Safeguarding

Policy Statement

ADTREX Ltd recognises that it has a duty of care towards the participants in their care and the staff they employ. This includes their welfare and to do all that is reasonable to protect them from neglect or physical, sexual and emotional abuse. It recognises the particular responsibilities it has towards the children, young people and venerable adults in its care. All staff will respond in a supportive and understanding manner to any participant or staff member involved in any incident or allegation.

We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, young people and venerable adults in our care. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where they are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that they receive effective support, protection and justice. The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff and volunteers.

We recognise that all adults, including temporary staff and volunteers have a full and active part to play in protecting the children, young people and venerable adults in our care from harm, and that their welfare is our paramount concern. Our approach is child-centred, considering at all times what is in in their best interests. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care, this is our highest priority and includes developing and maintaining a ‘culture of vigilance’ to ensure that signs and symptoms of abuse are picked up, thus the opportunity for those wishing to cause harm is drastically reduced. We believe that the activities we provide are conducted in a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical, mental and moral development of those children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care.

ADTREX Ltd will:

Ensure that this policy is available to all staff.
Ensure that all staff understand their legal and moral obligations to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse and exploitation.
Develop best practice in relation to the recruitment of all staff.
Ensure that all staff understand their responsibility to work to the standards and procedures detailed in the organisations, Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy (Appendix A) and Safeguarding procedures.
Ensure that all staff understand their obligations to report care or protection concerns about a child/young person, or a staff conduct towards a child/young person, to the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) .
Ensure that all procedures relating to the conduct of staff are implemented in a consistent and equitable manner.
Ensure that the Designated Safeguarding Officer understands their responsibility to refer any child protection concerns to the statutory child protection agencies (i.e. police and/or social services)
Provide opportunities for all staff to develop their skills and knowledge particularly in relation to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are enabled to express their ideas and views on a wide range of issues and will have access to the organisation’s complaints procedures.
Endeavour to keep up to date with national developments relating to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Policy Principals

The principals by which this policy operates is as follows:
The welfare of the child is paramount.
All children, young people and vulnerable adults, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), religion and belief,
sexual orientation, ex-offender status or socio-economic background, have the right to protection from harm, abuse or exploitation.
All ADTREX Ltd staff have a duty of care to safeguard all children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in ADTREX activities from harm and have a responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a child, young person or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm.
Children, young people, vulnerable adults and staff involved in safeguarding issues will receive appropriate support. ADTREX Ltd’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is of paramount importance.
ADTREX Ltd strives to provide an environment in which children, young people and vulnerable adults feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident, and know how to approach adults/ADTREX staff if they are in difficulties, and that they will be effectively listened to.
ADTREX Ltd’s Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed at least annually unless an incident or new legislation or guidance suggests the need for an interim review.

Policy Aim

The aim of this policy is as follows:

To raise the awareness of all staff of the need to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults and provide staff with the necessary information to identify and report possible cases of abuse allowing them to meet their safeguarding responsibilities.
To ensure consistent good practice emphasising the need for good levels of communication between all members of staff as well as a structured procedure which all ADTREX staff will follow in cases of suspected abuse.
To demonstrate the ADTREX LTD’s commitment with regard to safeguarding to children, young people, vulnerable adults in our care, their parents and other partners.
To provide an environment in which children, young people and vulnerable adults feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident and able to approach adults/ADTREX staff if they need help knowing they will be listened too.

Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England:

The Children Act 1989
Children Act 2004
Children and Social Work Act 2017

A summary of the key legislation is available from www.nspcc.org.uk/learning

Definitions & Terminology

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults means:

Protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from maltreatment.
Preventing impairment of children’s, young people’s and vulnerable adult’s mental and physical health or development.
Taking action to enable all children, young people and vulnerable adults to have the best outcomes.
Safeguarding is part of this definition and refers to activities undertaken to prevent children, young people and vulnerable adults suffering, or being likely to suffer significant harm.
Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child and may involve inflicting harm or failing to act to prevent harm.
Children/child includes everyone under the age of 18.
Staff refers to all those working for or on behalf of ADTREX Ltd, full time or part time, temporary or permanent, in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
DSO refers to the designated safeguarding officer at ADTREX Ltd.
Participant is anyone taking part in a planned ADTREX Ltd activity.
Client means school/college or other organisation.

