Safeguarding

FUN PALACES POLICY ON SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS AT RISK

Statement

Fun Palaces believes that it is always unacceptable for a child or any person to experience abuse, and recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and adults at risk through a commitment to practice that protects them.

We recognise that:

  • The welfare of the child / adult at risk is paramount, and that everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, economic status, sexual orientation or identity, has the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse;
  • Working in partnership with children, adults at risk, their parents, carers and agencies is essential in promoting their welfare;
  • Child abuse can take several forms – physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse – all of which can cause long-term damage. Bullying and domestic violence are also forms of child abuse.

Purpose of the policy

To outline the behaviour expected of everyone working or volunteering for Fun Palaces (including all those involved in the Fun Palaces weekend as Makers).

General

  • Fun Palaces’ designated Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead is Amie Taylor, Director of Fun Palaces.
  • Fun Palaces will comply with all updated changes in legislation and policy for the protection of children, young people and adults at risk;
  • Fun Palaces will ensure that all those who work for Fun Palaces (paid and volunteers) are aware of these guidelines.

Processes and procedures

When working with groups that include, or may include, young people or adults at risk (for example, a workshop at a Fun Palace, or a workshop about Fun Palaces run by the core team):

  • If the workshop is in an enclosed room with a shut door, there must be at least two responsible adults facilitating the activity at all times;
  • The ratio of responsible adults to participants should be at least 1:8 for children under 16, and 1:10 for older groups;
  • All relevant staff and volunteers must have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before the start of their contact time with children / adults at risk. Checks should be reviewed regularly in line with current statutory guidance;
  • Parents / carers are responsible for the safety of their young people and should be present with their designated children / group;
  • A Fun Palace Maker or workshop facilitator should never be left alone with a school group, or with a vulnerable adult, or be solely responsible for their safety;
  • If a child / adult at risk is injured while participating, a record must be made in the host venue’s accident book or report form, countersigned by the person responsible for the individual or by a responsible member of staff.

Confidentiality and data protection

The legal principle is that the welfare of the child is paramount. Privacy and confidentiality should be respected where possible, but if doing so would leave a child or adult at risk of harm, their safety comes first. It is lawful to share information where there is a concern about the safety of a child or adult at risk. Information should be handled on a strict “need to know” basis. In the first instance, the designated Child Protection and Safeguarding Lead should be contacted.

Fun Palaces will protect confidentiality and personal data in line with UK data protection law – the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, as amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 – and our Privacy Policy. Any material relating to reported incidents, concerns and referrals must be kept securely.

Film and photographs

  • Any photographs or films of children / adults at risk taken at a Fun Palace or workshop will only be made with the full consent of parents / carers and in consultation with the children involved;
  • Parents’ / carers’ permission is also required to use photographs or footage of their children in any publicity material, including web-based materials and across all social media platforms;
  • All images of children sent to Fun Palaces will be kept securely, accessible only by Fun Palaces HQ and password protected.

Reporting / whistleblowing

All suspicions and allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken extremely seriously and responded to immediately and appropriately. For all incidents, contact your designated safeguarding lead, who will seek external guidance as appropriate and agree action, including:

  • What action to take (e.g. seek more information, discuss with a third party, refer to social care services or the police);
  • The degree of urgency and a timetable for action;
  • Whether a separate process is needed for a suspected abuser (e.g. disciplinary procedure, referral to the LADO or the police);
  • Whether and how to inform the parent / carer;
  • What to discuss with the child / adult and how to support them;
  • How to manage confidentiality;
  • Ensuring a detailed written record is made within 2 working days, stored securely and confidentially;
  • Following up with any agencies and with the child / adult and parent / carer as appropriate.

Terminology

For the purpose of this policy, “child” refers to any person up to the age of 18, and “adult at risk” to any person aged 18 or above who is unable to safeguard themselves against significant harm or exploitation, or who may be unable to take care of themselves and in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness. This may include people who are elderly or frail, or those with a physical or learning disability, sensory impairment, poor mental health, dementia, alcohol / substance misuse, or any other long-term illness that affects their capacity, or who lack capacity for any other reason.

Individual Fun Palaces

Fun Palaces expects all Fun Palaces registered on the website to have made themselves aware of these safeguarding processes and procedures. In addition, if your Fun Palace involves working directly with children and adults at risk, we expect you to:

  • Have a nominated Designated Safeguarding Lead with the knowledge and skills to promote safe environments and respond to concerns and disclosures;
  • Ensure everyone understands their safeguarding roles and responsibilities and has appropriate learning opportunities;
  • Take out an appropriately detailed DBS / PVG check for staff and volunteers who will come into contact with children and adults at risk;
  • Invest in up-to-date, proportionate safeguarding training;
  • Include safeguarding in all risk assessments, with particular diligence when assessing risk for disabled participants.

Information, advice and helplines

This policy is reviewed regularly. Last updated: 22/06/2026