Sculpt Safeguarding Policy

By January 1, 2026March 11th, 2026Uncategorized

Sculpt Safeguarding Policy

 

 

 

     1.What is Safeguarding? 

        Safeguarding means protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm, abuse and neglect, and promoting their wellbeing            and human rights. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
        (Source: NHS England) 

       Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation (including online). 

 

     2.If a Safeguarding Concern Is Disclosed to You

       If a young person discloses a safeguarding concern: 

  • Stay calm, listen carefully and be empathetic. Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you. 
  • Allow them to speak freely, in their own words and at their own pace. Do not ask leading questions or press for details. 
  • Do not make judgements or assumptions. 
  • Explain that you cannot keep this information secret and that you will need to share it with people who can help keep them safe. 
  • Do not investigate, confront anyone involved, or promise that the abuse will stop. 
  • Write down what you have been told as soon as possible, using the young person’s own words where you can. 
  • Report the disclosure immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL. 

      

    3. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

  • Report all safeguarding concerns, however small they may seem, or if you are unsure whether something is a concern. 
  • Safeguarding concerns must be reported as soon as possible to the Sculpt DSL or Deputy DSL. 
  • If someone is in immediate danger or seriously injured, call 999 immediately. 

 

     

    4.Conduct Expectations for Volunteers

  • Avoid being alone with a young person where possible; ensure interactions are open and observable. 
  • Do not exchange personal contact details with young people or connect with them on social media, except through approved professional platforms such as LinkedIn. 
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times. 
  • Avoid overly familiar physical contact. 
  • Seek advice and support from the DSL or Sculpt staff if you are worried or unsure about any situation. 
  • When visiting office premises (if applicable), ensure at least one person from your organisation knows emergency procedures. 

 

Key Safeguarding Contacts 

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):  
Claire Bonham – claire.bonham@sculptuk.org 

 

Deputy DSL:
Lucy Pettet – lucy.pettet@sculptuk.org 

 

Effective Date: January 2026
Next Review: January 2027