Safeguarding Policy
 

Safeguarding at We Are F.I.S.H CIC

Keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe is not just a policy for us, it’s a responsibility we take seriously every single day.

We work with neurodivergent children, young people and families, and we understand how important it is that our spaces feel safe, welcoming and protective. Safeguarding is built into everything we do.

Our Promise - We will always:

• Put safety and wellbeing first
• Listen to children, young people and families
• Take concerns seriously
• Act quickly if something doesn’t feel right
• Work with the right agencies when extra support is needed
• Everyone who works or volunteers with us shares this responsibility.

Who Leads Safeguarding?

Our CEO, Sandra Ritchie, is our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). She oversees all safeguarding matters and makes sure concerns are handled properly and confidentially.

A Deputy Safeguarding Lead supports this role to ensure there is always someone available.

All staff and volunteers:

• Receive safeguarding training
• Have enhanced DBS checks
• Know how to spot signs of harm
• Must report concerns immediately

What We Safeguard Against

Safeguarding covers many things, including:

• Physical, emotional or sexual harm
• Neglect
• Bullying (including online bullying)
• Exploitation
• Radicalisation
• Any behaviour that makes a child, young person or vulnerable adult feel unsafe

We understand that signs of distress can look different for neurodivergent children, and we take that seriously.

If You’re Worried About Someone

If you ever have a concern about a child, young person or vulnerable adult involved with us:

• Tell a member of staff straight away
• Or contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead

We will listen carefully, record concerns properly and take the right next steps. Where necessary, we work with Social Services, LADO, the Police or other safeguarding teams.

Safer Recruitment & Online Safety

To keep everyone safe:

• All staff and volunteers have enhanced DBS checks
• We follow safer recruitment processes
• Staff do not communicate with children privately on social media
• Any online safety concerns are taken seriously and escalated

A Culture of Openness

We encourage everyone - staff, volunteers, families and young people - to speak up if something feels wrong. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Our Full Policy

This page gives a summary of our safeguarding approach.
You can request a full copy of our Safeguarding Policy at any time by contacting us.