Safeguarding Leads (Designated Safeguarding Officers – DSLs)

Eve Lister
Savannah Marshall
Email: info@fightlikeagirl.com

Statement of Commitment

Fight Like a Girl CIC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We believe every child has the right to be safe, protected from harm, and supported in a secure and positive environment.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, volunteers, and partners have a duty to act in the best interests of children and young people at all times.

This policy follows guidance from:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
• The Children Act 1989 & 2004
• NSPCC safeguarding guidance

What Is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting children from:

• Abuse
• Neglect
• Exploitation
• Harm
• Radicalisation

It also means promoting their welfare, wellbeing, and development.

Types of Abuse

Staff and volunteers should be aware of the following forms of abuse:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Exploitation (including grooming and criminal or sexual exploitation)

Safeguarding Responsibilities

The Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are responsible for:

• Being the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns
• Keeping records of concerns securely
• Making referrals to Local Authority safeguarding teams when required
• Supporting staff and volunteers
• Ensuring safeguarding training is completed
• Reviewing this policy annually

All staff and volunteers must:

• Read and follow this policy
• Report any concerns immediately
• Attend safeguarding training

Reporting Concerns

If a child is in immediate danger:
Call 999.

Otherwise:

1. Report the concern immediately to Eve Lister or Savannah Marshall
2. Record the concern in writing, using the child’s own words where possible
3. Do not investigate or promise confidentiality
4. The DSL will contact the Local Authority Safeguarding Team or NSPCC for advice

Concerns must never be ignored.

Confidentiality

Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and only where it is necessary to protect a child or young person.

Safer Working Practice

All staff and volunteers must:

• Avoid being alone with a child wherever possible
• Never take a child to private or secluded spaces
• Never communicate privately with children via personal social media or phones
• Only use physical contact when necessary, appropriate, and in line with safeguarding training
• Never arrange to meet a child outside of organised sessions
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times

Recruitment & DBS

All staff and volunteers will:

• Complete an application form
• Provide references
• Provide ID verification
• Hold an Enhanced DBS check
• Complete safeguarding training
• Undergo a probation period
• Not have unsupervised access until checks are complete

Registration & Attendance

• All children must be registered or referred formally
• Parental consent forms must be completed
• Medical and emergency information must be recorded
• Attendance registers must be kept at every session
• Records must be stored securely

If working with partner organisations, their safeguarding processes may be accepted where appropriate.

Responding to a Disclosure

What to do:

• Listen calmly
• Take the child seriously
• Reassure them they were right to speak
• Explain you must share the information to keep them safe
• Record exactly what was said

What not to do:

• Do not investigate
• Do not promise secrecy
• Do not ask leading questions
• Do not show shock or disbelief

Transport & Trips

• Parental or Carer consent required
• Vehicles must be insured and safe
• Two responsible adults per vehicle
• Seatbelts must be worn
• Drivers must be approved
• Children must only be collected by approved adults

Health & Safety

• First aid provision available
• Fire procedures known
• Emergency contact details accessible
• Annual fire drills completed
• Risk assessments carried out

Training

All staff and volunteers must complete:

• Safeguarding training
• Regular refreshers
• Trauma-informed practice training

Whistleblowing

Any concerns about staff or volunteers must be reported directly to the DSLs. Concerns can also be raised with the Local Authority or NSPCC if necessary.

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if:

• Legislation changes
• There is a safeguarding incident
• New guidance is issued

Last reviewed by Eve Lister Director 24/01/2026

Policy reviewed every January