Safeguarding Policy

Should you wish to report a safeguarding concern please contact us directly here.

LAST UPDATED: May 2021.

This Safeguarding Policy (‘Safeguarding Policy’ or ‘Policy’) describes the measures FLN takes to minimise the risk of Safeguarding incidents occurring and the steps FLN takes to monitor, investigate, report and respond to Safeguarding concerns should they arise.

This Safeguarding Policy should be read in conjunction with the Digital Safeguarding Policy.

Our commitment to Safeguarding

FLN considers that, without exception, it is unacceptable for any person, of any age, to experience any kind of abuse or exploitation and that safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and protecting them from harm is everyone’s responsibility.

This principle should be upheld whatever the variation in cultural and legal frameworks of the jurisdictions in which we operate and we expect every person and organisation we engage with to commit to and adopt this principle as their own.

FLN aims to foster a culture of Safeguarding, where everyone that works with FLN, for FLN, or comes into contact with FLN in any manner, feels comfortable to challenge behaviour that does not align with this principle, knows how to report concerns and feels that their concerns will be investigated appropriately.

The principles in this Policy have been drawn from key international and regional instruments such as the International Standards for Keeping Children Safe, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), and the Council of Europe Convention on Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (Lanzarote Convention).

The Board of Directors has agreed this Policy and will review it regularly, and as required, to ensure it always remains fit for purpose.

Who does this policy protect?

While everyone, without exception, has the right to protection from abuse, regardless of factors such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief or sex or sexual orientation, the focus of this policy is to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm. These categories are not mutually exclusive.

Children

FLN has adopted the definition provided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child that a Child is anyone under 18 years of age, irrespective of the laws and customs in their country of residence.

FLN does not work directly with children. We do not allow children to attend events, training or apply for any of our opportunities, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. We do occasionally provide funding and/or support to schools, but these resources are specifically for schools to use with their children.

Young People

FLN works with young people aged 18 - 35 years of age. Young people are considered by FLN to be any individuals who are within this age range.

Vulnerable Adult (or Adult at Risk)

An adult is vulnerable if they require protection and is, or may be, in need of protection by reason of age, illness, mental or other disability, and/or who lives with economic dependence, a conflict environment or cultural constraints.

We recognise that vulnerability can be a transient state, due to changes in environment, capacity or resources. Therefore we recognise that a person who was not before, may become vulnerable, that it is possible for vulnerability to be just temporary state, or be more pervasive.

Who does this Policy apply to?

This Policy applies to:

  • FLN Representatives: including board members, staff members, volunteers, consultants, contractors and partners.

  • FLN Visitors: those who visit FLN supported work with FLN’s knowledge and consent (including but not limited to journalists or supporters)

All such individuals and organisation are responsible for ensuring that Safeguarding is a priority and that the organisation is compliant with this Policy. FLN makes all such individuals and organisations aware of their responsibilities under this Policy on an on-going basis. FLN will retain a Safeguarding Lead.

The Board of Directors has ultimate accountability for safeguarding. The Board of Directors must act at all times in the best interests of those who FLN’s work is intended to support and assist. All Directors will receive training appropriate to their role. The Board of Directors will retain a Safeguarding Director.

What is abuse?

Abuse includes:

  • physical abuse - actual or likely physical injury, or the failure to prevent it;

  • emotional abuse - actual or likely adverse effect of threatened abuse;

  • sexual abuse and exploitation - all forms of sexual activity and exchange of benefits (including food and money) for sexual favours;

  • physical or emotional intimidation;

  • neglect - where basic needs such as food, warmth and medical care are not met;

  • sexual harassment - unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, the effect of which is to violate the dignity of another person and to create an intimidating environment for them;

  • commercial exploitation, including child and people trafficking;

  • use of email, internet or social media to bully, harass or coerce others (including cyber bullying and grooming);

  • abuse of a position of trust by FLN Representatives or Visitors.

Abuse may be perpetuated by:

  • adults or peers who know a child, young person or vulnerable adult well;

  • by institutions;

  • or by those in organisations that work to support the child, young person or vulnerable adult.

What might constitute a safeguarding incident?

Safeguarding incidents include concerns or allegations about an individual child, young person or vulnerable adult and can be against FLN Representatives or Visitors. They could, for example, include the following situations:

  • Abuse of a child, young person or vulnerable adult is observed or suspected;

  • A child, young person, vulnerable adult or another individual discloses that abuse – including online - has occurred;

  • The behaviour (including online abuse), of an adult towards a child, young person or vulnerable adult;

  • Information about a FLN Representative or Visitor provided by statutory agencies or another organisation, or identified through the press/media;

  • Allegations of abuse perpetrated by a FLN Representative or Visitor;

  • Risks identified through FLN recruitment processes (e.g. criminal records information);

  • Allegations or concerns being identified that arise during a disciplinary or a complaint;

  • Concerns raised about harm to a child, young person or vulnerable adult occurring ‘outside’ of activities/projects provided by a FLN Representatives or Visitor (e.g. at home, school, another organisation or in the local community).

