Pawb Arts CIC - Safeguarding Policy
1. Purpose and Commitment
Pawb Arts CIC is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants, particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We believe that everyone has the right to participate in art and community activities free from harm, neglect, or abuse.
This policy outlines our responsibilities and procedures for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals involved in our activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
All staff, volunteers, artists, facilitators, and PSC's of Pawb Arts CIC
All participants, visitors, and contractors engaging in our projects, workshops, and events
All activities delivered in our premises or off-site, including online sessions
3. Principles
Our safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:
Zero tolerance for abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Empowerment: Supporting individuals to make informed choices.
Prevention: Acting early to reduce risks.
Protection: Providing support and advocacy for those in need.
Partnership: Working with safeguarding agencies and the community.
Accountability: Maintaining transparency in our safeguarding practice.
4. Definitions
Children: Anyone under the age of 18.
Vulnerable adults: Anyone aged 18 or over who, due to age, disability, mental health issues, illness, or circumstances, is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Vulnerable adults: Anyone aged 18 or over who, due to age, disability, mental health issues, illness, or circumstances, is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
Abuse may include (but is not limited to):
Physical abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect or self-neglect
Financial or material abuse
Discriminatory abuse
Institutional abuse
5. Roles and Responsibilities
The Board / Trustees
Ensure the organisation complies with safeguarding legislation and best practice.
Review this policy annually.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Hollie J Withers
Hollie has completed NSPCC safeguarding training, has a level 3 diploma in counselling skills, is Fully DBS checked and has been trained in Mental Health First Aid.
Contact: pawb.arts@gmail.com
Acts as the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns.
Ensures concerns are recorded and reported to appropriate authorities.
Provides safeguarding training and guidance to staff and volunteers.
All Staff and Volunteers
Must read, understand, and follow this policy.
Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL.
Complete safeguarding training as required.
6. Safer Recruitment
All staff and volunteers who work with children or vulnerable adults must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or local equivalent).
References will be obtained and checked.
Recruitment decisions will consider safeguarding responsibilities and risk assessments.
7. Code of Conduct
All staff and volunteers must:
Treat all participants with respect and dignity.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
Never engage in sexual or inappropriate relationships with participants.
Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult whenever possible.
Not give personal contact details or connect with minors or vulnerable adults on private social media.
Report all concerns or disclosures immediately.
8. Responding to a Safeguarding Concern
If a child or vulnerable adult discloses abuse or you have concerns:
Listen carefully – do not promise confidentiality.
Record what was said or observed as soon as possible, using the person’s own words.
Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
The DSL will assess the situation and, if necessary, contact:
Local authority safeguarding team
Police (in emergencies)
Other relevant agencies
If the DSL is unavailable and immediate danger is suspected, contact emergency services (999/112) or the local safeguarding authority directly.
9. Record Keeping
All safeguarding concerns, reports, and referrals must be documented accurately and stored securely.
Records will be kept confidential and only shared with relevant authorities.
10. Training
All staff and volunteers must complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.
The DSL will ensure training is updated at least every two years.
11. Online and Digital Safety
When conducting online workshops or communications:
Use only official organisational accounts or platforms.
Ensure participants (especially minors) are supervised or have consent from parents/guardians.
Follow the same safeguarding principles as in-person activities.
12. Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or organisational structure.
13. Contacts and Useful Information
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Hollie J Withers
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Benjamin Morson
Local Safeguarding Authority: Monmouthshire County Council.
Police (non-emergency): 101
Emergency: 999
Approved by: Hollie Withers
Position: Managing Director Pawb Arts CIC/
Date: 08/11/2025
Next Review Due: 01/11/2026
Position: Managing Director Pawb Arts CIC/
Date: 08/11/2025
Next Review Due: 01/11/2026