Safeguarding & Child Protection

Our Commitment

Rising Horizons CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all young people who engage with our programmes. We believe that every young person has the right to be protected from abuse, harm, and exploitation.

Policy Statement

We will:

• Ensure all staff and volunteers are properly vetted and trained
• Maintain safe recruitment practices including DBS checks
• Provide clear guidelines for appropriate behaviour
• Create safe environments for all activities
• Respond promptly to any concerns or allegations
• Work closely with parents, guardians, and relevant authorities

Safe Recruitment

All staff and volunteers working with young people must:

• Complete an enhanced DBS check
• Provide suitable references
• Complete safeguarding training
• Sign our Code of Conduct

Recognising Abuse

We train our team to recognise signs of:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Online abuse
• Peer-on-peer abuse

Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about a young person's welfare:

• Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately
• All concerns will be taken seriously and investigated
• We follow statutory guidance and work with local safeguarding partnerships

Contact: info@risinghz.com

Online Safety

• Ensure appropriate use of technology in our programmes
• Provide guidance on staying safe online
• Monitor online interactions in our programmes
• Educate young people about online risks

Photography and Social Media

• Obtain written consent before photographing young people
• Never share full names with photographs on social media
• Store images securely
• Respect the right to withdraw consent

International Travel

For programmes involving international travel, we:

• Conduct thorough risk assessments
• Obtain parental consent and emergency contacts
• Ensure appropriate supervision ratios
• Have emergency procedures in place
• Provide comprehensive travel insurance

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect best practice and legal requirements.