Our commitment

Much of our work brings us into contact with young people. Their safety comes before any programme, deadline or piece of content. Everyone here shares responsibility for safeguarding.

Our standards

• Roles with regulated contact are subject to appropriate DBS checks and references
• Adults are never alone and unobserved with a young person unless a risk assessment allows it
• Contact with participants happens through Equity House channels, never private accounts
• Consent is obtained before photographing, filming or publishing anything featuring a young person
• Every activity involving under-18s has a named safeguarding lead on site

Reporting a concern

Report any safeguarding concern immediately to the designated safeguarding lead at contact@equityhouse.io. Do not investigate it yourself and do not promise confidentiality. Where a child is at immediate risk, call 999. Concerns are referred to local authority children's services or the LADO as appropriate.

Records

Safeguarding records are kept securely, separately from general HR files, and retained in line with statutory guidance.

Governance and review

This policy is owned by the Head of People and approved by the board. It is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if the law, our operations or our risk profile changes.