Safeguarding Policy
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Date: 3 September 2025
Review Date: 3 September 2026
1. Introduction
This policy outlines London Fashion District Workshops (LFD) approach to safeguarding children, young people, vulnerable adults, elderly participants, and disabled adults. For the purposes of this policy:
Children are under the age of 14
Young people are 14–17 years old
Vulnerable adults are 18–25 years old
Other at-risk adults include elderly and disabled adults who may be unable to care for or protect themselves
This policy is written in accordance with the Children Act 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and with reference to Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015).
It will be reviewed, updated, or amended periodically and may be supplemented in appropriate cases by additional guidance relevant to the work of LFD. Copies of the policy and any subsequent amendments will be made available to all staff and volunteers.
The effectiveness of this policy depends on the active support of all staff and volunteers to ensure its objectives are met.
LFD recognises the importance of a clearly defined policy that sets out the standards we aim to achieve for safeguarding all participants.
For the purposes of this policy, a vulnerable adult is defined as a person who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age, illness, infirmity, or other condition, and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves, or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all:
Staff (paid and unpaid)
Volunteers
Trustees
Contractors or any individuals representing LFD in the delivery of workshops or activities
It covers all participants involved in LFD activities, including children, young people, vulnerable adults, elderly, and disabled adults.
3. Policy Statement
LFD is committed to protecting participants from harm, abuse, and neglect. All participants have the right to safety, respect, and protection from any form of abuse.
LFD is committed to:
Creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants
Ensuring staff and volunteers are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities
Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
Working in partnership with statutory agencies to protect participants
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and all staff and volunteers must follow this policy in all activities.
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Dwayne Francis, Founder/Director of LFD, is the designated safeguarding lead responsible for managing all safeguarding concerns and allegations.
Responsibilities of the safeguarding lead include:
Receiving and managing all safeguarding concerns and allegations
Liaising with statutory safeguarding agencies, including local authorities and police, where necessary
Ensuring appropriate action is taken to protect participants
Keeping secure records of all safeguarding concerns
Providing guidance and support to staff and volunteers on safeguarding matters
5. Recognising Abuse
Abuse may take several forms, including but not limited to:
Physical abuse – intentional harm or injury
Emotional abuse – persistent emotional maltreatment
Sexual abuse – forcing or enticing a participant into sexual activity
Neglect – failure to provide adequate care or protection
Financial abuse – exploitation of a participant's resources or assets
Discriminatory abuse – unfair treatment based on disability, age, gender, or other protected characteristics
Staff and volunteers must remain vigilant and report any signs of abuse or neglect, including unexplained injuries, behavioural changes, withdrawal, or fearfulness.
6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
All safeguarding concerns or allegations must be reported immediately to the safeguarding lead.
Procedure:
Do not attempt to investigate the allegation yourself.
Record the concern in writing, including dates, times, and details of observations or disclosures.
Submit the record to the safeguarding lead as soon as possible.
The safeguarding lead will assess the situation and take appropriate action, including contacting statutory safeguarding agencies if required.
Emergency Contacts:
Local Authority Children's Services: [Insert Contact Number]
Local Authority Adult Services: [Insert Contact Number]
Police: 101 (non-emergency), 999 (emergency)
7. Confidentiality
All safeguarding concerns will be treated confidentially. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis, in accordance with safeguarding legislation and best practice guidance.
8. Safe Recruitment
LFD ensures all staff and volunteers undergo:
Appropriate reference checks
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where required
Safeguarding induction and role-specific training
Recruitment processes follow legal requirements and best practice guidance to minimise risks to participants.
9. Training and Awareness
All staff and volunteers will receive:
Induction training on LFD's safeguarding policy and procedures
Ongoing safeguarding updates and refresher training
Guidance on recognising abuse and reporting procedures
10. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
Allegations against staff or volunteers will be handled promptly and fairly:
The safeguarding lead will manage the investigation in line with statutory guidance
The welfare of the participant is the primary concern
Allegations may be referred to local authorities or police if necessary
Support will be provided to all parties involved
11. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or following:
Significant safeguarding incidents
Changes in legislation
Updates to best practice guidance
Responsibility for reviewing and updating the policy lies with the safeguarding lead and the LFD Board of Trustees. All staff and volunteers will be informed of any updates.
12. References and Guidance
Children Act 2004
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015)
Care Act 2014
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) guidance
Policy Approval
Signed: ___________________________
Name: Dwayne Francis, Founder/Director
Date: 3 September 2025
