Safeguarding Policy

Our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults

Our Commitment

The Hunslet Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who use our services. We believe that everyone has the right to be safe from harm, abuse, and neglect.

Policy Statement

The Hunslet Club recognises our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by a commitment to practices which protect them.

We will:

  • Value, listen to, and respect all children and young people
  • Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities
  • Respond to concerns about a child's welfare promptly and appropriately
  • Work in partnership with parents, carers, and other agencies
  • Review our safeguarding policies and procedures regularly

Staff & Volunteer Checks

All staff and volunteers who work with children and young people at The Hunslet Club undergo:

  • Enhanced DBS checks: Disclosure and Barring Service checks before commencing work
  • Reference checks: Minimum of two references verified
  • Safeguarding training: Regular training and updates on child protection
  • Supervision: Ongoing supervision and support

We follow safer recruitment practices and maintain a Single Central Record of all staff checks.

Types of Abuse

We train our staff to recognise signs of abuse, which may include:

Physical Abuse

Hitting, shaking, burning, or other physical harm

Emotional Abuse

Persistent criticism, threats, or rejection

Neglect

Failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs

Sexual Abuse

Involving children in sexual activities

Reporting Concerns

If you have a safeguarding concern about a child or young person at The Hunslet Club:

In an emergency

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.

Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead:

The Hunslet Club
Phone: 0113 271 1391
Email: info@hunsletclub.org.uk

Other contacts:

  • Leeds Children's Social Work Services: 0113 222 4403
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Childline: 0800 1111

Key Safeguarding Principles

1

Child-Centred Approach

The welfare of the child is paramount in all decisions and actions.

2

Everyone's Responsibility

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility - all staff, volunteers, and visitors.

3

Open Culture

We encourage an open environment where concerns can be raised freely.

4

Partnership Working

We work with parents, carers, and relevant agencies to keep children safe.

Photography & Media

We respect parents' and carers' decisions regarding photography of their children:

  • We request photo consent as part of membership registration
  • Children whose parents have not consented will not be photographed
  • We never publish children's names alongside photographs online
  • Personal photography by other parents is not permitted during sessions

Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, and best practice. All staff and volunteers receive training on our safeguarding procedures.

A full copy of our safeguarding policy is available on request from reception.