DofE is committed to the safeguarding of all children, young people and adults at risk.

We will do this by

• ensuring our staff and volunteers follow all legal, contractual and safeguarding best practice standards in all our work
• recruiting all staff and volunteers in line with our safer recruitment policy
• supporting our staff and volunteers with appropriate training and supervision, relevant to their role
• holding our LOs and AAPs to account through setting contractual and best practice obligations for safeguarding standards of practice when delivering the DofE programme
• creating and embedding a culture of transparency and learning so that all staff, volunteers, LOs and AAPs understand when and how to report safeguarding concerns, incidents or allegations and feel safe and supported to do so
• providing accessible and best practice information to parents/carers, participants and partners about safeguarding expectations for DofE activities and who to speak to if they have a concern.

LOs and AAPs retain responsibility at all times for the safeguarding of participants whilst delivering the DofE programme. They must adhere to DofE’s safeguarding expectations as a minimum, which includes requirements that they have key policies in place and an effective safeguarding and safe practice approach.

Specific provisions and expectations relating to LOs and AAPs are set out in their respective contracts and licensing documents.

At The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), our mission is to empower young people – helping them develop new skills, overcome challenges and build the confidence and resilience to thrive.

Our purpose is to help young people build lifelong belief in themselves. We support them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions and uncover talents they never knew they had. The DofE is designed to provide personal challenges in a safe and supportive environment, where risk is managed effectively, and safeguarding is prooritised at every level.

We are committed to making the DofE accessible to all young people, ensuring our participants reflect the most diverse generation yet. Increasing participation – especially among those who face barriers or marginalisation – is a key priority.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. It is central to our mission and must be evident at every level of our organisation. We expect the highest safeguarding standards from everyone who works with us and these expectations are set out in this policy.

A strong safeguarding culture is built on key principles, including risk assessment, effective case management, anti-discriminatory practice, thorough record-keeping and data protection. This policy provides guidance on these areas, with further details available in related DofE policies and procedures, which all staff and volunteers are required to follow.

Standards and expectations for Licensed Organisations and Approved Activities Providers are set out in the licensing agreement in place between each organisation and the DofE charity.

1. The welfare of the child, young person or adult at risk is paramount.
2. All children, young people and adults regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief or lack thereof, sexual orientation or identity, political or immigration status have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
3. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and everyone must play their full part in safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.
4. All delivery partners of the DofE must adhere to the highest of safeguarding standards and practice and adhere to the DofE’s safeguarding framework.
5. Children, young people, adults at risk and their families and carers should be seen as key partners in safeguarding and at the centre of all decision-making wherever possible.
6. Everyone must contribute to a safeguarding culture where people are listened to and allegations, concerns or views and wishes are taken seriously.

We safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk by embedding safe practice.

We do this through the following:

• Appointing a designated lead person and deputy for safeguarding of adults, children and child protection (DSL and DDSL) and ensuring their contact details are well-publicised to all
• Appointing a lead trustee for safeguarding
• Valuing, listening and respecting all equally
• Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying and inclusive environment which is supported by policy
• Having a code of conduct for DofE staff and volunteers
• Setting clear standards regarding our safeguarding expectations of LOs and AAPs with provision for reporting, sharing of safeguarding concerns, managing allegations and the management of licensing and accreditation
• Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance
• Making sure participants and their families know who to speak to if they have a concern
• Sharing relevant information with agencies, when appropriate to do so and in line with our procedures
• Following procedures to manage any low-level concerns or allegations about staff and volunteers promptly and appropriately
• Having effective complaints and whistleblowing procedures which are easily found
• Following legislative and regulatory guidance for the health and safety of our participants, staff and volunteers
• Keeping our policies and procedures under a cycle of regular review and promoting a culture of learning.

The DofE believes that children, young people and adults at risk should never experience abuse of any kind.

We recognise that abuse can take place in any context including the home, community, online and that anyone may be the abuser.

Abuse is when a child or adult at risk is intentionally harmed by another adult or child. It may be physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse. It could also be a failure to provide appropriate care, which is neglect. There is often presence of grooming behaviours on the part of the abuser. Abuse can take place face-to-face and digitally. It may often also be a criminal offence.

The DofE recognises that there are many kinds of abuse or harm relating to children, young people and adults at risk which cannot be limited to a list. All concerns must be reported without delay to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) following the Safeguarding procedures in this document.

