Last update: 29 March, 2023
XSIGHTS abides by the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. We are committed to safeguarding practices that reflect statutory responsibilities and government guidelines, and that comply with best practices related to working directly with children as subjects of research. We recognize that:
- The welfare of children is paramount in all the work we do and in all the decisions we make
- All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse
- Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous life experiences/traumas, their level of dependency, communication skills, or other issues
- Working in partnership with children, adolescents, their parents, caretakers and the agencies that may support or represent them, is essential to promoting the safety and welfare of children and young people.
Purpose
This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of XSIGHTS, including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students. Failure to comply with the policy and related procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from working with the organisation.
Definitions
The UK’s Children Act 1989 definition of a child is: anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday, even if they are living independently, are a member of the armed forces or is in hospital.
Child and Adult Abuse: Children and adults may be vulnerable to neglect and abuse or exploitation from within their family and from individuals they come across in their daily lives. There are 4 main categories of abuse, which are: sexual, physical, emotional abuse, and neglect. It is important to be aware of more specific types of abuse that fall within these categories, they are:
- Bullying and cyberbullying
- Child sexual exploitation
- Child Criminal exploitation
- Child trafficking
- Domestic abuse
- Female genital mutilation
- Grooming
- Historical abuse
- Online abuse
Safeguarding children: Safeguarding children is defined in as:
- protecting children from maltreatment.
- preventing impairment of children’s health or development.
- ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
- taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.
Safeguarding as Part of the Deal
In safeguarding children, XSIGHTS is committed to the principles of ESOMAR.
Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in every country we work in compliance with local legislation.
XSIGHTS should have in place arrangements that reflect the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people as well as vulnerable adults.
Training and Awareness
XSIGHTS will ensure an appropriate level of safeguarding training is available to its Trustees, Employees, Volunteers and any relevant persons linked to the organisation who requires it (e.g. contractors).
For all employees who are working or volunteering with children, this requires them as a minimum to have awareness training that enables them to:
- Understand what safeguarding is and their role in safeguarding children.
- Recognise a child potentially in need of safeguarding and take action.
- Understand how to report a safeguarding alert.
- Understand dignity and respect when working with children.
- Have knowledge of the Safeguarding Children Policy.
Similarly, employees and volunteers may encounter concerns about the safety and wellbeing of an adult at risk of abuse. For more information about adults safeguarding, refer to XSIGHTS Adults Safeguarding Policy.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
XSIGHTS expects all employees, volunteers and trustees to maintain confidentiality. Information will only be shared in line with the data protection rules and regulations of the countries where XSIGHTS, our clients and our donors work. However, information should be shared with the Local Authority if a child is deemed to be at risk of harm or contact the police if they are in immediate danger, or a crime has been committed
Recording and Record Keeping
A written record must be kept about any concern regarding an adult with safeguarding needs. This must include details of the person involved, the nature of the concern and the actions taken, decision made and why they were made.
All records must be signed and dated. All records must be securely and confidentially stored in line with Data Protection Policy.
Safe Recruitment & Selection
XSIGHTS is committed to safe employment and safe recruitment practices, that reduce the risk of harm to children from people unsuitable to work with them or have contact with them.
Use of Mobile Phones and other Digital Technology
All employees, trustees and volunteers should be aware of XSIGHTS’ policy and procedures regarding the use of mobile phones and any digital technology and understand that it is unlawful to photograph children and young people without the explicit consent of the person with parental responsibilities.
Whistleblowing
It is important that people within XSIGHTS have the confidence to come forward to speak or act if they are unhappy with anything. Whistle blowing occurs when a person raises a concern about dangerous or illegal activity, or any wrong- doing within their organisation. This includes concerns about another employee or volunteer.