Contents
- Safeguarding Policy
- Safeguarding Statement
- Key Personnel
- Terminology
- Introduction
- Policy Principles
- Policy Aims
- Values
- Safe Treads, Safe Staff
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Confidentiality
- Child Protection Procedures
- Children who are particularly vulnerable
- Anti‑Bullying/Cyberbullying
- Racist Incidents
- Radicalisation & Extremism
- Domestic Abuse
- Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
- Forced Marriages
- Honour based Abuse
- One Chance Rule
- Mental Health
- Child on child sexual violence and sexual harassment
- Youth produced sexual imagery (Sexting)
- Allegations against staff
- Whistle blowing
- Physical intervention
- Confidentiality, sharing information and GDPR
Appendix 1 Recognising signs of child abuse
Appendix 2 Sexual Abuse & Sexual Harassment
Appendix 3 Exploitation (including CSE/CCE and county lines)
Appendix 4 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Appendix 5 Domestic Abuse
Appendix 6 Indicators of vulnerability to radicalisation
Appendix 7 Record Keeping: Best practice for DSL
Appendix 8 Level of training
Appendix 9 Concern Form, Contact Monitoring Form, Safeguarding Overview
1. Safeguarding Policy
Treads is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people who engage with our services. This includes providing a safe environment, preventing harm, recognising concerns early and responding appropriately when concerns arise. Our approach reflects our duties under relevant child safeguarding law and guidance and aligns with local multi‑agency safeguarding procedures for Dorset and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP). (https:// Pandorset.trixonline.co.uk/ )
This policy applies to all Treads activities and settings, including:
- drop‑in support and 1:1 work
- group sessions and workshops
- outreach and off‑site activities
- phone/online contact and social media interactions (see also our E‑Safety arrangements where applicable)
This policy must be read alongside:
- Staff Code of Conduct / Behaviour guidance
- Safer recruitment and DBS processes
- E‑Safety Policy (where used)
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Risk assessments for activities/venues
2. Safeguarding Statement
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. Treads believes that:
- Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
- The welfare of the child is paramount in all the work we do.
- All children and young people—regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, background or life circumstances—have an equal right to protection from harm.
Treads will take all reasonable steps to provide safe environments and to respond swiftly and proportionately to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, allegations or incidents.
3. Key Personnel
3.1 Designated Safeguarding Roles (internal reporting)
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Libby Lloyd
Tel: 07766224165
Email: youthsupport@treads.org.uk
Deputy / Alternate Safeguarding Lead: Matthew Aplin
Tel: 07762185753
Email: admin@treads.org.uk
If the concern involves the DSL: report to the Deputy/Alternate immediately and follow the “Allegations against staff” and “Whistleblowing” processes.
3.2 Trustees / Board safeguarding oversight
The Trustees hold ultimate responsibility for safeguarding arrangements, including ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed and resourced, and that a trustee lead for safeguarding is in place (role name Melaine Turland recorded in Trustee minutes).
4. Terminology
- Child / young person: Anyone under the age of 18.
- Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of health or development; ensuring safe and effective care; and taking action to enable best outcomes.
- Child protection: Part of safeguarding, focused on children who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm.
- Position of trust: Any adult working/volunteering with children where concerns about their behaviour may indicate risk (includes paid/unpaid/agency/self‑employed).
- DSL: The named person responsible for safeguarding leadership within Treads.
5. Introduction
5.1 Local safeguarding arrangements (Pan‑Dorset context)
In July 2024 the Pan‑Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership separated into two partnerships:
- Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership (Dorset SCP) and
- BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership (BCP SCP),
with some shared “Pan‑Dorset” activity (e.g., training and core procedures).
Treads follows the relevant local partnership procedures and the BCP/Dorset procedures manual hosted on tri.x. (paindorset.trixolnline.co.uk and pandorsetscptrixonline.co.uk)
5.2 Purpose of this policy
This policy:
- sets out how Treads prevents harm
- explains how to recognise and respond to concerns
- defines roles, responsibilities and reporting routes
- sets expectations for safe practice and record keeping
6. Policy Principles
Treads’ safeguarding practice is built on the following principles:
- Welfare is paramount: the child’s safety comes first.
- Listening culture: children and young people are listened to and taken seriously.
- Early action: concerns are acted on promptly; small concerns are recorded because patterns matter.
- Partnership: safeguarding is best delivered through multi‑agency working in line with local procedures.
- Respect & inclusion: we safeguard all children and young people equally, considering individual needs, identity and circumstances.