The role of the DSL is to provide advice and support in relation to all safeguarding matters, to ensure DofE

• responds appropriately and in a timely way; and
• to ensure as far as possible that the DofE has up-to-date intelligence about safeguarding issues and risks in the organisation and its network

More detailed information about types of abuse, possible indicators and risk factors are set out in the safeguarding procedures, including how to respond and report.

The DofE recognises that children and adults can be at increased risk of harm and/or experience barriers to seeking help due to circumstances or factors present in their lives.

These factors can include

• previous experience such as bereavement or trauma
• being a looked-after child or ‘care experienced’
• having a disability or developmental needs
• having communication needs or language barriers
• having caring responsibilities for others
• isolation or lack of opportunity to tell someone.

Adults (whether they are participants in our services, parents of participants, volunteers, leaders or staff members) may at any time have care and support needs due to physical or mental health or other personal circumstances. DofE is mindful that changes to health or other personal circumstances may lead to the adult becoming an adult at risk.

Additional measures may be needed to safeguard children impacted by risk factors and adults who have care and support needs. We ensure that staff and volunteers receive appropriate training, guidance and support to achieve this.

The DofE recognises that the law across the four UK nations provides different frameworks for children (under 18) and adults (those 18 and above).

The DofE will follow the relevant legal provision and be mindful that:

• The welfare of the child is paramount
• The wellbeing of the adult is fundamental
• Safeguarding is person-centred
• If a child, young person or adult has difficulty making their views and wishes known, they must have support to enable them to do so
• Adults have the right to self-determination and all safeguarding of adults will be guided by the Safeguarding Principles relevant to each nation
• Decisions made on behalf of adults (where due to lack of mental capacity, they cannot make decisions for themselves) will be in the person’s best interests and in line with the relevant legislation for each nation.

Organisations who are licensed by DofE to deliver activities (LOs and AAPs) are responsible by contract for putting in place and following sound safeguarding arrangements. We will hold them accountable and expect that their staff, volunteers and those accredited by us will follow good safeguarding practice at all times.

These expectations and standards are set out in the relevant contractual documentation.

In addition to its licensing arrangements with LOs and AAPs, from time to time DofE may work jointly with other agencies to deliver activities, events or services.

When setting up joint working arrangements, DofE will ensure the safeguarding policies and procedures of other parties and agencies are fit for purpose. This may involve a written agreement that sets out all parties’ responsibilities, including who will be the lead partner for safeguarding.

The Board of Trustees receives an annual safeguarding report which enables the Trustees to give due scrutiny and consideration to safeguarding risks, policy, practice, implementation and recommendations. The Board may from time-to-time commission audits, reviews or assessments into any area of safeguarding and safe practice.

The Safeguarding Board maintains oversight on behalf of the Board of Trustees regarding safeguarding issues across DofE business. The Safeguarding Board is convened thrice yearly and receives a report at each meeting regarding safeguarding matters. This includes numbers of referrals made and any serious safeguarding matters.

The DofE recognises its duties in relation to reporting to external bodies such as the Charity Commission for serious safeguarding incidents. In addition to the protection reporting processes, the DofE has a legal duty to refer anyone who is considered unsuitable to work with children or adults at risk (because they have harmed or are a risk to children, young people or adults at risk) to the relevant criminal records agency and local authority designated officer. It may also be necessary to notify other regulatory bodies where the person is part of a profession (e.g. teachers).

Where the individual works or volunteers in an LO or AAP, the DofE will expect the LO or AAP to take appropriate safeguarding action and provide the DofE with written confirmation they have done so. However, the DofE may also report the matter, if considered necessary.

The DSL will advise and lead on reporting such matters. The DSL will be supported by the Safeguarding Board as well as the CEO and Lead Trustee, where necessary.

Each member of the ELT is accountable for safeguarding matters within their line management chain. They must be a role model to staff and contribute to the building of a safeguarding culture, advocating for safeguarding at every level of the charity. They must be familiar with DofE’s safeguarding policy, procedures and reporting processes.

ELT must make sure staff and volunteers

• are recruited in line with safer recruitment measures
• have a job description which clearly articulates their responsibilities and contribution toward safeguarding
• receive appropriate training and support for their role including safeguarding
• follow DofE’s Code of Conduct, policies and procedures at all times

ELT must ensure that licensing and management of licensed providers of DofE activities (LOs and AAPs) is in line with DofE’s safeguarding policies and measures.

