Safeguarding policy

Scope

This policy applies to staff, contractors, volunteers, facilitators, and partners acting for Founderland. It covers in-person events, online programmes, community spaces, and partner-delivered sessions. Programmes primarily serve adults; where participants are aged 16 or 17, appropriate safeguards apply.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Managing Director is Founderland’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Report concerns to hello@founderland.org. The DSL receives and acts on concerns, maintains secure records, contacts external agencies where necessary, and reviews this policy annually.

Recognising concern

Abuse may include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm and neglect. Anyone who witnesses or suspects harm must not ignore it, investigate independently, or promise confidentiality. Report it promptly to the DSL. Contact emergency services first where there is immediate danger.

Responding to a concern

• Listen and record what was shared accurately and without interpretation.
• Assess whether police, child-protection services, or another statutory authority must be contacted.
• Take action within 24 hours.
• Maintain confidentiality and share information only with people who need to know.
• Document concerns and store records securely.

Safer recruitment and induction

Founderland takes reasonable steps to ensure people working with participants are suitable, including reference checks for staff and key contractors and policy briefings before engagement.

Behaviour and conduct

• Treat every participant with dignity and respect.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Never engage in grooming, harassment, exploitation, or conduct that could reasonably be understood that way.
• Do not be alone with a 16- or 17-year-old in a private, unobserved setting.
• Use official Founderland channels and do not share personal contact details outside programme contexts.

Photography, film, and communications

Founderland may document programmes for communications, reporting, and educational resources. Explicit consent is required before photographing or filming participants; written consent is required for participants aged 16 or 17. Identifying material is not shared without consent, and consent may be withdrawn.

Online safety

Digital programmes follow the same standards as in-person work. Facilitators must not contact young participants through personal accounts or private channels. Group communications must be visible to another Founderland team member.

Concerns about Founderland

Concerns about a staff member, contractor, or partner may be reported to the DSL at hello@founderland.org. If a concern relates directly to the DSL, contact a Founderland board member or the relevant statutory authority.

Linked policies and review

Read this alongside the Privacy Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy. The Managing Director reviews it annually or sooner after a significant change in programmes, team, or legal context.