Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Electric Bear Group Ltd is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone we work with.  This includes children, young people, and adults at risk.  We believe safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff, freelancers, and partners must follow this policy.

This policy meets our legal responsibilities under UK law.

 

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Protect children, young people, and adults at risk who engage with Electric Bear Group Ltd’s services.
  • Provide staff and freelancers with clear guidance on identifying and reporting concerns.
  • Ensure we maintain a safe and positive environment in all creative activities, productions, and events.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All directors, employees, freelancers, and volunteers working with Electric Bear Group Ltd.
  • All creative projects, studio sessions, events, and online interactions carried out under Electric Bear Group Ltd.

4. Responsibilities

  • Directors are responsible for ensuring this policy is in place, reviewed annually, and that safeguarding leads are appointed.
  • All staff and freelancers must understand and follow this policy.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Simon Hopkinson who will act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns and reporting.

5. Training

  • Core staff and company directors working with children, young people, or adults at risk will receive safeguarding awareness training.
  • Training will cover recognising signs of abuse, how to respond to concerns, and reporting procedures.
  • Refresher training will take place every 3 years.

6. Identifying Concerns

Safeguarding issues can include (but are not limited to):

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Neglect
  • Bullying or harassment (including online)
  • Radicalisation
  • Self-harm or risk of harm

All staff should stay alert to changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, signs of neglect, or anything that raises concern.

 

7. Reporting Concerns

  • Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
  • If a child, young person, or adult at risk is in immediate danger, call 999.
  • If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should be reported to the Deputy DSL (Jared Harding) or directly to local safeguarding services – Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) 0300 500 80 90).
  • Concerns should be recorded in writing with date, time, details of the concern, and the actions taken.  Please request the safeguarding report form from the DSL.

Additional Local Contacts:

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Children Board (contact details will be displayed in the studio and on internal systems).
  • NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team (contact details to be added based on location).

8. Confidentiality

  • Information will only be shared on a “need to know” basis.
  • Staff must never promise confidentiality to a child, young person, or adult at risk.

9. Safe Working Practices

  • Always work in open, visible spaces when possible.
  • Avoid one-to-one situations with vulnerable children or adults unless necessary and agreed in advance.
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times, including online and on social media.
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour in all creative and studio environments.

10. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or guidance.