ELT delegate the operational oversight of safeguarding matters to members of the senior leadership team (SLT). They must be a role model to staff and contribute to the building of a safeguarding culture, advocating for safeguarding at every level of the business. They must be familiar with DofE’s safeguarding policy, procedures and reporting processes.

This includes

• oversight of safeguarding concerns, ensuring that the DSL is informed and that actions are being carried out and staff/volunteers appropriately supported;
• making sure there are systems in place so that the safeguarding policy and procedures are being followed;
• providing support to the DSL and DDSL;
• ensuring that safeguarding matters are reported to the CEO where appropriate.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) are part of the DofE Quality and Compliance Directorate. The DSL is also part of the Senior Leadership Team. They must be role models to staff and contribute to the building of a safeguarding culture, advocating for safeguarding at every level of the business.

Their responsibilities include

• Responding to all safeguarding concerns, allegations or disclosures in a timely manner
• Providing advice and support in relation to safeguarding and where matters cross over into other areas such as project planning or procedures such as complaints
• Making safeguarding referrals and track their outcome, escalating where necessary
• Making a referral to the relevant criminal records check agency for any person who has been dismissed due to inappropriate behaviour with children and report this to the Local Authority Designated Officer LADO (England) and to the safeguarding board
• Working with the charity’s people team to develop, coordinate, market and provide safeguarding training to the charity’s staff and volunteers
• Raising awareness about safeguarding amongst staff and volunteers
• Familiarising themselves with the safeguarding policies and procedures
• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers have familiarised themselves with the safeguarding policies and procedures and that these are easily accessible
• Keeping written records in line with DofE policies, data protection law and best practice
• Reporting to the safeguarding board regarding safeguarding matters including practice, risks, areas for improvement, preparing and submitting quarterly reports and as needed
• Attending relevant safeguarding training at least once every two years.

Managers across the charity will

• Be a role model to staff, volunteers, young people and other stakeholders by promoting a safeguarding culture
• Monitor the implementation of this policy and report any concerns to the DSL
• Ensure there is a culture of openness, where everyone feels able to speak up and voice concerns
• Work with the charity’s people team to keep records of concerns raised against a member of staff or volunteer on their personal file and share with the DSL in line with data protection protocols
• Ensure all staff and volunteers attend required safeguarding training within their probation period and that this is refreshed in accordance with this policy
• Ensure that any concerns or allegations are promptly investigated and reported.

All staff and volunteers have a responsibility for participants who access DofE activities or children, young people and adults that come into contact with DofE as a result of its activities.

All staff and volunteers must be committed to

1. Treating all children, young people and adults with respect and dignity
2. Always listening to and taking seriously any concerns raised by a child, young person or adult
3. Valuing each individual
4. Using appropriate language, particularly when communicating with children and young people.

All staff and volunteers must

• Report any incident, concern, allegation or disclosure without delay using the report form and procedures detailed or via the reporting portal in the CRM.
• Report any concerns about the behaviour of staff, volunteers, contractors, or others towards children, young people or adults in line with the procedures. LOs and AAPs will report in line with the relevant requirement and process set out in their licensing and contractual documents.
  Where safeguarding issues are raised by an LO or AAP directly to a DofE member of staff or volunteer, that staff member or volunteer must report to the DofE DSL.
• Complete training and update criminal record checks when required
• Ensure they are familiar and up-to-date with DofE policies, procedures and Code of Conduct and follow these at all times.

Abuse: Children and adults may experience abuse or neglect from within their family or social network and individuals they meet. It can take many forms and may include one or more of the following:

• physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect
• exploitation by gangs or organised crime groups
• trafficking and modern slavery
• domestic abuse
• sexual exploitation
• abuse linked to faith or belief
• bullying
• child on child abuse including harmful sexual behaviours
• radicalisation
• female genital mutilation (FGM)
• discriminatory abuse or hate crime
• forced marriage
• domestic violence
• self-harm or neglect.

Adult: anyone aged 18 years or over.

Adult at risk: someone aged 18 or over with needs for care and support who is at risk of or is experiencing abuse and is unable to protect themselves as a result of their need for care and support.

