Safeguarding and Youth Protection Policy

Kiwanis Young Professionals United Kingdom

Adapted from Kiwanis International Youth Protection Policies and Procedures

Revised for Compliance with United Kingdom Safeguarding Requirements

Kiwanis Young Professionals United Kingdom (“KYP UK”) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all children and young people who participate in our activities, events and programmes. The welfare of children and young people is our highest priority, and all members, volunteers, trustees, partners and participants are expected to share this commitment.

Our safeguarding and youth protection procedures are based upon the principles established by Kiwanis International and have been adapted to align with current safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and best practice within the United Kingdom.

KYP UK recognises that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every child and young person, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or background, has the right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm. We are committed to promoting a culture of vigilance, accountability and respect across all areas of our organisation.

To ensure effective safeguarding arrangements, KYP UK appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) together with Deputy Safeguarding Leads who are responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, responding to concerns and liaising with statutory agencies where required. The safeguarding team ensures that safeguarding procedures remain current, effective and compliant with UK legislation and guidance.

All adults involved in activities with children or young people are required to complete safeguarding training and comply fully with KYP UK safeguarding procedures. Individuals working in eligible roles involving children may also be required to complete Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before participating in regulated activities. KYP UK follows safer recruitment principles and reserves the right to restrict participation where safeguarding concerns arise.

We expect all members and volunteers to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with children and young people at all times. Adults must behave responsibly both in person and online, avoiding any conduct that could place a child or young person at risk or undermine trust in the organisation. Private or inappropriate communication with young people through social media or digital platforms is not permitted.

KYP UK recognises the importance of online safety and expects all digital communication involving young people to remain transparent, professional and appropriate. Where photographs, videos or other media are used, appropriate consent will always be obtained and personal information will be handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Appropriate supervision is required at all KYP UK events involving young people. Supervision arrangements are determined through risk assessment, taking into account the nature of the activity, the age of participants and any additional needs. Overnight events require enhanced safeguarding arrangements, including suitable accommodation supervision and clear separation between adults and young people unless a parent or guardian is sharing accommodation with their own child.

KYP UK is committed to ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly. Any person who witnesses, suspects or receives a disclosure relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation or unsafe behaviour involving a child or young person must report the concern immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or, where appropriate, directly to the police or children’s social care services.

All safeguarding concerns and allegations are handled confidentially, recorded appropriately and managed in accordance with UK safeguarding procedures. KYP UK will cooperate fully with statutory safeguarding agencies and local authorities where required. Allegations involving adults working with children will be referred to the appropriate Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

KYP UK also recognises that young people may sometimes disclose concerns relating to emotional wellbeing, mental health or personal circumstances. While our members and volunteers are not expected to provide counselling or therapeutic support, we are committed to responding appropriately, listening respectfully and helping young people access suitable professional support where needed.

The organisation promotes a culture in which members, volunteers and participants feel confident raising safeguarding concerns without fear of retaliation. Concerns raised in good faith will always be treated seriously and managed sensitively.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with current legislation, safeguarding guidance and best practice across the United Kingdom.

For urgent safeguarding concerns where a child is at immediate risk of harm, please contact the emergency services by calling 999.

For non-emergency safeguarding advice and support, individuals may also contact:

• NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000
• Childline – 0800 1111

Further guidance regarding safeguarding responsibilities in the United Kingdom can be found through:

• the UK Government’s “Working Together to Safeguard Children” guidance,
• Charity Commission safeguarding guidance,
• and local safeguarding partnership procedures.