The Bunker – Safeguarding Policy
1. Policy Statement The Bunker is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our duty of care to provide a safe, secure, and inclusive environment for all individuals engaging with our services. We take all concerns about safeguarding seriously and act promptly and appropriately.
2. Scope This policy applies to all staff, freelancers, volunteers, session leaders, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of or representing The Bunker. It covers all activities and services delivered on-site or off-site.
3. Legal Framework This policy has been developed in accordance with:
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023)
- The Care Act 2014
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Name: Mark Blagg-Newsome
- Contact: markbg@theboulderbunker.com 07934599503 please leave a message and Mark will call you back ASAP
The DSL is responsible for managing concerns, making referrals, ensuring training, and maintaining safeguarding records.
5. Definitions
- Child: Any person under the age of 18.
- Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who is in need of care and support and may be unable to protect themselves.
- Abuse: Can be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial, discriminatory, or organisational.
6. Safer Recruitment We implement safe recruitment practices to ensure all staff and volunteers are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults:
- Enhanced DBS checks (renewed every 3 years)
- Reference checks
- Safeguarding training during induction
7. Code of Conduct All staff and volunteers must:
- Prioritise safety and wellbeing
- Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times
- Use age-appropriate language and behaviour
- Report concerns without delay
8. Supervision Guidelines (guests)
- Children under 14 must be supervised by a responsible adult unless in a structured session.
- Recommended adult-to-child ratio: 1:2 minimum.
- Children under 6 should receive 1:1 supervision.
9. Recognising & Reporting Abuse Staff and volunteers must report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult immediately to the DSL.
If in immediate danger: Call 999
If not in immediate danger:
- Complete a Safeguarding Incident Report Form
- Submit to DSL within 24 hours
10. Responding to Allegations Against Staff Any allegation made against a staff member or volunteer must be reported to the DSL immediately. The DSL will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and take appropriate steps including suspension where necessary.
11. Record Keeping & Confidentiality
- All records will be kept securely and confidentially
- Reports will be retained until the subject’s 21st birthday
- Only those with appropriate authority will access safeguarding information
12. Training
- All staff will receive safeguarding training at induction and regular refreshers
- DSL receives advanced training every two years
13. Whistleblowing Staff and volunteers are encouraged to raise safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels. No person will be victimised for reporting legitimate concerns.
14. Policy Review This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding incident or changes in legislation.
Next Review Due: August 2026
For safeguarding concerns, contact the DSL: Mark Blagg-Newsome markbg@theboulderbunker.com 07934599503 please leave a message and Mark will call you back ASAP
If you are unsure whether something is a safeguarding concern – report it.