Allegation: is a claim made about someone (usually staff or volunteers) that they have acted inappropriately, are abusing a child or adult or are putting them at risk of abuse or harm. It may include “low-level concerns” where there is no clear evidence of abuse or harm but the behaviour is in breach of the Code of Conduct and falls short of standards expected by DofE.

Approved Activity Provider (AAP): organisations whose opportunities have been approved by the DofE as meeting its sectional conditions and can count towards the achievement of a DofE Award. AAPs may have charitable or commercial status.

Child or young person: anyone under the age of 18 years.

Child protection: is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This is the threshold at which local authority intervention is considered necessary in order to protect the child.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The person who leads and has accountability for safeguarding and child protection and ensures that the organisation is following the appropriate safeguarding policies and practices. This person is accountable to the organisation and to the DofE Board of Trustees. They are supported by a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

Disclosure: is where someone tells another (e.g., staff or volunteer) information that describes or indicates abuse or harm.

Emotional (or psychological) abuse: continual emotional mistreatment including intimidation or bullying, humiliation, threats, isolation.

Financial (or material) abuse: a breach of trust which involves theft of money or possessions such as bullying, misuse of money or preventing access to it; scamming or fraud.

Grooming: when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person or adult so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse.

Incident: is any event that occurs which involves and/or impacts on the safety of children or adults. It may not be a safeguarding concern initially (although it may become a safeguarding matter, on further investigation). It may relate to health and safety practices, participant behaviour, a complaint or feedback. However, it must be reported and investigated in order to safeguard children and adults and prevent escalation.

LADO (local authority designated officer): Person who has oversight of allegations about practitioners who pose a risk to children. They give advice to agencies, ensuring appropriate action taken and information shared appropriately with other agencies. In some local authorities the same officer or similar appointment will deal with concerns about practitioners who pose a risk of harm to adults at risk. They may also be referred to as the DASM (Designated Adult Safeguarding Manager). For the purpose of this policy, LADO will refer to the designated local authority lead for both adults and children in England and Wales or the equivalent person in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Licensed organisation (LO): organisations which have been awarded a licence by DofE to deliver DofE activities. This may include for example, local authorities, schools, charities and private companies.

Mental capacity: The ability to consider relevant information, make and communicate a decision.

Neglect: is the ongoing failure to meet the needs of a child or adult at risk. This may include leaving them hungry, dirty, without access to shelter, not attending to medical or health needs.

Participants: anyone who is undertaking a DofE Award through a Licensed Organisation or DofE Direct; taking part in DofE programmes such as Young Leaders and Youth Ambassadors or representing DofE as an ambassador.

Physical abuse: hurting or harming a child or adult at risk intentionally including hitting, slapping, rough handling, physical punishments and restraints.

Safeguarding concern: is where a child or adult is being abused or is at risk of abuse. This concern may arise through what is observed, heard or told (a disclosure).

Safeguarding: is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and at risk adults to protect them from harm.

Safeguarding children is defined as

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Safeguarding adults is protecting their rights to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

Sexual abuse: forcing or tricking someone into sexual activities including rape, inappropriate touching, indecent exposure, forcing of creating or watching sexual photography.

Staff: anyone employed by DofE including agency staff, those on secondment or placement and contractors.

Volunteer: anyone carrying out a volunteer role for DofE in which they are managed by and/or it has been agreed in writing that they are directly responsible and accountable to DofE whilst carrying out their role. This includes but is not limited to Trustees, Volunteers for programmes such as DofE Direct and Youth Ambassadors and others acting as ambassadors for DofE from time to time. The term excludes those persons acting in a volunteer capacity for LOs or AAPs or any organisation other than DofE.

The DofE operates in all four nations of the UK. Whilst legislation and safeguarding procedures for children and adults differ across the nations, each recognises its safeguarding responsibility for children and for adults who are suffering or are at risk of abuse or neglect and who are unable to protect themselves or their property due to their care or support needs (adults at risk).

The DofE will work within the relevant legislative framework for each nation and follow best practice to safeguard children and adults at risk.

In addition, the DofE recognises children’s rights as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (to survive, grow, participate and fulfil their potential) and The Human Rights Act 1998. Our safeguarding commitment and approach is underpinned by these rights.

Further details regarding the relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance for each nation is contained in Appendix 1.

