Our Safeguarding Policy

Introduction  

GLOW Newcastle is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and adults at risk of harm. We believe that everyone has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who engage with our services. 

Definitions  

• Children: Any person under the age of 18. 

• Young People: Any person aged between 16 and 18. 

• Adults at Risk: Individuals aged 18 or over who are or may be in need of  care services because of mental or other disability, age, illness, or physical or mental impairment. 

Legal Framework 

This policy complies with the relevant legislation and guidance in the United Kingdom, including but not limited to: 

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004 

• The Care Act 2014 

• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 

• The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) 

• Care and Support Statutory Guidance (2014) 

• Care Act Statutory Guidance (2014) 

Key Principals 

• The welfare and safety of children, young people, and adults at risk are paramount. 

• Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

• All staff, volunteers, and representatives have a responsibility to report any concerns about the welfare or safety of an individual. 

• All individuals have the right to be listened to, taken seriously, and supported if they raise concerns or disclose abuse. 

Purpose & Scope 

This policy applies to: 

• All children, young people and adults at risk of harm (“Relevant Individuals”) involved in Glow’s activities whether in or outside of school, in community groups or as a member of an audience (attending in person or digitally). 

N.B. An adult at risk of harm is defined as an adult who has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs); and is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect. 

• All employees, trustees, creative practitioners, artists, volunteers, interns, and any other individual working on behalf of, or associated with GLOW Newcastle, (“Associated Glow Individuals”) whether they are directly or indirectly in contact with children.  

The purpose of this policy is to enable Glow to: 

• Ensure the safety of Relevant Individuals and Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals who participate in activities and events organised by GLOW Newcastle. (Safety means an environment where all individuals are protected from maltreatment and the impairment of mental and/or physical health, and where all individuals are supported to have the best outcomes).  

• Set out GLOW Newcastle’s commitment to meeting the needs of Relevant Individuals. 

• Allow Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals to take appropriate decisions with regard to the needs of Relevant Individuals. 

GLOW Newcastle’s Diversity and Inclusion policy pledges to eliminate discrimination and create an inclusive environment for our employees, audiences and communities. To do that we have to recognise and address structural racism and inequality of opportunity for people with protected characteristics and socio-economic disadvantage and put in place a series of measures that disrupt the systems that have promoted this inequity. GLOW Newcastle is committed to ensuring that all Relevant Individuals have the same protection regardless of these factors. GLOW Newcastle will treat all Relevant Individuals equally, and with respect and dignity. 

GLOW Newcastle recognises that some Relevant Individuals face barriers to engagement. GLOW Newcastle is committed to doing all that it can to reduce those barriers to ensure that everyone is afforded the same protection through GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding policy. GLOW Newcastle recognises that working in partnership with children, young people and adults at risk alongside their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting welfare. 

Responsibilities  

Responsibilities of GLOW Newcastle’s trustees 

• To read, understand and comply with the requirements of this policy.  

• To ensure simple and appropriate procedures are in place for managing any concerns that Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals have about Relevant Individuals. 

• To take all reasonable steps to promote a safeguarding culture.  

• To investigate all disclosures, observations and allegations of abuse. 

• To understand, monitor, review and update this Safeguarding Policy.  

Responsibilities of GLOW Newcastle’s Employees 

• To read, understand and comply with the requirements of this policy.  

• To take all reasonable steps to promote a safeguarding culture. 

• To refer immediately any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Officer. 

• To ensure that at all times, an identified Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual is present whilst GLOW Newcastle activity involving Relevant Individuals takes place. 

Responsibilities of GLOW Newcastle’s Management Team (in addition to the Employees section) 

• To ensure that any Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual or GLOW Newcastle Employee impacted by their involvement with any safeguarding issues receives appropriate support from their line manager and is informed about how to access any other required support.  

Responsibilities of all Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals 

• To read, understand and comply with the requirements of this policy.  

• To undertake training as necessary to enable them to ensure this policy can be implemented.  

• To take all reasonable steps to promote a safeguarding culture. 

• To refer immediately any safeguarding concerns to the Safeguarding Officer  

Responsibilities of parents and consenting adults  

• To be ultimately responsible for the Relevant individual’s welfare at all times.  

Implementation of the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Supported by other policies, procedures and processes within GLOW Newcastle including (but not limited to): 

Equalities and Inclusion 

Health and Safety 

Employment Contracts 

Data Protection and Privacy 

Risk Assessments 

Procedure 

GLOW Newcastle requires all Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals to comply with the following Code of Conduct in order to ensure best practice.  

Personal conduct and conduct in sessions  

• Any physical contact with Relevant Individuals should be avoided, but where on occasion physical contact may be required (e.g., for health and safety reasons) please ensure that this is minimal, appropriate and occurs only in the presence of other Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals or members of staff from the school or community group and with consent by the Relevant Individual. 

• Do not use alcohol, drugs or any substance that may alter personality or impede judgement when working.  

• Do not tolerate bullying in any shape or form, including but not limited to verbal, physical, social and cyber bullying.  

• Do not give gifts or money to any Relevant Individual. If gifts are offered from a Relevant Individual to an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual this must be declared immediately to the Safeguarding Officer. 

