Safeguarding Policy

Knowledge Station CIC is committed to creating a safe environment for every young person who engages with our services. We work with people aged 16 to 25, including many who are vulnerable, have experienced trauma, or are dealing with complex personal circumstances. Safeguarding is not a box to tick - it is a core part of how we operate every single day.

This policy applies to all directors, paid staff, volunteers, mentors, creative practitioners, and anyone else who works on behalf of Knowledge Station CIC in any capacity.

This policy covers all activities delivered by Knowledge Station CIC, including:

• One-to-one mentorship sessions with young people
• Mental health and wellbeing sessions (group and individual)
• Career guidance, employability workshops, and work experience placements
• Creative arts projects, peer network events, and community activities
• Outreach work in community settings across Manchester and surroundings
• Online and digital communications with participants
• Any activity where a young person is in the care or company of our staff or volunteers

Knowledge Station CIC will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for:

• Receiving and recording all safeguarding concerns raised by staff, volunteers, or participants
• Making referrals to Manchester City Council Children's Services or Adult Social Care where required
• Contacting Greater Manchester Police in situations of immediate risk or criminal concern
• Maintaining the confidential safeguarding log
• Ensuring all staff and volunteers receive appropriate training
• Keeping up to date with safeguarding legislation, guidance, and local protocols

The DSL will be clearly identified to all staff, volunteers, and participants. In the absence of the DSL, a named deputy will carry out these responsibilities.

All staff and volunteers are trained to recognise the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The main categories we take seriously are:

• Physical abuse - unexplained injuries, flinching, or visible fear
• Emotional abuse - persistent low self-worth, withdrawal, or extreme anxiety
• Sexual abuse - inappropriate sexual knowledge, behaviour, or withdrawal
• Neglect - poor nutrition, hygiene, or chronic absence from activities
• Domestic abuse - signs of control, fear, or injury in a home context
• County lines and criminal exploitation - unexplained money, absences, or gang-related contact
• Online abuse and grooming - inappropriate messages or online relationships
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation - unexplained injuries or expressions of hopelessness

Anyone who works with Knowledge Station CIC does not need to be certain that abuse is occurring in order to make a referral. If you are worried, you report it. It is not your job to investigate - it is your job to pass the concern to the DSL without delay.

Any person who has a safeguarding concern must:

• Tell the DSL as soon as possible, on the same day that the concern arises.
• Write down what they saw, heard, or were told, using the young person's exact words wherever possible. Do not alter, interpret, or add to what was said.
• Complete the Safeguarding Concern Form and hand it to the DSL. Do not send it by email or leave it unattended.
• Not discuss the concern with colleagues, other participants, or anyone outside the organisation unless directly instructed by the DSL.

If the DSL is unavailable and there is immediate risk to a young person, any member of staff or volunteer must contact the police (999) or Manchester Children's Services Emergency Duty Team directly and inform the DSL as soon as possible afterwards.

Information about safeguarding concerns is strictly confidential. It is shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know in order to protect the young person. This may include Manchester City Council, the police, or other statutory agencies. Consent from the young person is sought wherever possible, but where there is a serious risk of harm, information will be shared without consent in line with the law.

Young people are told at the start of their involvement with us that most of what they share is confidential, but that there are situations where we have a legal and moral duty to act. This is explained clearly and without jargon.

Knowledge Station CIC will carry out the following checks before any person works with young people in our programmes:

• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Two professional references, followed up by telephone
• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK
• A full employment history, with all gaps accounted for
• A safeguarding-focused interview question for every candidate

DBS certificates are reviewed on a three-year cycle. All staff and volunteers are added to the DBS Update Service where applicable.

All staff and volunteers will complete safeguarding training before starting work with young people. Training will be refreshed annually. The DSL will complete an advanced DSL qualification and refresh this every two years. Training records are maintained by the DSL and reviewed by the Board annually.

This policy is reviewed every year and whenever there is a significant change in legislation, guidance, or the nature of our activities. The Board of Directors is responsible for approving any changes.