Safeguarding Statement

1. Policy Statement

Studio Zao is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk with whom we come into contact through our work. We recognise our duty of care and legal responsibility to protect their wellbeing and ensure all participants, staff, partners, and contractors operate in a safe and supportive environment.

This policy applies to all staff, associates, contractors, and volunteers working for or on behalf of Studio Zao.

2. Purpose

  • Protect children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination.

  • Set clear procedures for identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns.

  • Promote a safe culture across all Studio Zao activities and partnerships.

3. Legislative Framework

This policy is based on and complies with:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)

  • Care Act 2014 (for adults at risk)

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Equality Act 2010

  • Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023

  • White Ribbon Pledge (commitment to prevent violence against women and girls)

4. Definitions

  • Children: Anyone under the age of 18.

  • Adults at risk: People aged 18 or over who are or may be in need of community care services and are unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

  • Abuse: A form of maltreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.

  • Safeguarding: Actions to protect people from harm, abuse, or neglect.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Chris Baker, Director

    • Responsible for overseeing safeguarding across the organisation, receiving reports, and ensuring action is taken.

  • All Staff, Associates, and Contractors:

    • Must read, understand, and follow this policy and attend regular safeguarding training.

6. Recruitment & Training

All staff/contractors working with children, young people, or adults at risk will undergo:

  • Safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) checks where appropriate.

  • Reference checks.

  • Mandatory safeguarding training at induction and refresher training annually.

7. Safeguarding Procedures

a. Recognising Abuse

Studio Zao staff will remain vigilant for signs of:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse or exploitation

  • Neglect

  • Radicalisation (Prevent Duty)

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Financial abuse (for adults at risk)

b. Reporting a Concern

All concerns must be reported as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or their deputy.

If there is immediate danger or a crime has been committed, call 999.

All concerns and actions taken will be recorded securely and in line with data protection legislation.

c. Responding to Allegations

Allegations against staff, associates, or partners will be reported immediately to the DSL and referred to the local authority designated officer (LADO) and/or police as appropriate.

Studio Zao will fully cooperate with statutory authorities in all safeguarding matters.

8. Code of Conduct

All staff, associates, and contractors must act professionally, respectfully, and in accordance with safeguarding principles.

Never:

  • Initiate unnecessary physical contact.

  • Meet alone with a child/vulnerable adult without appropriate consent or risk assessment.

  • Exchange personal contact details or engage in social media contact outside professional boundaries.

Always:

  • Report concerns promptly.

  • Maintain clear, professional boundaries.

  • Respect confidentiality (but never promise absolute secrecy if there is a safeguarding concern).

9. Working With Partners & Subcontractors

All partners and subcontractors must agree to uphold Studio Zao’s safeguarding standards, or provide evidence of an equivalent safeguarding policy.

Safeguarding will be included in all contracts and partnership agreements.

Studio Zao will seek assurances regarding the safeguarding policies of venues or partner organisations used.

10. Safe Delivery of Activities

Risk assessments will be completed for all activities involving children, young people, or adults at risk.

Parental/carer consent will be obtained for participation where required.

Where online delivery is involved, Studio Zao will follow best-practice in online safeguarding.

11. Whistleblowing

Studio Zao is committed to a culture of openness. Staff, participants, or partners can raise safeguarding concerns in confidence via our whistleblowing policy.

No one will suffer detriment or retaliation for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.

12. Record-Keeping & Confidentiality

All safeguarding records are kept securely and only shared with those who need to know in line with GDPR and safeguarding legislation.

Records will be retained for a minimum of 7 years.

13. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by law or best practice developments.

14. Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Chris Baker

chris@studiozao.com