- Safer workforce: robust recruitment, induction, supervision and training reduce risk.
- Confidentiality with safeguards: information is shared when needed to protect a child.
7. Policy Aims
Treads aims to:
- Provide a safe and welcoming environment where young people feel able to talk and seek help.
- Ensure staff/volunteers understand safeguarding responsibilities and know how to report concerns.
- Ensure concerns are recorded, monitored and escalated appropriately in line with local procedures.
- Promote safe practice, professional boundaries and a culture of challenge and accountability.
- Work with families and partner agencies to promote welfare and reduce risk.
8. Values
Treads recognises that children who experience harm, neglect, abuse or exploitation may feel helpless, ashamed, fearful, or blame themselves. We will:
- promote self‑esteem and resilience without excusing harmful behaviour
- support children to access appropriate help
- seek to make adjustments for communication needs, disability, language, culture and faith considerations
- ensure our practice is trauma‑informed, respectful and consistent
9. Safe Treads, Safe Staff
Treads maintains a safe culture through:
- annual read‑and‑sign of this policy and staff Code of Conduct
- induction including safeguarding and reporting routes
- supervision/support and refresher learning
- safe use of technology/online contact boundaries
- risk assessments for activities and venues
- visible signposting (internal) showing who the DSL is and how to report concerns
10. Roles & Responsibilities
10.1 All staff and volunteers
All staff and volunteers must:
- take action if they have a concern—never assume someone else will
- report concerns to the DSL (or Deputy if DSL unavailable)
- record concerns promptly, factually and securely (Appendix 9 templates)
- maintain professional boundaries and follow safe practice guidance
- participate in required safeguarding learning
10.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The DSL:
- provides advice and support to staff/volunteers
- decides on actions and referrals to Children’s Social Care and/or Police
- ensures records are complete, stored securely and reviewed
- liaises with safeguarding partners and supports multi‑agency working
- ensures staff receive safeguarding updates and training appropriate to role
- ensures allegations against adults in a position of trust are referred appropriately (LADO)
(Record‑keeping duties and standards are detailed in Appendix 7.)
10.3 Trustees
Trustees must ensure:
- safeguarding arrangements are effective and resourced
- policies are reviewed and updated
- a culture exists where concerns can be raised and acted upon
- safer recruitment and DBS processes are in place
- serious incidents and safeguarding learning are reviewed and improvements made
11. Confidentiality
- Staff must never promise to keep secrets if information suggests a child is at risk.
- Information is shared on a need‑to‑know basis, proportionately, to protect children.
- Where appropriate and safe, the DSL will explain to the child/parent what information will be shared and why.
12. Child Protection Procedures
12.1 Recognise → Respond → Record → Refer (the 4Rs)
Recognise: Notice indicators, changes, disclosures, third‑party information.
Respond: Listen calmly; reassure; avoid leading questions; explain next steps.
Record: Write factual notes ASAP using child’s words where possible; sign/date.
Refer: DSL/Deputy contacts Children’s Social Care/Police as needed.
12.2 If a child is in immediate danger
Call 999. Then inform the DSL as soon as it is safe to do so.
12.3 Internal reporting (Treads)
All concerns must be reported to:
- DSL (Libby Lloyd) or
- Deputy/Alternate (Matthew Aplin) if DSL unavailable.
12.4 External reporting routes (Dorset and BCP)
Dorset Council area (Family Support and Advice Line): 01305 228558
Out of hours emergencies: 01305 221000 [dorsetcouncil.gov.uk], [pdscp.co.uk]
BCP Council area (Children’s First Response Hub): 01202 123334
Email: childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Out of hours: 01202 738256
Email (OOH): childrensOOHS@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Police: Emergency 999 / Non‑emergency 101.
Staff should follow the local tri.x procedures for referrals and thresholds. Pandorsetswcp.trixonline.co.uk
12.5 Notifying parents/carers
Treads will usually involve parents/carers unless doing so would:
- increase risk to the child or someone else
- interfere with a police investigation
- increase risk in cases such as forced marriage/honour‑based abuse
In these cases, the DSL will seek advice from Children’s Social Care and/or Police before parental contact.
12.6 If you disagree with a decision / no response
If a referral has been made and the child’s situation does not improve, the DSL will escalate in line with local procedures. [pdscp.co.uk].
