roam safeguarding policy

1. Policy Statement

Roam is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children, families, volunteers, and staff who visit or work with us. Safeguarding is central to our mission — we support families with young children and provide opportunities for adults facing barriers to work.

We believe:

• The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount.

• Everyone, regardless of age, ability, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or background, has the right to be protected from harm.

• Safeguarding is a shared responsibility.

We will work proactively to ensure everyone involved with Roam understands how to prevent, identify, and respond to concerns about abuse or neglect.

2. Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all Roam staff, volunteers, trustees, and anyone working on our behalf, whether regularly or occasionally. It covers:

• Child protection

• Safeguarding of adults at risk

• Safe recruitment and training

• Supporting placement participants

• Reporting concerns

• Behaviour expectations and boundaries
  
  

3. Legal Framework

This policy aligns with relevant UK laws and statutory guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

• Keeping Children Safe in Out-of-School Settings
  The Care Act 2014

• Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding
  
  

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Roam will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) before we open to the public. The DSL will take lead responsibility for embedding safeguarding across the organisation, supporting staff with concerns, and liaising with external agencies when needed.

Until then, safeguarding matters will be managed by the founding team, who will seek external advice where necessary.

All team members and volunteers are expected to:

• Read and understand this policy

• Complete safeguarding training relevant to their role

• Act immediately if they have a concern, and report it to the DSL or safeguarding contact

5. Safeguarding Children and Young People

Roam exists in part to serve families with children aged 0–7, and their safety is a top priority. We will:

• Ensure children are supervised by their parent/carer at all times in café and play areas, unless attending specific sessions advertised as supervised

• Use safe, age-appropriate equipment and maintain a secure environment

• Risk assess all play areas and activities

• Provide safeguarding training to all staff and volunteers who interact with children and families
  
  

Children will never be left alone with employees or volunteers at Roam in our standard operations. Although roles do not fall under regulated activity under current plans, we may still carry out Enhanced DBS checks for individuals working directly with families or in the play area, as a matter of best practice and in line with our commitment to safeguarding.

If we run any clubs or classes where this will be the case, we will produce a separate safeguarding policy.

6. Safeguarding Adults at Risk

We aim to create a welcoming space for all adults, including those who may be vulnerable due to disability, mental health, age, or life circumstances. We will:

• Foster a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusion

• Be alert to signs of abuse or coercion

• Ensure our employment and volunteering pathways do not exploit or place pressure on participants

• Make adjustments to ensure access and equity

• Act quickly on any concerns
  
  

7. Supporting Work Placement Participants

Roam offers work placements and volunteering opportunities, particularly for individuals who may be rebuilding confidence, returning to work, or facing other barriers. We recognise that some participants may be vulnerable due to life experiences, health, or personal circumstances.

To safeguard and support placement participants, we will:

• Provide a clear induction and named supervisor or point of contact

• Ensure tasks are appropriate, developmental, and respectful

• Offer regular check-ins and encourage open communication

• Make reasonable adjustments where needed to promote inclusion

• Treat all participants with dignity, patience, and encouragement

• Respond promptly to any concerns about wellbeing, exploitation, or unfair treatment
  
  

Placement participants will receive a basic safeguarding overview and information on how to raise concerns safely and confidentially.

8. Safe Recruitment

Roam is committed to recruiting safely. We will:

• Carry out Enhanced DBS checks for staff and volunteers working closely with children or vulnerable adults, even where not legally required

• Take up references for all staff and volunteers

• Provide safeguarding induction and refresher training

• Embed safeguarding responsibilities into job descriptions and supervision

9. Code of Conduct

Everyone working at or representing Roam must:

• Treat all people with care, kindness, and respect

• Prioritise safety and wellbeing at all times

• Maintain appropriate boundaries with children and vulnerable adults

• Never be alone with a child in an enclosed or unsupervised space

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact and always seek consent

• Report concerns immediately

10. Reporting Concerns

If someone is at immediate risk, call 999.

Otherwise, report all concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible. If no DSL has yet been appointed, report to a member of the founding team who will seek guidance.

If a child or adult discloses abuse:

• Listen calmly and without interruption

• Do not ask leading questions

• Reassure them they have done the right thing

• Explain you need to share the information

• Record what was said and report it quickly
  
  

All concerns will be recorded securely and, where appropriate, shared with Lambeth Children’s Services or the Adult Safeguarding Board.

11. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns will be handled with sensitivity and in line with UK GDPR. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis, and records will be stored securely.

12. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any safeguarding incidents, regulatory changes, or feedback from staff and families.