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

This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 and sets out the steps Studio Zao has taken and is committed to taking to ensure that modern slavery and human trafficking do not take place within our business or supply chains.

1. Introduction

Studio Zao is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our business and supply chains. We take a zero-tolerance approach to slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and human trafficking, and we expect the same high standards from our partners, suppliers, and contractors.

2. Our Business and Supply Chain

• Studio Zao is a UK-based innovation consultancy providing services to public, private, and third-sector organisations.

• Our supply chains are primarily professional services, training, technology, venues, and freelance experts.

• We do not operate in high-risk sectors or geographies but remain vigilant regarding all forms of exploitation.

3. Our Policies

Studio Zao’s approach to modern slavery is supported by:

• Code of Conduct for staff and associates

• Safeguarding Policy (see above)

• Whistleblowing Policy (see above)

• Recruitment and Supplier Due Diligence Procedures

• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy

4. Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

• We assess our suppliers for modern slavery risk, particularly when contracting new suppliers or subcontractors.

• All staff, contractors, and suppliers must agree to comply with our Modern Slavery Policy and relevant UK legislation.

• We reserve the right to terminate any relationship with suppliers or partners found to be in breach of these principles.

5. Actions Taken

• Supplier Vetting: New suppliers and subcontractors are required to confirm compliance with the Modern Slavery Act as part of our onboarding process.

• Training: All core team members receive training on modern slavery awareness, how to spot signs of exploitation, and how to escalate concerns.

• Reporting and Whistleblowing: All staff are encouraged to report any concerns about modern slavery or unethical behaviour, in line with our whistleblowing procedures.

6. Ongoing Commitment

• We are committed to reviewing and improving our processes annually.

• We will continue to train our team and review our supply chains for risks.

• We will respond immediately and appropriately to any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking, including cooperating with law enforcement and relevant agencies.

7. Reporting Concerns

Anyone (staff, suppliers, clients, or the public) can report concerns or suspected incidents of modern slavery in Studio Zao’s activities or supply chain via our designated contact:

• Contact: Chris Baker, Director

• Email: chris@studiozao.com

• Phone: +44(0)7753250767

Reports can be made in confidence. Studio Zao will take every concern seriously and respond swiftly.