13. Children who are particularly vulnerable
Treads recognises some children may face increased risk or additional barriers to disclosure, including children who are disabled, have SEND, are young carers, experience domestic abuse, are missing, at risk of exploitation, or face mental health difficulties. We will take additional care to:
- create accessible and trusted pathways for disclosure
- consider contextual risk (outside the home/online/community)
- seek early support and multi‑agency input as needed
14. Anti‑Bullying/Cyberbullying
Treads does not tolerate bullying in any form. Any bullying that raises safeguarding concerns (e.g., threats, coercion, sexual harassment, hate incidents, exploitation) is treated as a safeguarding concern and follows the reporting procedures in Section 12.
15. Racist Incidents
Racist incidents are recorded and responded to promptly. Where an incident indicates risk of significant harm, harassment, coercion or exploitation, the DSL will follow safeguarding procedures and liaise with partner agencies as necessary.
16. Radicalisation & Extremism
Treads recognises radicalisation as a safeguarding issue. If staff suspect a child may be vulnerable to radicalisation:
- report to the DSL immediately
- record concerns factually
- DSL seeks advice and follows local safeguarding procedures (tri.x)
If immediate risk: call 999. For non‑urgent police advice: 101 - (Indicators are included at Appendix 6.)
17. Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can cause significant harm to children who witness or experience it. Concerns are recorded and reported to the DSL. The DSL considers referral to Children’s Social Care where risk thresholds are met and supports signposting to specialist services.
18. Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
CSE and CCE are forms of abuse involving coercion/manipulation and imbalance of power. Staff must record indicators and report promptly to the DSL. The DSL will follow local exploitation procedures and make referrals where appropriate.
(Indicators are included in Appendix 3.)
19. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is illegal and is child abuse. Concerns must be reported to the DSL immediately. Where mandatory reporting applies, staff must follow legal reporting duties and ensure the DSL is informed.
(Information and signs are included in Appendix 4.)
20. Forced Marriages
Forced marriage is abuse and a safeguarding concern. Staff must report to the DSL. Parents/carers should not be informed if this could increase risk. The DSL will seek guidance from Children’s Social Care and/or Police.
21. Honour based Abuse
Honour‑based abuse is a human rights abuse and safeguarding concern. Staff must report to the DSL immediately and must not attempt mediation. Parental notification must be risk‑assessed and may be unsafe.
22. One Chance Rule
Staff understand that in cases like forced marriage, honour‑based abuse and FGM, there may be only one opportunity to act. Concerns must be reported without delay to protect life and prevent serious harm.
23. Mental Health
Mental health difficulties can be safeguarding indicators and/or consequences of harm. Staff should:
- report safeguarding‑related mental health concerns to the DSL
- consider self‑harm and suicidal risk as requiring immediate safeguarding action
- seek urgent medical/emergency support where needed
24. Child on child sexual violence and sexual harassment
Treads recognises that children may harm other children. Concerns will never be minimised as “banter”. Reports are treated seriously and followed through under Section 12 procedures. The DSL will seek appropriate multi‑agency advice and referral where indicated.
25. Youth produced sexual imagery (Sexting)
Any incident involving sexual imagery of under‑18s is treated as a safeguarding concern. Staff must:
- not view or forward imagery unnecessarily
- report immediately to the DSL
- record what is known and actions taken
The DSL will follow local guidance and determine referral to Police/Children’s Social Care based on risk thresholds.
26. Allegations against staff
Any allegation/concern that an adult in a position of trust has harmed or may harm a child must be reported immediately to the DSL (or Deputy if the allegation concerns the DSL). The DSL/Deputy will:
- consult the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
- follow local procedures and tri.x guidance before taking internal action that could compromise an investigation (pandorset.trixonline.co.uk)
26.1 Dorset LADO (Dorset Council area)
Tel: 01305 221122
Email: LADO@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
26.2 BCP LADO / Designated Officer (BCP area)
Tel: 01202 817600
Email: LADO@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
27. Whistle blowing
Treads expects staff/volunteers to raise concerns about unsafe practice, poor safeguarding culture, or failures to act. Concerns can be raised:
- with the DSL/Deputy
- with Trustees (where appropriate)
- externally where required (including NSPCC whistleblowing helpline where staff do not feel able to raise concerns internally)
No staff member will be penalised for raising concerns in good faith.
28. Physical intervention
Physical intervention is a last resort to prevent injury or serious harm. Any incident must be:
- proportionate and minimum necessary force
- recorded and reviewed
- considered under safeguarding/disciplinary procedures where appropriate
29. Confidentiality, sharing information and GDPR
Treads shares information to safeguard children in line with:
- data protection law (Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR)
- local safeguarding procedures and tri.x manual guidance [pandorset.trixonline.co.uk], (pandorsetscp.trixonline.co.uk)
Principles:
- necessary and proportionate
- relevant and adequate
- accurate and timely
- secure
Fear of sharing information must not obstruct protecting a child.
