Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

Technology Books for Children is committed to safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved in its activities, especially children and vulnerable individuals. This policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe environment and sets out the principles guiding our approach.

Lead Trustee

A designated trustee will oversee safeguarding responsibilities and lead incident investigations and reporting. Our Lead Trustee is Abena Akuffo-Kelly.

Applicability

This policy applies to all individuals working on behalf of Technology Books for Children, including trustees, volunteers and employees. Partner organisations are expected to maintain their own safeguarding procedures, meeting or exceeding the standards outlined in this document.

Our Policy

• Everyone involved in our work should be safe from abuse, harm, neglect or exploitation. Technology Books for Children has a zero tolerance approach to abuse.  Abuse may include physical, emotional, financial, sexual or institutional harm, including neglect and exploitation.

• It is our collective responsibility to promote a safe environment and protect all beneficiaries, staff and volunteers.
• We provide a safe physical environment for children and vulnerable people when running events, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
• Everyone should feel confident and supported to voice concerns.
• All volunteers and staff are required to report any suspected abuse and to be aware of the mechanism for reporting.
• We are committed to working with appropriate agencies and the police to ensure the reporting of abuse.
• We commit to respond to any concerns sensitively and act quickly to address them.

• Staff, volunteers and trustees must prioritise online safety by using secure systems and appropriate privacy settings.
• Personal data must be managed in compliance with data protection laws.
• Consent must be obtained from an appropriate adult or organisation before using images or videos on digital platforms.
• Mechanisms for reporting online concerns are clearly communicated.
• We ensure that all appointments that require DBS clearance and safeguarding training are identified, including the level of DBS and any training required.
• We keep a central register that is maintained and subject to regular monitoring to ensure that DBS clearances and training are kept up-to-date.
• Ensure that safeguarding requirements (e.g. DBS) and responsibilities are reflected in job descriptions, appraisal objectives and personal development plans, as appropriate.
• Listen to and engage, beneficiaries, staff, volunteers and others and involve them as appropriate.
• Appropriate Safeguarding training is provided to volunteers and staff as part of their induction.  Safeguarding refresher courses will also be run every three years.
• This policy must be read alongside other applicable Technology Books for Children policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Trustees:

• Review and approve this policy annually or as needed.
• Comply with all safeguarding-related legal and regulatory requirements.
• Assign a lead trustee responsible for oversight and regular reporting.
• Promote a culture of respect and openness.
• Ensure safeguarding risk assessments are integrated into risk management processes. Use the appendix risk assessment template, when conducting a risk assessment.
• Oversee recruitment procedures, including DBS checks and safeguarding training for relevant roles.
• Trustees are aware of and will comply with the Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding and protecting people and also the 10 actions trustee boards need to take to ensure good safeguarding governance. 

Everyone:

• You behave appropriately at all times
• You always keep members of staff/volunteers aware of where you are and what you are doing
• Understand safeguarding procedures and undertake necessary training.
• You do not do things of a personal nature which a child or a vulnerable person can do for themselves
• You do not take photos or film of any child or vulnerable person for your personal use
• Be vigilant about potential risks and signs of abuse and report concerns promptly to the designated Safeguarding Officer

Reporting Concerns

• In emergencies: Call the police if a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger.
• For beneficiaries or the public: Concerns should be reported to a member of the team, who will escalate them to a senior member of Technology Books for Children and the lead trustee for Safeguarding, who will follow procedure.
• For internal staff: Concerns should be reported to the Chair of trustees, who will work with the lead trustee for Safeguarding.. Trustees will ensure compliance with reporting obligations to regulatory bodies, such as the Charity Commission.

• For everyone: The lead trustee for Safeguarding will fulfil their responsibilities, to ensure that children and those vulnerable are protected from harm. The lead trustee for Safeguarding will follow up on all suspected reports of abuse.

Contact Details:

Chair of Trustees

• Rebecca Franks – Rebecca@TechnologyBooksforChildren.Org

Lead Trustee (Safeguarding)

• Abena Akuffo-Kelly – Abena@TechnologyBooksforChildren.org

Version Control and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and as needed to ensure effectiveness and compliance.