This Policy must be read in conjunction with related policies and procedures which primarily include

• Safeguarding Reporting Procedures
• Digital Safeguarding Policy
• Code of Conduct and Professional Boundaries Policy
• Low-Level Concerns Policy
• Managing Allegations Against Adults Procedures
• Recruitment and Selection Policy (incorporating safer recruitment)
• Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy
• Criminal Disclosure and Record Risk Assessment Policy
• Data Protection Policy
• Complaints Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Equality Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Bullying and Harassment Policy
• Licensing and contractual documentation for LOs and AAPs

The following guidance describes behaviours that promote good safeguarding practice which all staff and volunteers are expected to follow.

Where staff or volunteers have concerns about behaviour of others (whether they are from DofE or another organisation), they must report it to their designated Safeguarding Lead without delay.

Good safeguarding practice requires that staff and volunteers must be accountable and transparent. They are encouraged to speak to their manager or designated safeguarding officer as soon as possible if they are not sure how to manage a situation or follow this guidance.

• Be an excellent role model at all times – this includes not smoking, vaping or drinking alcohol (including being under the influence) in the presence of participants
• Create an environment where participants feel safe to express any concerns
• Encourage an open and transparent culture, where anyone can challenge inappropriate attitudes or behaviours
• Treat all participants and adults equally and with dignity and do not show favouritism
• Always work in an open environment avoiding private or unobserved situations and encouraging open communication
• Remember someone under 18 is a child, regardless of how they may look or behave
• Always place the welfare of children and young people first
• Consider how you will safeguard adults with care and support needs
• Celebrate and respect difference and be alert to factors which may place some children, young people and adults at greater risk of abuse or harm
• Keep a respectful physical and professional distance. Do not initiate hugs
• Be aware of the effect that your words and actions may have
• If a participant or adult is distressed, offer comfort with words rather than by touching them
• Take concerns, allegations and disclosures seriously and report them immediately to the DSL for further action
• Treat information confidentially and share appropriately in order to safeguard
• Ensure LOs, AAPs and other partners are fully briefed about DofE Safeguarding arrangements and that they are able and willing to comply with DofE safeguarding requirements
• Follow the relevant DofE policies and procedures and seek clarity from the DSL if you are unsure.

Practices to be avoided

• Spending time alone (unsupervised) with children and young people. Where possible, remain where others are nearby or where you can be visibly seen
• Straying from the task or activity which has been agreed
• Being unnecessarily inquisitive
• Saying anything that might make the child, young person or adult feel uncomfortable or debased
• Saying anything that could be interpreted as aggressive, hostile or impatient
• Being drawn into personal conversations or introducing personal subjects
• Sitting or standing too close to a participant
• Standing over a participant or otherwise making them feel pressured
• Meeting other than at the pre-arranged venue
• Giving a participant a lift in your car, unless prior arrangements have been made or in exceptional circumstances such as a medical emergency, where this is appropriate.

You should never

• Allow or engage in any form of inappropriate touching
• Exchanging personal contact details including personal mobile phone numbers, social media name(s) and personal email address
• Allow participants to use inappropriate language or behaviour unchallenged
• Allow or encourage abusive peer activities (e.g., initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying, cyber bullying, sexting, harassment, etc.)
• Exaggerate or trivialise safeguarding issues
• Do things of a personal nature for children, young people or adults that they can do themselves
• Make sexually suggestive comments to a participant, even in fun or engage in sexually provocative games
• Reduce a participant to tears as a form of control
• Allow allegations about staff or volunteers made by a participant, their parent or carer or other person to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon
• Promise that confidences will be kept secret.

Safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance

• Human Rights Act 1998
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• Fundraising Code of Practice

England and Wales

• Children Acts 1989 and 2004
• Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Care Act 2014 (certain provisions extend to Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland but generally applies to local authorities in England)
• Mental Capacity Act 2005

Wales

• Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014
• Working Together to Safeguard People
• Single Unified Safeguarding Review

Scotland

• Children (Scotland) Act 1995
• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
• Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) (Scottish government, 2022)
• National guidance for child protection in Scotland (Scottish government, 2021) updated 2023
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (PVG Act)
• Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
• Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000

Northern Ireland

• The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995
• Co-operating to Safeguard Children and young people in Northern Ireland (Department of Health, 2017) updated 2024
• Revised regional core child protection policies and procedures for Northern Ireland (Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, 2018)
• Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership
• The Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016