Safeguarding Policy

Storykeepers Community CIC

Last Updated: August 2026

Our Commitment

Storykeepers Community CIC is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who takes part in our projects.

We believe every person deserves to feel respected, valued and protected. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and we are committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk in everything we do.

All concerns relating to the safety or wellbeing of a participant will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

Our Aim

This policy aims to:

  • Promote the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

  • Protect children, young people and adults at risk from harm.

  • Provide clear guidance for staff, volunteers and partners.

  • Ensure concerns are reported and managed appropriately.

  • Promote a culture of respect, dignity and inclusion.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

  • Directors

  • Employees

  • Freelancers

  • Volunteers

  • Workshop leaders

  • Project partners

  • Anyone representing Storykeepers Community CIC

Our Principles

Storykeepers Community CIC will:

  • Treat everyone with dignity, kindness and respect.

  • Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

  • Listen to participants and take their concerns seriously.

  • Create safe environments where people feel comfortable sharing their stories.

  • Work with parents, carers, schools, care providers and partner organisations where appropriate.

  • Comply with UK safeguarding legislation and guidance.

Working with Children

Many Storykeepers projects involve schools, libraries and youth organisations.

When working with children we will:

  • Work in partnership with schools and responsible organisations.

  • Ensure appropriate supervision is always in place.

  • Obtain parental consent where required.

  • Never arrange one-to-one meetings with children without appropriate safeguarding procedures.

  • Never communicate privately with children through personal social media or messaging platforms.

  • Ensure photography and publication permissions are obtained before using images or creative work.

Working with Vulnerable Adults

Projects such as Stories Through Time involve working with older people, including those living in care settings.

Storykeepers will:

  • Work closely with care home staff and partner organisations.

  • Respect participants' dignity, privacy and independence.

  • Ensure participation is always voluntary.

  • Respect a participant's decision not to answer questions or continue with an activity.

  • Follow the safeguarding procedures of host organisations where applicable.

DBS Checks

Where projects require it, Storykeepers Community CIC will ensure appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained for staff and volunteers in accordance with current legislation and the nature of their role.

Responding to Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises, anyone representing Storykeepers must:

  • Remain calm.

  • Listen carefully without making promises they cannot keep.

  • Record the concern accurately.

  • Report the concern immediately to the appropriate safeguarding lead or host organisation.

  • Contact emergency services where there is an immediate risk of harm.

Storykeepers Community CIC will always cooperate with statutory agencies where appropriate.

Confidentiality

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect an individual or comply with legal obligations

Photography, Recording and Publishing

Many Storykeepers projects involve photographs, interviews, creative work and published books.

Before publishing or sharing any material we will:

  • Obtain appropriate written permission.

  • Explain clearly how material will be used.

  • Respect any request for anonymity.

  • Remove material where appropriate if consent is withdrawn, where reasonably possible.

Training

Storykeepers Community CIC is committed to ensuring that those delivering projects understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

Where appropriate, staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding guidance or training relevant to their role.

Reporting Concerns

If you have a safeguarding concern relating to a Storykeepers project, please contact:

Safeguarding Lead
Storykeepers Community CIC

Email: safeguarding@storykeepers.org.uk

If someone is in immediate danger, always contact 999.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or organisational activities change.