Safeguarding Policy Statement – Reviewed October 2023  

“The welfare of the child is paramount” 

Introduction  

Kinetic Foundation has a duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young adults. Kinetic Foundation is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects our statutory responsibilities and follows published government guidance1. It is the duty of all our staff and managers to protect each child from abuse and to be alert to the possibility of abuse. These procedures further supplement the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board and the Football Association Child Protection Guidelines and will be used in conjunction with these.  

Kinetic Foundation’s activities involve us working with children and young people, therefore anyone working for or in partnership with Kinetic Foundation must carry out an Enhanced DBS check. This policy recognises that their welfare and interests are of upmost importance in all circumstances. It applies to anyone who works, volunteers or acts as a Trustee for Kinetic Foundation. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children and young people;  

  • have a positive and enjoyable experience when engaged with any activity arranged by or meeting any individual managed by Kinetic Foundation 
  • are protected from abuse whilst participating in any Kinetic Foundation activity 

Kinetic Foundation is aware that that some children and young people can be vulnerable to abuse, and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare at all time.  

KF’s Safeguarding Policy  

Safeguarding children is the responsibility of the entire Kinetic Foundation. All adults working at Kinetic Foundation (including employed staff, volunteers, students on placement and trustees) are required to report instances of actual or suspected child abuse or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Sofina Begum. 

The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is to:  

  • Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in place for all involved.  
  • Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. 
  • Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities within safeguarding and are provided with appropriate development opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns.  
  • Ensure that appropriate action and support is provided in the event of a disclosure.  
  • Provide advice/support to staff and for confidential discussion about concerns.   
  • Provide support to young people that engage with Kinetic Foundation programmes.  
  • Liaise with Social Services and other relevant agencies where required.  
  • Maintain the single central record of concerns, ensuring records are kept confidentially and accurately.   
  • Be the first point of contact for external agencies that are pursuing Child Protection investigations.   
  • Monitor and maintain the up to date list of Looked after Children 
  • Share safeguarding information and concerns with other agencies that need to know.  
  • Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.  
  • Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals. 
  • Have an effective complaints and whistleblowing policy in place.  

The policy and procedures are mandatory for everyone involved in Kinetic Foundation. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will always be addressed with immediate effect.  

This policy statement is supported by and should be read in conjunction with Kinetic Foundation’s more detailed set of safeguarding procedures.  

Welfare officer/designated person for child protection 

Anyone who has a concern about a child should contact Sofina Begum, the Designated Safeguarding Lead via email at sofina.begum@kinetic-foundation.org.uk  outlining the concern and leaving a telephone number for Sofina to contact you back on. Alternatively, you can call Sofina directly on 07735836616.  

Confidentiality 

Our children and young people have the right to expect that all staff, managers and any person working with them will deal sensitively and sympathetically with their situation. It is important that information remains confidential and that only those with a ‘need to know’ should be privy to it.  

Monitoring  

The above policy and procedure must be observed by all staff and managers at all times. The policy and the detailed procedures will be reviewed every year, and in the following circumstances:  

  • changes in legislation and/or government guidance  
  • as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Arrangements or Safeguarding Adults Board  
  • as a result of any other significant change or event.  

Responsible Officers  

Nominated Trustee for Safeguarding  

Sofina Begum; Email sofina.begum@kinetic-foundation.org.uk Tel no: 07735836616 

Martin Prickett; Email: martin.prickett@kinetic-foundation.org.uk