Roles & Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Officer

Has the status and authority within ADTREX Ltd to carry out the duties of the post, including committing resources and supporting and directing other staff.
Is part of the Senior Management team.
Is appropriately trained, with regular updates and compliant with statutory refreshers.
Acts as a source of support and expertise to the ADTREX community.
Keeps detailed electronic records of all concerns. Access to such records is strictly controlled. The recording and storing of information is kept in line with the ADTREX Data Protection Policy.
Refers cases of suspected abuse to children’s social care or police as appropriate.
Ensures that the Safeguarding policy and procedures are reviewed and updated annually.
Makes the Safeguarding policy available publicly, on the ADTREX website or by other means.
Develop a culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings.
Designated Safeguarding Officer will share risks and resilience of pupil/student proportionately with staff members on a “need to know and in the child’s best interest” and this is recorded and monitored to ensure risks/progress of the participant is understood.
The Designated Safeguarding Officer will clearly state reasons for sharing this information and that this is carried out in strict confidentiality, we follow safeguarding-practitioners-information-sharing-advice.
Liaise with safeguarding partners and work with other agencies as required.
Work alongside the Managing Director in respect of low level concerns regarding members of staff and record all incidents to allow for any patterns of behaviour to be recognised.

ADTREX Staff

All staff have a responsibility to provide a safe environment in which children, young people and vulnerable adults can engage in the activities being provided by ADTREX Ltd.
Any staff member who has a concern about a child’s, young person’s or vulnerable adult’s welfare should report this to the ADTREX Ltd DSO.
All staff will reassure children and young people that they are being taken seriously and that they will be supported and kept safe.
Must ensure that no child or young person should ever be given the impression that they are creating a problem by reporting abuse, sexual violence or sexual harassment. Nor should they ever be made to feel ashamed for making a report.
Must understand that the welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults in ADTREX’s care is paramount.
Must understand that all children, young people and vulnerable adults whatever their age, culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin religious beliefs and/or sexual identity have the right to protection from abuse.
Should understand that all suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
All staff have a responsibility to report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.
The ADTREX Designated Safeguarding Officer is Scott Smith.
The ADTREX Designated Safeguarding Officer can be contacted on 01227 390922 or 07591 825118.

Training

New staff will receive a briefing during their induction which includes ADTREX Ltd’s safeguarding policy and Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy, reporting and recording arrangements.
The contact details, roles and responsibilities of the company Designated Safeguarding Officer will be provided to all staff.
The DSO will receive appropriate training for their post that will be regularly updated.
All staff will be strongly encouraged to undertake safeguarding training.
Staff understand the difference between a ‘concern’ and ‘immediate danger or at risk of harm’.
All staff will be informed and reminded prior to commencement of any ADTREX Ltd work how to respond to a child, young person or vulnerable adult who discloses abuse.

Support

Safeguarding is not just about protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from deliberate harm. It also includes such things as participant safety, bullying, racist abuse, harassment and internet safety etc. The witnessing of abuse can have a damaging effect on those who are party to it, as well as the child, young person or vulnerable adult subjected to the actual abuse, and in itself will have a significant impact on the health and emotional well-being of the child, young person or vulnerable adult. All staff should be aware that children, young people or vulnerable adults may not feel ready or know how to tell someone that they are being abused, exploited or neglected, and/or they may not recognise their experience as harmful. They may feel embarrassed, humiliated or may be being threatened. This could be due to their vulnerability, disability and/or sexual orientation or language barriers. This should not prevent staff from being professionally curious and sharing with the DSO. Staff should think about how best to build trusted relationships with children, young people and vulnerable adults which facilitate communication.

Abuse can take place in any family, institution or community setting, by telephone or on the internet. Abuse can often be difficult to recognise as children may behave differently or seem unhappy for many reasons, as they move through the stages of childhood or their family circumstances change. However, it is important to know the indicators of abuse and to be alert to the need to consult further.

We recognise that all adults employed by ADTREX Ltd have a full and active part to play in protecting and safeguarding the children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care, and that the children, young people and vulnerable adults welfare is our paramount concern.

We aim to provide an environment in which participants feel safe, secure, valued and respected; and where they feel confident and know how to approach responsible adults if they are in difficulties.

