Prince of Wales
Youth Club

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Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: March 28, 2025

1. Our Commitment

Prince of Wales Youth Club (POWYC) is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection. We believe all children and young people have the right to grow up in a safe, caring environment that promotes their well-being and protects them from abuse or neglect.

We follow the statutory guidance of Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government) and the Children Act 1989 & 2004, in addition to relevant Kent County Council policies.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All POWYC staff, trustees, volunteers, and contractors.

  • All children, young people, and vulnerable adults engaging with our services.

  • All activities, workshops, clubs, and events run under the POWYC name.

3. Safeguarding Principles

  • Zero Tolerance: Abuse of any kind—physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect—will not be tolerated.

  • Prevention First: We aim to minimise risk through clear policies, staff training, and open communication.

  • Voice of the Child: We listen to and take seriously all concerns shared by young people.

  • Duty of Care: We act on concerns swiftly, appropriately, and in line with official procedures.

4. Safe Recruitment & Supervision

  • All staff and volunteers undergo enhanced DBS checks.

  • References and background checks are standard.

  • All team members receive initial and refresher safeguarding training.

5. Reporting Concerns

Anyone with a concern about a child or vulnerable adult must report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

6. Responding to a Disclosure

We train staff to:

  • Remain calm and non-judgmental.

  • Listen without pressuring the child.

  • Reassure them they did the right thing by speaking up.

  • Record the disclosure in writing (signed and dated).

  • Report immediately to the DSL.

7. Working with External Agencies

POWYC works in partnership with:

  • Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP)

  • Kent Police and Emergency Services

  • Local Education Authorities (LEAs)

  • NHS and CAMHS support teams

📝 Summary

  • We prioritise child safety above all.

  • All adults working with POWYC are vetted and trained.

  • Concerns are taken seriously and acted on immediately.

📘 Legal Jargon Block

This policy complies with the following statutory and legal frameworks:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 (updated)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024

  • Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR

  • Human Rights Act 1998

Non-compliance with this policy may lead to dismissal, reporting to statutory bodies, or legal action.

This policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. For more information or to view our full safeguarding manual, please contact safeguarding@princeofwalesyouthclub.org.