• Do not meet up with any Relevant Individual outside of designated sessions, unless agreed in advance with the Safeguarding Officer who will confirm appropriate conditions.  

N.B. We are aware on occasion that freelancers may meet or have contact with Relevant Individuals as part of other delivery. This is acceptable provided the Safeguarding Officer is made aware of the interaction and it is separate to any GLOW Newcastle programmes. Please ask the Safeguarding Officer for further information on this if required. 

Contacting Relevant Individuals and use of social media  

• Do not give a personal phone number to any Relevant Individual.  

• Do not give a personal email address to any Relevant Individual. 

• office@glow-newcastle.co.uk should be used to contact Relevant Individuals.  

• Social media can be used to administer a project. To do this a project ‘group’ should be set up by the relevant programme manager and include at least two Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals as administrators of the relevant platform. Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals should not engage in direct personal social media contact with any Relevant Individual outside of such a group, and Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals should not accept Relevant Individuals as “friends”. 

Use of work and images  

• Do not use images of Relevant Individuals without written consent from parents/guardians and at least verbal consent from Relevant Individuals.  

• Any social media posts sharing work and images of Relevant Individuals should be from an official GLOW Newcastle account.  

• Work produced by Relevant Individuals will only be used with the informed consent of its producer. Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals will consider whether the Relevant Individual is capable of giving the necessary consent based on that individual’s maturity, understanding, nature of consent required and content of the work and will obtain written consent from their parent/guardian where they consider the individual is not so capable.  

Recording of Information 

• Record any safeguarding concerns immediately using the format in the Appendix. 

• All information related to safeguarding concerns will be stored securely and accessed on a ‘need to know’ basis only. Files will be kept until the Relevant Individual reaches the age of 25, after which they will be destroyed. Relevant Individuals will be informed of how this data is stored.  

Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice: 

Glow is committed to ensuring a safeguarding culture within the organisation and the programmes that we run. In order to do this, Glow has in place the following procedures: 

• Glow will publish the name of the Safeguarding Officer – Bex Mather, Director and the Safeguarding Policy and how to make a complaint on the GLOW Newcastle main and associated project websites. 

• GLOW Newcastle will include on any consent forms how parents/guardians can access Glow’s Safeguarding Policy. 

• GLOW Newcastle will include on any consent forms how Relevant Individuals’ data will be stored. 

Disclosure and Barring Service  

• GLOW Newcastle requests DBS checks for positions that bring Associated Glow Individuals into contact with Relevant Individuals.  

• If it is not practical to wait for a DBS check to come through, or pay for one, an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual with another organisation’s DBS will be accompanied by one who has been DBS checked by GLOW Newcastle 

• GLOW Newcastle’s DBS applications are verified by Glow’s Director or Programme Manager, processed confidentially by the North East Regional Employers’ Organisation’s DBS team and the information is tracked and securely stored by Glow’s Safeguarding Officer.  

GLOW Newcastle’s main contacts for the purposes of safeguarding are: 

Safeguarding Officer: Bex Mather. bex@glow-newcastle.co.uk T: 07904690825 

Trustee with lead responsibility for safeguarding: Gemma Johnson 

You can also contact the NSPCC Helping or Childline for directly for child protection advice and support: 

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk 

Childline: 0800 1111, www.childline.org.uk 

Appendices: 

1. Definitions of abuse  

1. Online safety  

1. Dealing with concerns and making referrals guidance  

1. Safeguarding concerns notification form  

1. Flowchart of all steps taken during Safeguarding procedures 

Appendix 1: Definitions of abuse (as defined by the NSPCC, December 2017 but also applied to adults at risk of harm. Updated to include Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020 recommendations). 

What is child abuse? 

Child abuse happens when a person – adult or child – harms a child. It can be physical, sexual, or emotional, but can also involve a lack of love, care, and attention. Neglect can be just as damaging to a child as physical or sexual abuse. 

Individuals suffering abuse usually know the person abusing them, but it is also possible for strangers to abuse children, young people, and adults at risk of harm. There is often more than one type of abuse experienced, and the abuse usually happens over a period time, rather than being a single, isolated incident. Increasingly, abuse can happen online. 

General signs of abuse 

Individuals suffering abuse may be afraid to tell anybody. They may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or confusion – particularly if the abuser is a parent, caregiver or other close family member or friend. Many of the signs of abuse are the same regardless of the type of abuse. Anyone working with children, young people, or adults at risk of harm needs to be vigilant to: 

• regular flinching in response to sudden but harmless actions, for example someone raising a hand quickly 

• showing an inexplicable fear of particular places or making excuses to avoid particular people 

• knowledge of ‘adult issues’ for example alcohol, drugs and/or sexual behaviour which is inappropriate for their age or stage of development 

• angry outbursts or behaving aggressively towards other people, animals, or toys 

• becoming withdrawn or appearing anxious, clingy, or depressed 

• self-harming or thoughts about suicide 

• changes in eating habits or developing eating disorders 

• regularly experiencing nightmares or sleep problems 

• regularly wetting the bed or soiling their clothes 

• risky behaviour such as substance misuse or criminal activity 

• running away or regularly going missing from home or care 

• not receiving adequate medical attention after injuries. 