Good Practice

Always putting the welfare of children, young people or vulnerable adults first.
Treating all participants with respect.
Setting a good example by conducting ourselves appropriately and in a professional manner.
Involving participants in decisions that affect them.
Encouraging positive, respectful and safe behaviour among participants.
Being a good listener.
Being alert to changes in participants’ behaviour and to signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Recognising that challenging behaviour may be an indicator of abuse.
Reading and understanding the ADTREX Ltd safeguarding policy, staff behaviour policy and guidance documents on wider safeguarding issues.
Being aware that the personal and family circumstances and lifestyles of some participant lead to an increased risk of abuse.
Referring all concerns about a participants safety and welfare to the DSO, or, if necessary directly to police or children’s social care.
Avoid situations where you are alone with one child, young person or vulnerable adult. Where possible work in an open environment (e.g. avoiding private or unobserved situations).
If any form of physical support/contact is required ask the participants’ permission, explain what you are doing and why to both the child, young person or vulnerable adult and where possible their parents/carers or school staff.
Where possible ask parents/carers or school staff to be responsible for children, young people or vulnerable adults in changing rooms. Always ensure that whoever supervises work in pairs.
Don’t allow physically rough or sexually provocative games, or inappropriate talking or touching.
Maintain a safe and appropriate distance from participants when in their presence i.e. briefings, reviews and delivering training etc.
If it’s necessary to do things of a personal nature for a child, young person or vulnerable adult, make sure you have another adult accompanying you. Get the consent of the child, young person or vulnerable adult and parent/carer/school staff. Let them know what you are doing and why. Always be mindful that consent when given can also be taken away.
When working with a client and client staff are available and present, any allegations should be reported to them and the clients policies should be put in to action alongside ADTREX Ltd’s safeguarding policy.
Ensure that any claims of abuse by a child, young person or vulnerable adult are taken seriously and that it is dealt with by people who know what to do. If you need urgent advice contact the NSPCC Child Protection 24-hour Help Line. 0808 800 5000.
During residential events i.e. camping, adults should not enter a child, young person or vulnerable adults bedroom/tents and should never invite children into their private tent/living area i.e. van/RV.
Recognise the developmental needs and capacity of young people with and without disabilities – avoiding excessive physical activity or competition and not pushing them against their will.
Secure parental consent in writing for the child, young person or vulnerable adults participation in an activity.
Secure parental consent in writing for the child, young person or vulnerable adults to receive emergency first aid and/or other medical treatment if the need arises.
Keeping a written record of any incident or accident that occurs, along with the details of any treatment given.
For unaccompanied walking groups, such as DofE expeditions, it is recommended that mobile phone numbers are exchanged for emergency use only. Any such use must be carefully recorded by the instructor/supervisor in the expedition log. No other communication by phone/text/email/social media etc. is permitted between children and ADTREX staff.
Requesting written parental consent if staff are required to transport young people in private cars.

Safeguarding Procedures

Recognising Abuse

To ensure that our participants are protected from harm, we need to understand what types of behaviour constitute abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child, young person or vulnerable adult by inflicting harm, for example by hitting them, or by failing to act to prevent harm, for example by leaving a small child home alone. Abuse may be committed by adult men or women and by other children and young people. Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE 2022) refers to four categories of abuse. (these are set out on page 23)

Indicators of Abuse

Physical signs define some types of abuse, for example, bruising, bleeding or broken bones resulting from physical or sexual abuse, or injuries sustained while a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been inadequately supervised. The identification of physical signs is complicated, as children may go to great lengths to hide injuries, often because they are ashamed or embarrassed, or their abuser has threatened further violence or trauma if they ‘tell’. It is also quite difficult for anyone without medical training to categorise injuries into accidental or deliberate with any degree of certainty. For these reasons, it is vital that staff are also aware of the range of behavioural indicators of abuse and report any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.

It is the responsibility of staff to report their concerns. It is not their responsibility to investigate or decide whether a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been abused.

A child, young person or vulnerable adult who is being abused, neglected or exploited may:

Have bruises, bleeding, burns, fractures or other injuries.
Show signs of pain or discomfort.
Keep arms and legs covered, even in warm weather.
Be concerned about changing clothes.
Look unkempt and uncared for.
Change their eating habits.
Have difficulty in making or sustaining friendships.
Appear fearful.
Be reckless with regard to their own or other’s safety.
Self-harm.
Show signs of not wanting to go home.
Display a change in behaviour – from quiet to aggressive, or happy-go-lucky to withdrawn.
Challenge authority.
Be constantly tired or preoccupied.
Be wary of physical contact.
Be involved in, or particularly knowledgeable about drugs or alcohol.

