Project Rewild CIC
Safeguarding Policy
1. Policy Purpose and Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and representatives of Project Rewild who work with or around children and young people (under 18). We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and ensuring they are listened to, respected, and supported.
A separate adult safeguarding policy addresses those aged 18 and over. An adult at risk is someone who:
Has care and support needs, and
Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and
Cannot protect themselves due to those needs.
2. Legal Framework
This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidance:
Children Act 1989 and 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
Keeping Children Safe in Education (where relevant)
Care Act 2014 (for adult safeguarding)
Protection of Children Act 1999
East Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership (ESSCP) procedures
3. Safeguarding Roles
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Luke Funnell – luke@projectrewild.co.uk
Deputy DSL: Polly Palmer – polly@projectrewild.co.uk
Both the DSL and Deputy DSL receive specialist safeguarding training every three years and provide support, oversight, and advice to staff and volunteers.
4. Safeguarding Training
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL to receive specialist Safeguarding training every 2 years.
All other staff and volunteers must receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role, at least every three years.
New team members receive an induction covering safeguarding expectations and reporting procedures.
Records of training are maintained and reviewed annually.
5. Definitions and Signs of Abuse
We recognise the following types of abuse:
Physical abuse – hitting, shaking, burning
Emotional abuse – constant criticism, threats, rejection
Sexual abuse – involving a child in sexual activity or exploitation
Neglect – failing to meet basic physical or emotional needs
Bullying – repeated, harmful behaviour in person or online
Peer-on-peer abuse – abuse committed by another young person
Historical abuse and grooming – taken seriously regardless of time passed
Signs of abuse may include unexplained injuries, withdrawn or fearful behaviour, sexualised language, or sudden behaviour changes.
6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
Any concerns or disclosures must be reported immediately to the DSL or Deputy DSL.
Do not investigate or promise confidentiality — reassure the child and act in their best interest.
In emergencies, call 999.
For non-emergency advice or concerns, contact East Sussex SPoA:
Follow the ESSCP guidance: www.esscp.org.uk/concerns-about-a-child
7. Child-Centred Approach
We are committed to listening to and empowering children. This includes:
Creating opportunities for children to share concerns or feedback.
Making safeguarding processes child-friendly and accessible.
Taking all disclosures seriously and responding respectfully.
8. Whistleblowing
We support an open culture and encourage anyone to report concerns about poor practice or organisational safeguarding failures.
Staff may raise concerns with the DSL, Deputy DSL, or directly with the Directors.
If uncomfortable doing so internally, concerns can be reported to the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: 0800 028 0285.
9. Good Practice and Behaviour Expectations
All staff must:
Work in open environments — avoid isolated 1:1 situations
Treat all children with dignity and respect
Be positive role models — no smoking, drinking, or inappropriate language
Maintain professional physical boundaries
Seek written consent for first aid, photos, and collection arrangements
Never:
Use personal devices to store images
Share social media with children
Be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working
Engage in rough, sexualised, or inappropriate play
10. Digital Safeguarding
When communicating or sharing content digitally:
Use only organisational devices or platforms for contact with young people.
Never use personal social media or messaging platforms.
Follow parental consent procedures for any digital media involving children.
Any online sessions must follow the same safeguarding principles as in-person delivery.
11. Safer Recruitment and Vetting
All staff, contractors, and volunteers working with children must:
Complete a self-disclosure form
Undergo an enhanced DBS check
2 x references required for all new employees, including the last employer when available.
Attend safeguarding training and sign a declaration of understanding
Adhere to our Code of Conduct
12. Working with Partners and Third Parties
All third-party providers, schools, or collaborators must:
Provide proof of appropriate safeguarding policies and checks
Agree to adhere to our safeguarding standards
Be aware of and follow our reporting procedures if concerns arise
13. Allegations Against Staff
If an allegation is made against any adult working with children:
Report it to the DSL or Deputy DSL, who will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
If the allegation involves the DSL, report directly to the Directors or to SPoA.
Suspension may be considered to ensure safety while investigations occur.
14. Bullying and Peer-on-Peer Abuse
All incidents of bullying or peer abuse are:
Investigated promptly
Recorded accurately
Handled with support for all involved
Escalated to safeguarding leads or services if serious or repeated
15. Historical Abuse
Any disclosures of past abuse are taken seriously and responded to as current safeguarding concerns. The risk posed by the person alleged must always be considered.
16. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Safeguarding records are kept securely, factually, and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
We comply with UK data protection legislation, including the GDPR.
17. Policy Oversight and Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Directors and updated to reflect:
Changes in legislation or local procedures
Lessons learned from incidents or concerns
Feedback from staff, volunteers, and participants