OUAB CIC Safeguarding Policy
TRANSPARENCY  ~  ACCOUNTABILITY  ~  CARE

Policy Statement  

OUAB Community Interest Company is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children (under 18) and adults at risk who come into contact with our services. We believe that every person has the right to be safe, respected, and protected from harm, abuse, or neglect.

The safety and wellbeing of participants is our highest priority. This policy applies to all staff, directors, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of OUAB CIC, whether on the bus, at community events, teacher training sessions, or any other activity.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is guided by:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated)

• Care Act 2014 (for adults at risk)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (statutory guidance)

• Sample case: National Lottery Community Fund safeguarding expectations

Scope

This policy covers all activities delivered by OUAB CIC, including mobile storytelling workshops on the bus, community events, teacher training, and any online or in-person interactions.

Definitions

• "Child": Anyone under the age of 18.

• "Adult at risk": An adult who is 18 or over and may need community care services due to mental or other disability, age, or other circumstances, and who is unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

• "Safeguarding": Protecting children and adults at risk from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, and ensuring they grow up in safe circumstances.

Our Commitments

We will:

1. Create a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

2. Ensure all staff and regular volunteers are appropriately recruited and vetted.

3. Provide relevant safeguarding training to all team members.

4. Have clear procedures for recognising, reporting, and responding to concerns.

5. Work in partnership with parents/carers, schools, local authorities, and other agencies.

6. Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Safer Recruitment  

• All staff and regular volunteers will have an enhanced DBS check (with barred list check where appropriate).

• References will be taken up and identity verified.

• A single central record of checks will be maintained.

Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Art Sharma-Grey (Lead Storyteller) is the current Designated Safeguarding Lead. Contact: art@sharmagrey.com +44 (0)7812 101 619

Deputy DSL: Matt Grey (Co-Founder) will act as deputy.

All team members are responsible for reporting any concerns immediately to the DSL.

Recognising Abuse and Concerns 

Staff and volunteers are trained to recognise signs of:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Exploitation (including online)

• Radicalisation or other specific risks

Reporting Procedure

1. If a child or adult at risk discloses abuse, or if you have a concern:

   - Listen carefully and calmly.

   - Reassure the person they have done the right thing.

   - Do not promise secrecy.

   - Record the concern accurately and promptly (who, what, when, where).

2. Report the concern immediately to the DSL (or deputy if unavailable).

3. The DSL will decide on next steps, which may include contacting:

   - Local Authority Children’s Services / Adult Social Care

   - Police (999 in emergencies)

   - NSPCC Helpline

4. In all cases, the welfare of the child or adult at risk comes first.

Whistleblowing  

Staff and volunteers can raise concerns about poor practice or potential abuse by colleagues. Concerns should be reported to the DSL or, if necessary, directly to the local authority or Ofsted.

Code of Conduct

All team members must:

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

• Avoid being alone with a child where possible (two-adult rule preferred on the bus).

• Never use physical punishment or humiliating discipline.

• Respect privacy and dignity.

• Not take or share photographs/videos without explicit consent and in line with data protection rules

Training  

All staff and regular volunteers will receive:

• Basic safeguarding awareness training (updated every 2–3 years).

• Role-specific training for the DSL.

• Refresher training annually or as required.

Record Keeping 

All safeguarding concerns will be recorded securely and confidentially. Records will be stored in line with data protection law (UK GDPR) and retained for the required period.

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors and approved by the Board (or advisory group once established). It will also be reviewed after any serious incident or significant change in legislation/guidance.

Policy Approved by:  

Arti Sharma-Grey & Matt Grey (Founder Directors)
Stephan Stephan (Director Governance)
April 2026

Next policy review date: April 2027