Staff should inform the DSO so they can record these early concerns. If the participant does reveal that they are being harmed, staff should follow the advice below. Following an initial conversation with the participant, if the member of staff has concerns, they should discuss their concerns with the DSO.

If a Participant Discloses to You

It takes a lot of courage for a child, young person or vulnerable adult to disclose that they are being abused. They may feel ashamed, particularly if the abuse is sexual; their abuser may have threatened what will happen if they tell; they may have lost all trust in adults; or they may believe, or have been told, that the abuse is their own fault. Sometimes they may not be aware that what is happening is abusive.

If a participant talks to a member of staff about any risks to their safety or wellbeing, the staff member will, at the appropriate time, let the participant know that in order to help them they must pass the information on to the DSO. All staff must be aware that they cannot promise a child, young person or vulnerable adult to keep secrets, which might compromise the child’s, young person’s or vulnerable adult’s safety or wellbeing, staff will:

Allow them to speak freely.
Remain calm and do not overreact.
Give reassuring nods or words of comfort – ‘I’m so sorry this has happened’, ‘I want to help’, ‘This isn’t your fault’, ‘You are doing the right thing in talking to me’.
Not be afraid of silences.
Not promise to keep secrets –find an appropriate early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others. NB: If the child is Fraser competent (i.e.) Professionals working with children need to consider how to balance children’s rights, wishes and sharing information with their responsibility to keep children safe from harm. Underage sexual activity should always be seen as a possible indicator of child sexual exploitation. Sexual activity with a child under 13 is a criminal offence and should always result in a child protection referral.
Only ask questions for clarification purposes – at all times avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer (leading questions): Use Who What When Where and How.
Not automatically offer any physical touch as comfort.
Avoid admonishing the child for not disclosing earlier. Saying things such as ‘I do wish you had told me about this when it started’ may be interpreted by the child to mean that they have done something wrong.
Tell the participant what will happen next.
Report verbally to the DSO even if the child has promised to do it by themselves.
Complete the ADTREX Ltd Record of Concern form and send to the DSO without delay (within the working day or earlier dependant on the level of harm and risk).
Seek support if they/yourself feel distressed.
Report any display of sexual knowledge or behaviour beyond that normally expected for their age.
Report if the participant has acquired gifts such as money or a mobile phone from new ‘friends’.

Individual indicators will rarely be in isolation, provide conclusive evidence of abuse. They should be viewed as part of a jigsaw, and each small piece of information will help the DSO to decide how to proceed.

Taking Action

Any child, young person or vulnerable adult, in any family could become a victim of abuse. Staff should always maintain an attitude of “it could happen here”. Key points for staff to remember for taking action are:

In an emergency take the action necessary to help the child, if necessary call 999.
Report your concern as soon as possible to the DSO. The timing of such referrals should reflect the level of perceived risk of harm, not longer than within one working day of identification or disclosure of harm or risk of harm.
Do not start your own investigation
Share information on a need-to-know basis only – do not discuss the issue with colleagues, friends or family.
Seek support for yourself if you are distressed.

If you are concerned about a participant’s welfare :

NPCC when to call the Police

There will be occasions when staff may suspect that a participant may be at risk. The participant’s behaviour may have changed, or physical signs may have been noticed. In these circumstances, staff will try to give the participant the opportunity to talk and ask if they are OK or if they can help in any way.

Record Keeping

All concern’s, discussions and decisions made, and the reasons for those decisions, should be recorded in writing. Information should be kept confidential and stored securely. Each child will have a separate child protection file when there are concerns for that child.
Records will include:

A clear and comprehensive summary of the concern.
Details of how the concern was followed up and resolved.
A note of any action taken, decisions reached and the outcome.

Following completion of a record of concern, staff will be provided with a feedback of action taken by the DSO. Staff have a duty to challenge this action with the DSO if they disagree and retain a duty to refer to social care themselves if they believe this to be the correct course of action.

Confidentiality and Sharing Information

Information sharing is vital in identifying and tackling all forms of abuse and neglect and in promoting children’s, young people’s and vulnerable adults welfare. ADTREX Ltd have clear powers to share, hold and use information for these purposes. Fears about sharing information must not be allowed to stand in the way of the need to safeguard and promote the welfare and protect the safety of children, young people or vulnerable adults.