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Recognising signs of child abuse
Include categories: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, Neglect and key indicators, including behavioural changes and physical signs. (Use your existing indicator lists; ensure staff understand indicators are not proof but require action/recording.)
Appendix 2 – Sexual Abuse & Sexual Harassment
Clarifies developmental vs harmful/abusive behaviours; consent, power imbalance and coercion factors; and that disclosures are handled under Section 12.
Appendix 3 – Exploitation (CSE/CCE/County Lines)
Maintain your existing indicator list and ensure it links back to Section 18 and referral routes.
Appendix 4 – Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Maintain your FGM information, signs and one‑chance rule messaging; ensure reporting steps link to Section 12.
Appendix 5 – Domestic Abuse
Retain the explanation of impact on children and what to do; ensure safeguarding escalation routes match Section 12.
Appendix 6 – Indicators of vulnerability to radicalisation
Retain indicators and emphasise that concerns go to DSL and follow local procedures.
Appendix 7 – Record Keeping: Best practice for DSL
Keep your strong record‑keeping standards, including:
- factual, contemporaneous recording
- secure storage
- need‑to‑know access
- retention to 25th birthday (as per your current policy) [pandorsets...line.co.uk]
Also reference that tri.x procedures emphasise clear signposting and prompt referrals. [pandorset.trixonline.co.uk], [pandorsetscp.trixonline.co.uk]
Appendix 8 – Level of training
Retain your Level 1/2/3 approach and ensure it is implemented via induction + refreshers.
Appendix 9 – Forms/Templates
Retain and standardise your templates:
- Concern Form
- Contact Monitoring Form
- DSL Checklist
- Safeguarding Overview Sheet
Local reporting quick reference
Dorset (Family Support & Advice Line): 01305 228558
Dorset out of hours emergencies: 01305 221000
BCP First Response Hub: 01202 123334
BCP Out of Hours: 01202 738256
Police: 999 / 101
Dorset LADO: 01305 221122 / LADO@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
BCP LADO: 01202 817600 / LADO@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Updated 9 March 2026
Date to be reviewed 9 March 2027
Safeguarding Overview Sheet
Safeguarding Overview Sheet
(To be included in the child’s CP file when concerns are logged for the first time
Name of child:
DOB:
Date file created:
Nature of concern:
Other Known names:
Address:
Other family members:
Are any other child protection files held in Treads relating to this child or another child closely connected to him/her? Yes No
If yes, which files are relevant?
Name and contact number of Social Worker (Children’s Social Care) or CAF details
Name and contact number of any other agency workers involved:
Name of lead person responsible for reviewing this record:
|
Designated Safeguarding Lead checklist
Childs Name
DOB: | Address
Telephone
Email |
| Factual account of the incident or information, attached on concern form? | Yes No |
Opinion (substantiated), if appropriate?
| Yes No |
| Names and job titles of any other staff involved: | 1.
2.
3. |
With whom and when has the information been shared? Give names and job titles:
(Do not inform parents if there is a disclosure of abuse or concern about significant harm, unless agreed by Family Support-Social Care)
Referrals made to Pan Dorset Multi Agency Safeguarding and a Treads Child Protection File started.
|
|
Outcomes:
(Call Family Support – Social Care if they have not told you the outcome of a referral within a reasonable time) |
|
Chronology started on child’s file?
(A chronology shoul be started if there is a referral to Family Support – Social Care) | Yes No |
Where is the information to be filed?
| Any cross-reference to another file or child? |
DSL Name
| Signature |
Contact Monitoring Form
Beneficary’s Name: DOB: |
Your Name (Print) Date of contact
Time of contact
|
| Method of contact: (ie face to face, zoom, phone) |
Description of reason for contact and outcomes
|
Detail of follow up:
|
Appendix 8
MY Concern Records.
For all Trustees/staff/volunteers and visitors logging a concern/disclosure about a child’s welfare.
This form will be uploaded to My Concern Records
| Beneficary’s Name: DOB: |
| Date: Time |
Your Name (Print) Signature
|
| Job Title: |
Note the reason(s) for recording the incident/concern:
|
How and why did this happen? Leave blank if unsure
|
Note the action you have taken, including names and positions of anyone to whom your information was passed and when: (Do not inform parents unless agreed with DSL)
|
