Safeguarding Policy

Emotional Assertiveness International Ltd, t/a TEAM Emotion

Policy Dated 1st December 2024

1. Purpose

This Safeguarding Policy outlines TEAM Emotion’s commitment to ensuring the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all children participating in our workshops, activities, or events.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers, and third parties engaged by TEAM Emotion who interact with children under the age of 18 during any organized activity.

 

3. Key Principles

We are committed to:

  • Protecting children from harm, abuse, or exploitation.
  • Promoting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of children.
  • Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns or allegations.

 

4. Legal Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidelines:

  • UK: Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), Data Protection Act 2018, and UK GDPR.
  • International Participants: Adherence to applicable local child protection laws where participants reside.

 

5. Responsibilities

5.1. TEAM Emotion

  • Ensure all staff and volunteers understand and comply with this policy.
  • Provide training on safeguarding to staff interacting with children.
  • Maintain secure and confidential records of children’s personal data.

 

5.2. Staff, Volunteers, and Contractors

  • Act professionally and responsibly when interacting with children.
  • Report any safeguarding concerns or incidents immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).
  • Avoid situations where they are alone with a child unless unavoidable and approved.

 

5.3. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

The DSO is responsible for:

  • Overseeing safeguarding procedures.
  • Acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensuring all concerns are documented and acted upon promptly.

DSO Contact Details:
Name: Aida Vardanyan 
Email: aida@teamemotion.com

 

6. Code of Conduct

  • Treat all children with respect and dignity.
  • Avoid inappropriate language, physical contact, or behaviour.
  • Obtain parental/guardian consent before taking photos or videos.
  • Do not share personal contact details with children or engage with them on social media outside of workshop contexts.

 

7. Reporting Concerns

All staff, volunteers, or participants must report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSO. Concerns may include:

  • Signs of abuse or neglect.
  • Allegations against a staff member or participant.
  • Behavior that raises concerns about a child’s welfare.

Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible; however, the safety of the child is the priority, and information may need to be shared with relevant authorities.

 

8. Responding to Concerns

  • Concerns will be documented and assessed by the DSO.
  • If necessary, appropriate authorities (e.g., local child protection services or law enforcement) will be contacted.
  • Parents or guardians will be informed unless it is inappropriate to do so.

 

9. Data Protection

We will collect, process, and store children’s data in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Data will only be used for the purpose of organising and conducting the workshop.

 

10. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if significant changes in legislation or practice occur.