All staff will understand that safeguarding issues warrant a high level of confidentiality, not only out of respect for the participant and staff involved but also to ensure that information being released into the public domain does not compromise evidence. Staff are expected to treat information they receive about children, young people or vulnerable adults in a discreet and confidential manner. Confidential information should never be used casually in conversation or shared with any person other than a need to know basis. The use of PMR (walkie talkies) radios will not be used as a method of communication when discussing personal or sensitive safeguarding information.

Staff should only discuss concerns with the DSO. That person will then decide who else needs to have the information and they will disseminate it on a ‘need-to-know’ basis.

Safeguarding information will be stored and handled in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.

Information sharing is guided by the following principles. The information is:

Necessary and proportionate
Relevant
Adequate
Accurate
Timely
Secure

Information sharing decisions will be recorded, whether or not the decision is taken to share.

The DSO will normally obtain consent from the participant and/or parents to share sensitive information with outside agencies. However, where there is good reason to do so, the DSO may share information without consent, and will record the reason for not obtaining consent.

Referral to Children’s Social Care

The DSO will make a referral to children’s social care if it is believed that a participant is suffering or is at risk of suffering significant harm. The participant (subject to their age and understanding) and the parents will be told that a referral is being made, unless to do so would increase the risk to the child.

Any member of staff may make a direct referral to children’s social care if they genuinely believe independent action is necessary to protect a child.

Vulnerable Children

Some children may have an increased risk of abuse. Many factors can contribute to an increase in risk, including prejudice and discrimination, isolation, social exclusion, communication issues and reluctance on the part of some adults to accept that abuse can occur. To ensure that all of our participants receive equal protection, we will give special consideration to children who are:

Disabled or has certain health conditions and has specific additional needs.
Has special educational needs whether they have an Education Health and Care Plan or not.
Have a mental health need.
Young carers.
Affected by parental substance misuse, domestic violence or parental mental health needs.
Asylum seekers.
Living away from home possibly in private fostering.
Showing signs of being drawn into anti-social or criminal behaviour, including gang involvement and association with organised crime groups or county lines.
Vulnerable to being bullied, or engaging in bullying.
Living in temporary accommodation.
Participants with SEND.

Children with disabilities and SEN have an increased vulnerability to abusive situations and can face additional safeguarding challenges. These challenges can include assumptions that indicators of possible abuse such as behaviour, mood or injury relate to the child’s disability or medical condition and therefore there is no further exploration; because they may need intimate care and may have cognitive impairments that prevent an understanding of appropriate adult behaviour. A lack of effective communication skills to share concerns and a reliance on adults can also be important factors. Safeguarding children and young people with SEND requires understanding, foresight and reflection. Keeping children safe from harm during ADTREX activities relies on all staff being able to recognise the raised risk factors.

The term “disabled” covers a wide range of impairments that have a different impact on the child, their needs and their experience of disabling barriers. Any one child’s experience of their impairment will be unique to them. However, some issues will be common to the experience of children across a number of impairment groups including children with moderate, severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities; children with specific learning difficulties; children with physical or visual impairments; deaf children; children with an autistic spectrum condition; children with physical or mental health needs; children with speech, language and communication needs; and children with behavioural, emotional and social development needs.

mencap - Represents people with learning disabilities, with specific advice and information for people who work with children and young people.

Four Categories of Abuse

These are the 4 main categories of abuse, there are others. In most cases multiple issues will overlap with one another for further guidance: NSPCC

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is a form of abuse which may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child (this used to be called Munchausen’s Syndrome by Proxy, but is now more usually referred to as fabricated or induced illness).

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:

Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment);
Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger;
Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers); or
Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
Affected by parental offending or has a family member in prison.
Live transient lifestyles or living in chaotic and unsupportive home situations.
Vulnerable to discrimination and maltreatment on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexuality.
At risk of modern slavery, trafficking sexual or criminal exploitation.
Do not have English as a first language.
At risk of honour based abuse such as female genital mutilation (FGM) or forced marriage.
At risk of being drawn into extremism/radicalised or exploited.
Frequently missing/goes missing from care/home.

This list provides examples of additionally vulnerable groups and is not exhaustive. Special consideration includes the provision of safeguarding information and resources in community languages and accessible formats for children with communication needs.
We recognise that a child who is abused or witnesses’ violence may feel helpless and humiliated, may blame itself and find it difficult to develop and maintain a sense of self-worth.

