Safeguarding statement.

Version 1.0 · Last reviewed: 2026. Reviewed annually.

Named Safeguarding Lead: Volunteer name — [email protected].

1. Our commitment

We recognise that children and adults at risk have the right to protection from abuse, harm and neglect. All of our volunteers, coordinators and members share responsibility for safeguarding.

2. Who this applies to

• Any child (under 18) taking part in a FreeNation West Yorkshire activity.
• Any adult at risk — anyone aged 18 or over who, for reasons of care needs, mental or physical disability, or vulnerability, may need help to protect themselves.
• Everyone volunteering or coordinating on our behalf.

3. What we do

• Every volunteer working with children or adults at risk completes a DBS check.
• Coordinators receive basic safeguarding training before running events with families.
• Family and youth events are run by two adults, never one alone.
• We keep confidential records of any concern raised and how it was resolved.
• We follow the West Yorkshire Police and local authority guidance for reporting.

4. Recognising a concern

A concern might be something a person tells you, something you see, or a change of behaviour that worries you. You do not need to be certain — if something feels wrong, report it.

5. What to do if you have a concern

1. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 first.
2. Note down what you saw or heard, in the person's own words where possible, with the time and date.
3. Email the safeguarding lead the same day: [email protected].
4. Do not investigate yourself. Do not promise the person confidentiality — they may need help you cannot give.

6. What happens next

The safeguarding lead will acknowledge your report within 24 hours, keep it confidential to those who need to know, and decide with you the appropriate next step — which may include contacting the local authority safeguarding team or the police.

7. Reporting to authorities

For concerns about a child, we report to the West Yorkshire local authority Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) covering the town where the concern arose. For adults at risk, we report to the local authority Adult Safeguarding Team. Contact numbers are held by the safeguarding lead and available on request.

8. Confidentiality and record-keeping

Safeguarding records are held securely by the safeguarding lead, shared only with those who need to know, and retained in line with our privacy policy.

9. Reviewing this policy

This policy is reviewed at least once a year and after any significant safeguarding incident.