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Safeguarding Policy

 

  1. Policy Statement

The LoveReading Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

The Foundation believes that every child has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or background.

Whilst the Foundation does not routinely provide direct services to children, it recognises its responsibility to operate safely and ensure that safeguarding considerations are embedded within its grant-making, partnerships and charitable activities.

  1. Purpose

This policy sets out how The LoveReading Foundation will:

  • Promote the welfare and safety of children and young people.
  • Ensure safeguarding is considered in funding and partnership decisions.
  • Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
  • Meet its responsibilities as a charitable organisation.

  1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Trustees.
  • Committee members.
  • Employees (if appointed).
  • Consultants and contractors acting on behalf of the Foundation.
  • Volunteers acting on behalf of the Foundation.

The policy applies whenever individuals are acting on behalf of the Foundation.

  1. Safeguarding Principles

The Foundation will:

  • Place the welfare of children and young people at the centre of its activities.
  • Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
  • Promote a culture of openness and accountability.
  • Ensure safeguarding considerations form part of grant-making and partnership decisions.
  • Act appropriately and proportionately where concerns arise.
  • Comply with relevant legislation and Charity Commission guidance.

  1. Role of the Foundation

The Foundation is primarily a grant-making and partnership organisation.

The Foundation does not normally:

  • Provide direct services to children.
  • Supervise children.
  • Undertake regulated activity with children.
  • Provide childcare or youth work services.

Accordingly, safeguarding responsibilities will generally focus on:

  • Due diligence of grant recipients.
  • Partner organisation safeguarding arrangements.
  • Safe management of Foundation events and activities.
  • Appropriate reporting of concerns.

  1. Responsibilities of Trustees

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for safeguarding.

Trustees will:

  • Ensure safeguarding risks are considered and managed.
  • Review safeguarding arrangements periodically.
  • Ensure appropriate safeguarding requirements are included in grant-making and partnership processes.
  • Promote a culture of safeguarding awareness.

The Board will appoint a designated Safeguarding Trustee.

The Safeguarding Trustee will:

  • Act as the Board’s safeguarding lead.
  • Advise the Board on safeguarding matters.
  • Ensure safeguarding concerns are handled appropriately.
  • Review safeguarding policies and procedures annually.

  1. Grant Making and Due Diligence

Where grants are awarded to organisations working with children and young people, the Foundation will normally require confirmation that recipients:

  • Have an appropriate safeguarding policy.
  • Have safeguarding procedures and reporting arrangements in place.
  • Comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain appropriate safeguarding responsibilities for staff and volunteers.

Safeguarding considerations will form part of the Foundation’s due diligence process.

The Foundation reserves the right to request additional safeguarding information where appropriate.

  1. Partnerships and Events

Where the Foundation participates in or organises events involving children or young people, appropriate safeguarding arrangements will be considered.

The Foundation will seek assurance that host organisations have suitable safeguarding procedures in place.

  1. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Any trustee, volunteer, adviser or representative who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern connected with the Foundation’s activities must report it immediately to:

  • The Chair of Trustees; and/or
  • The Safeguarding Trustee.

The Foundation will:

  • Take concerns seriously.
  • Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
  • Seek advice from relevant safeguarding professionals where necessary.
  • Refer concerns to appropriate authorities when required.

The Foundation will not investigate safeguarding allegations itself unless specifically advised to do so by the relevant authorities.

  1. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and in accordance with:

  • UK GDPR.
  • Data Protection legislation.
  • The Foundation’s Data Protection Policy.

Information will only be shared where necessary and appropriate.

  1. Training and Awareness

Trustees will receive appropriate safeguarding awareness information as part of their induction.

The Board will periodically review safeguarding responsibilities and training needs.

  1. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees or sooner if required by changes in legislation, guidance or Foundation activities.