Bullying

Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally. Bullying can take many forms (for instance, cyber-bullying via text messages, social media or gaming, which can include the use of images and video) and is often motivated by prejudice against particular groups, for example on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, special educational needs or disabilities, or because a child is adopted, in care or has caring responsibilities. It might be motivated by actual differences between children, or perceived differences.

While bullying between children is not a separate category of abuse and neglect, it is a very serious issue that can cause anxiety and distress. All incidences of bullying, including cyber-bullying and prejudice-based bullying should be reported immediately to the ADTREX Ltd DSO and to the client staff accompanying the participants.

Photos and Videos

ADTREX Ltd will only take photos and videos when agreed with and permission has been given by the client, preferably in writing. Staff must be clear about the purpose and what will happen to the photos when the activity is concluded. Staff must ensure that the ADTREX DSO is aware that photos and videos are being taken and for what purpose. Avoid making images in one to one situations. DO NOT take, display or distribute images of children unless you have consent to do so, preferably in writing.

It is recommended that:

If a photo is used avoid naming the pupil.
If the pupil is named avoid using their photo.
ADTREX will establish whether the images will be retained for further use.
Images should be securely stored and used only by those authorised to do so.

All staff should be vigilant to ensure that outdoor activity events are not used as an opportunity to take inappropriate photographs or film footage of children, young people or vulnerable adults, and any concerns should be reported to the company and the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Under no circumstance should adults employed by ADTREX Ltd access inappropriate images. Accessing child pornography or indecent images of children on the internet, and making, storing or disseminating such material is illegal and if proven will invariably lead to the individual being barred from work with children and young people.

Physical Intervention/Use of Reasonable Force

There are circumstances when it may be appropriate for staff to use reasonable force to safeguard participants. This covers a range of actions used by staff that involves a degree of physical contact to control or restrain children. ‘Reasonable’ in these circumstances means ‘using no more force than is needed. Physical intervention and the use of reasonable force should only be used when de- escalation or distraction strategies have failed and as a last resort or in an emergency situation to prevent serious harm. Use of reasonable force will be recorded by ADTREX Ltd. The client, parents and carers will be notified as soon as it is reasonable to do so.

DfE Use of Reasonable Force

Abuse of Position of Trust

All ADTREX Ltd staff are aware that inappropriate behaviour towards participants is unacceptable and that their conduct towards participants must be beyond reproach. Staff understand that under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 it is an offence for a person over the age of 18 to have a sexual relationship with a person under the age of 18, where that person is in a position of trust, even if the relationship is consensual. This means that any sexual activity between a member of the school staff and a pupil under 18 may be a criminal offence.

The Staff Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy states our expectations of staff. It is signed by all staff.

Staff/Participant Online Relationships

ADTREX Ltd staff are not to engage in online contact and electronic communication with participants outside of an ADTREX Ltd organised event. Staff found to be in breach of this rule may be subject to disciplinary action or safeguarding investigation.

Allegations Against Staff

All ADTREX Ltd staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with a child, young person or vulnerable adult. It is always advisable for conversations or work with individual children, young people or vulnerable adults be conducted in view of other adults.

When an allegation is made against a member of staff, our set procedures must be followed. The ADTREX Ltd DSO on all such occasions where the threshold for LADO has been met will discuss the content of the allegation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

Low Level Concerns

ADTREX Ltd, promotes an open and transparent culture in which all concerns about adults working in or on behalf of the ADTREX Ltd are dealt with promptly and appropriately. The term ‘low level’ concern does not mean that it is insignificant, it means that the behaviour towards a child does not meet the threshold as set out in KCSIE Paragraph 355. A low level concern is any concern – no matter how small and even if no more than causing a sense of unease or a ‘nagging doubt’ that an adult working in or on behalf of the ADTREX Ltd may have acted in a way that:

Is inconsistent with the Staff Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy, including inappropriate conduct outside of work, and
Does not meet the allegations threshold or is otherwise not considered serious enough to consider a referral to the LADO.

Low level concerns should be reported to the ADTREX Ltd DSO. In the case of a client member of staff concern, this will also be shared with their employer so that any potential patterns of inappropriate behaviour can be identified. All concerns will be recorded in writing as well as any action taken.

Further information on the low level concerns can be found in the ADTREX Ltd Staff Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy.