Risk Mitigation

Future Leaders Network aims, at all times, to minimise the risk of a Safeguarding incident occurring as a result of its engagement with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

FLN makes all Representatives and Visitors aware of their responsibilities under this Policy on an on-going basis. We do this through mechanisms that include, but are not limited to the following:

  • All relevant policies, procedures and trainings available and clearly signposted in the organisation’s shared drive;

  • All relevant policies and procedures available digitally via the FLN website;

  • Regular Safeguarding emails sent to active Representatives, highlighting the role and responsibility of a Representative with regard to Safeguarding and signposting the formal policies, procedures and trainings available to them;

  • All FLN Representatives and Visitors receive an appropriate Safeguarding induction before their engagement with FLN commences. Where longer engagements develop, this induction is refreshed annually.

In addition to this whole-organisation approach, we have identified a number of key areas where the risk of a Safeguarding incident occurring is higher, or where there exists an opportunity to minimise the potential for such an event occurring. Those areas – and the steps taken in response to the identification of the risk or opportunity – are now outlined:

Monitoring Safeguarding Incidents

Safeguarding is a key risk on the FLN risk register. The risk register is reviewed and assessed every month by the FLN Senior Management Team and every six months by the FLN Board of Directors. Safeguarding is a separate risk category on the risk register.

Statistics on safeguarding concerns are reviewed alongside the risk register so that trends in reporting can be captured and monitored, and learning incorporated back into policies, procedures and practice.

FLN will report annually on their safeguarding approach, practices and experience.

Safeguarding is a standing item at all Board meetings. FLN is committed to reviewing its policy and good practice on an annual basis, or sooner if there is a change in legislation or learning from an incident.

 

Digital Safeguarding

FLN works in the digital space and captures and communicates content online about young people and their projects. FLN uses digital technologies to champion young people all over the world and connect them with the information, people and resources they need to succeed.

We recognise however, that there are as many Safeguarding risks associated with digital engagement as with physical engagement.

Therefore we have developed a Digital Safeguarding Policy in order to address these risks and this ensure that we are keeping the people we work with safe from harm.

Recruitment of FLN Representatives and Visitors

FLN operates strict procedures to ensure it recruits only those staff, volunteers or other representatives who are suitable to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. Safeguarding considerations are considered at all stages of the recruitment process.

Advertising

All adverts state that FLN is an equal opportunities employer and that its recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to Safeguarding. DBS or other relevant checks will be required and will be clearly stated in the recruitment advertisement.

Interview

For roles which involve working directly with children, young people and vulnerable adults, the interview will include a discussion of the individual’s previous work with children, young people and vulnerable adults, with questions designed to explore the person’s approach, attitude and experience. Interview questions will include questions on the understanding of and the suitability to work in an organisation which works with children, young people and vulnerable adults in diverse cultures and countries.

References

FLN always asks for and takes up references and will stipulate in a reference if someone has been disciplined in connection with a breach of this Safeguarding Policy. Reasons for leaving previous employment will be checked with the most recent employer.

Criminal Record Checks

Where roles involve working directly with children, young people and vulnerable adults, or in some instances indirectly such as handling imagery and personal data of children, young people and vulnerable adults, FLN obtains a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in the UK, or from the closest relevant authority elsewhere, as part of the recruitment process.

Induction

All new FLN Representatives will have a mandatory induction on joining or commencing work for FLN that covers this Safeguarding Policy.

Training

All FLN Representatives will receive mandatory safeguarding training consistent with their roles and responsibilities, both during their induction and subsequent refresher training.

Disciplinary Action

FLN will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to any FLN Representative found to be in breach of this Policy. During the investigation of a Safeguarding incident, alleged perpetrators will have their duties changed or rescinded for the duration of the investigation.

Visiting Supported Activities

When FLN Representatives and Visitors visit a FLN supported activity, they should ask to see, sign and abide by the Safeguarding Policy of those responsible for the activities they are observing.

FLN will consider safeguarding risk when organising any event, including training, opportunities, networking or other events for FLN or those that FLN engages with or supports. FLN will ensure appropriate safeguarding risk mitigations are in place.

How will we respond to a Safeguarding incident (concern or allegation)?

Future Leaders Network takes all reports of concerns, or an allegation about a safeguarding incident, extremely seriously.

