare of children who are encountered in the course of our work.
Some of our staff are in a direct position of trust, in particular those who support, guide or in any way interact with children and young people either in the West Kent workplace or in the community.
This policy sets out how we will promote the welfare of children and young people and be vigilant of and report any child protection concerns.
Here's what you need to know
Our responsibilities
- Act quickly on any safeguarding concerns.
- Work with local authorities and safeguarding boards.
- Train staff to recognise signs of abuse or neglect.
- Keep children’s information confidential and secure.
Your responsibilities
- Report concerns about a child’s safety immediately.
- Share accurate information when asked for safeguarding purposes.
- Cooperate with investigations if needed.
Types of abuse we act on
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
- Neglect or abandonment.
- Exploitation, including online risks.
- Harmful cultural practices (e.g., FGM, forced marriage).
How we support families
- Listen and take concerns seriously.
- Offer advice and referrals to specialist services.
- Work with agencies to create a safety plan for the child.
If a child is at risk
- Contact us immediately. Child safety is our top priority.
- We can involve emergency services if necessary.