The full procedures for dealing with allegations against staff can be found in ADTREX Ltd’s Managing Allegations against Staff policy.

All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude and actions of colleagues. The vast majority of adults who work with children act professionally and seek to provide a safe and supportive environment, which secures the wellbeing and very best outcomes for children and young people in their care. Much relies on participant and staff interactions where tensions and misunderstandings can occur. Allegations may be genuine, malicious or misplaced. They may arise from differing perceptions of the same event, but when they occur, they are inevitably distressing and difficult for all concerned. We understand that a participant may make an allegation against a member of staff. If such an allegation is made, or information is received which suggests that a person may be unsuitable to work with children, the member of staff receiving the allegation or aware of the information, will immediately inform the ADTREX Ltd DSO. If the allegation made to a member of staff concerns the ADTREX Ltd DSO, the person receiving the allegation will immediately inform social services/ police, who will contact the LADO where threshold to do so has been met.

In some circumstances, the ADTREX Ltd may have to consider an allegation against an individual not directly employed by ADTREX Ltd. In these circumstances, we will ensure that the allegation is dealt with properly. The employer of that person will be informed as will the LADO where threshold to do so has been met. Allegations concerning staff who no longer work for ADTREX Ltd or historical allegations will be reported to the Police and LADO as applicable.

Whistle Blowing

Staff who are concerned about the conduct of a colleague towards a participant are undoubtedly placed in a very difficult situation. They may worry that they have misunderstood the situation and they will wonder whether a report could jeopardise their colleague’s career. All staff must remember that the welfare of the child is paramount. The ADTREX Ltd whistleblowing code enables staff to raise concerns or allegations, initially in confidence and for a sensitive enquiry to take place.

All concerns of poor practice or possible child abuse by colleagues should be reported to the ADTREX Ltd DSO. Complaints about the ADTREX Ltd DSO should be reported to social services/police.

The NSPCC whistle-blowing helpline number 0800 028 0285. 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/dedicated-helplines/whistleblowing-advice-line/

General guidance on whistleblowing can be found via https://www.gov.uk/whistleblowing

Safer Recruitment

The safe recruitment of staff joining ADTREX Ltd is the first step in safeguarding the participants that attend our activities. ADTREX Ltd expects all staff to share this commitment.
Staff recruitment is conducted in line with the ADTREX Ltd Safer Recruitment Policy including safer recruitment checks for all new employees.
The ADTREX Ltd staff responsible for the recruitment of new employees will be trained in Safer Recruitment, will carry out the appropriate safeguarding and reference checks and notify candidates that online searches will be carried out.
ADTREX Ltd staff will undergo checks commensurate with their work within ADTREX Ltd, their contact with participants and the supervision provided to them.
ADTREX Ltd maintains a single central record of recruitment checks undertaken.
Under no circumstances will a member of ADTREX Ltd staff who has not been appropriately checked be left unsupervised.

Site Safety

During training and expeditions ADTREX Ltd uses a variety of venues including but not limited to client school class rooms and grounds, private venues, private and public campsites as well as expedition areas i.e Kent Downs, New Forest, Brecon Beacons National Park etc.
The identification of ADTREX Ltd staff, volunteers, students and visitors must be made clear to everyone involved in the activity, including ADTREX Ltd staff, volunteers, students, visitors.
Clear instruction must be given to participants on where they can go and not go at a given venue.
Visitors to an activity must be accompanied at all times by a member of ADTREX Ltd staff or client school staff.
For parents/carers who are simply delivering or collecting their child do not need to be accompanied.
Any individual who is not known or identifiable should be challenged for clarification and reassurance.
ADTREX Ltd staff have a responsibility for identifying approved adults who are collecting children from an activity.
All visitors are expected to observe the ADTREX Ltd safeguarding and health and safety policies.
ADTREX Ltd will not accept the behaviour of any parent or individual that threatens the security or leads others (child or adult) to feel unsafe. Such behaviour will be treated as a serious concern and may result in the decision to refuse access to the activity and the police may be informed.
All staff have a responsibility for maintaining awareness of the buildings and grounds being used by ADTREX Ltd security and for reporting concerns that may come to light.
During expeditions the following rules regarding accommodation apply:
Participants must be accommodated in tents of no less than 2.
Participants must be accommodated in tents with same sex participants only.
Where a participant must be accommodated in a tent on their own, there needs to be an appropriate risk assessment completed by the client.