Safeguarding incident reports will always be acted upon and investigated swiftly, making the welfare of the child, young person or vulnerable adult paramount.

All investigations will be conducted by an individual with the requisite experience.

At the point at which the safeguarding incident is reported, FLN will take advice on reporting to relevant authorities and, if appropriate and safe for the individuals concerned, inform them of the concern or allegation.

FLN Representatives and Visitors will be expected to work with any investigating authority, provide witness statements as required and cooperate with any other requests during an investigation.

The outcome of a safeguarding allegation will be expressed in the following terms:

  • Substantiated - there is sufficient evidence to prove the allegation;

  • False: there is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation;

  • Malicious: there is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation and that there has been a deliberate act to deceive; or

  • Unsubstantiated: there is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the allegation.

Cases in which an allegation was proven to be false, unsubstantiated or malicious will not be included in employer references.

FLN will not use a ‘settlement agreement’ or non-disclosure agreement with any person in respect of safeguarding incidents. This is where the individual subject to the allegation agrees to end their association with the employer, the employer agrees not to pursue disciplinary action, and both parties agree a form of words to be used in future references.

Further information on how FLN will respond to a Safeguarding incident can be found in the FLN Safeguarding Handbook, a guide made available to all FLN Representatives and Visitors, which is available on request from the Safeguarding Lead.

How will FLN support those involved?

Future Leaders Network takes all reports of concerns, or an allegation about a safeguarding incident, extremely seriously.

For the alleged victim of an incident

Our priority, upon receipt of a safeguarding incident report, will be to put in place a process to ensure that the alleged victim of an incident is removed from harm’s way, as far as this is reasonably possible.

In addition and as far as is reasonably possible, we will take every possible action to ensure that no child, young person or vulnerable adult is put at more risk as a result of an investigation of a concern or allegation.

The Safeguarding Lead will ensure that the alleged victim of an incident is kept up to date of the progress of any investigation and provided with feedback at the end of the investigations.

For the alleged perpetrator in a Safeguarding incident

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for ensuring that the alleged perpetrator of a Safeguarding incident is:

  • informed of the allegation against them (once agreed by the local authority/police), notified of the processes that will follow and signposted to support should they require it;

  • kept up to date about any progress in relation to their case;

  • kept up to date about what is happening in the organisation in cases where the person is suspended or FLN has ceased to use their services, to enable reintegration should they return to work/volunteering/consulting;

  • sent correspondence confirming all of the above including the arrangements for support; and

  • provided with feedback at the end of any investigation, clarifying the outcome and any implications for their employment, volunteering or consulting.

For those raising a concern

Any individual who raises a concern under this Policy, is protected from victimisation or any other kind of detrimental treatment, if concerns are raised in good faith.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All parties in a Safeguarding incident or concern must maintain confidentiality at all times.

Therefore, the sharing of information, which could identify the alleged victim(s), the alleged perpetrator(s), or the person(s) raising a concern, should be purely on a ‘need to know’ basis. This includes FLN Senior Leadership, who might otherwise be informed of other types of serious incidents.

Any information offered in confidence to FLN will be received on the basis that it will or may well need to be shared with relevant authorities, or may legitimately be shared to protect the child, young person or vulnerable adult, and this should be made clear.

There may be times when the individual concerned would not feel safe were the incident to be reported to the relevant authorities. If the individual concerned, being the subject(s) of a safeguarding concern, do(es) not want their case brought to the attention of the authorities, the concern must be noted and the reluctance for reporting must be communicated to the FLN Safeguarding Lead. The Safeguarding Lead will assess the related safeguarding risks in these circumstances before deciding on a course of action.

Record Keeping

FLN will keep a safeguarding incident log in which all reports will be kept confidentially and securely. Safeguarding records will include, at a minimum, the claim, summary details of the investigation and the conclusion of that investigation, using the terms identified in the section of this Policy entitled “How will we respond to a Safeguarding incident (concern or allegation)?”, in order that they distinguish between fact, opinion and hearsay.

The duration for which safeguarding records should be kept is detailed below. Where there is a discrepancy between duration for which records should be held, the longer duration should be adhered to. At the conclusion of the periods listed - and before any records are destroyed – U.K. legislation should be reviewed to ascertain whether there is a requirement to keep records for a longer period.

For safeguarding records that relate to:

  • an incident where the victim is a child, these will be kept for 15 years from the date that the safeguarding incident is reported;

  • an incident where the victim is a young person or vulnerable adult who is 18 years old or over, the safeguarding records will be kept for 7 years from the date that the safeguarding incident is reported;

  • a concern or incident involving a FLN Representative, the safeguarding records will be kept for 15 years from the date that the safeguarding concern or incident is reported.