These signs do not necessarily mean that abuse is taking place. There may well be other reasons for changes in behaviour such as a bereavement or relationship problems between family/carers/peers. In assessing whether signs are related to abuse or not, they need to be considered in the context of the child, young person, or adult at risk of harm’s development and situation. 

Physical abuse happens when a child, young person, or adult at risk of harm is deliberately hurt, causing injuries such as cuts, bruises, burns and broken bones. It can involve hitting, kicking, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, or suffocating. It is also physical abuse if a parent or carer makes up or causes the symptoms of illness. For example, they may give them medicine they do not need, making them unwell. This is known as fabricated or induced illness (FII). 

We all trip, fall and have accidents which may cause cuts, bumps, and bruises. These injuries tend to affect bony areas of the body such as elbows, knees and shins and are not usually a cause for concern. 

If an individual is frequently injured, and if the bruises or injuries are unexplained or the explanation does not match the injury, this should be investigated. It is also concerning if there is a delay in seeking medical help for a child, young person, or adult at risk of harm who has been injured. 

Neglect is persistently failing to meet a child, young person, or adult at risk of harm’s basic physical and/or psychological needs usually resulting in serious damage to their health and development. Neglect may involve failure to: provide adequate food, clothing or shelter; supervise (including leaving them with unsuitable carers) or keep safe from harm or danger; make sure appropriate health and/or dental care is received; make sure a suitable education is received; meet the child, young person or adult at risk of harm’s basic emotional needs – parents or carers may ignore children, young people or adults at risk of harm when they are distressed or even when they are happy or excited. This is known as emotional neglect. 

Neglect is the most common type of child abuse. It often happens at the same time as other types of abuse. Neglect can also be present with children, young people, or adults at risk of harm who have taken on the role of carer for other family members. 

Sexual abuse is forcing or enticing a child, young person, or adults at risk of harm to take part in sexual activities. It does not necessarily involve violence and the individual may not be aware that what is happening is abuse. Sexual abuse can involve contact abuse and/or non-contact abuse. 

Contact abuse happens when the abuser makes physical contact and includes: sexual touching of any part of the body whether the individual is wearing clothes or not; rape or penetration by putting an object or body part inside an individual’s mouth, vagina or anus; forcing or encouraging an individual to take part in sexual activity; making an individual take their clothes off, touch someone else’s genitals or masturbate. 

Non-contact abuse involves non-touching activities. It can happen online or in person and includes: encouraging an individual to watch or hear sexual acts; not taking proper measures to prevent exposure to sexual activities by others; showing pornography to an individual; making, viewing or distributing child or adult at risk of harm abuse images; allowing someone else to make, view or distribute child or adult at risk of harm abuse images. 

Online sexual abuse includes: persuading or forcing a child, young person or adult at risk of harm to send or post sexually explicit images of themselves (sometimes referred to as sexting); persuading or forcing a child, young person or adult at risk of harm to take part in sexual activities via a webcam or smartphone or having sexual conversations by text or online; meeting a child, young person or adult at risk of harm following online sexual grooming with the intent of abusing them. 

Abusers may threaten to send sexually explicit images, video, or copies of sexual conversations to the young person or adult at risk of harm’s friends and family unless they take part in other sexual activity. Images or videos may continue to be shared long after the abuse has stopped. 

Abusers will often try to build an emotional connection in order to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse. This is known as grooming.  

Changes in behaviour or mood may also cause concern, individuals may want to avoid spending time with specific people and may show sexual behaviour that is inappropriate for their age or situation. 

Sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse. Young people and adults at risk of harm in exploitative situations and relationships receive things such as gifts, money, drugs, alcohol, status, or affection in exchange for taking part in sexual activities. Individuals may be tricked into believing they are in a loving, consensual relationship. They often trust their abuser and do not understand that they are being abused. They may depend on their abuser or be too scared to tell anyone what is happening. They might be invited to parties and given drugs and alcohol before being sexually exploited. They can also be groomed and exploited online. Some individuals are trafficked into or within the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation can also happen to young people in gangs. 

Sexual exploitation can involve violent, humiliating and degrading sexual assaults and involve multiple perpetrators. It can be very difficult to identify. Further information on signs of a child’s involvement in sexual exploitation is available in Home Office guidance: Child sexual exploitation: guide for practitioners.  

Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) occurs when children, young people, and adults at risk of harm themselves and others and can include using sexually explicit words and phrases; inappropriate touching; using sexual violence or threats; full penetrative sex with other children or adults. 

It is normal for children to show signs of sexual behaviour at each stage in their development. Behaviours which might be concerning depend on the child’s age and the situation. 

Emotional abuse is persistent, and, over time, it severely damages a child, young person, and adult at risk of harm’s emotional health and development. It involves: humiliating, putting down or constantly criticising an individual; shouting at or threatening a child, young person or adult at risk of harm or calling them names; mocking an individual or making them perform degrading acts; constantly blaming or scapegoating a child, young person or adult at risk of harm for things which are not their fault; trying to control a child, young person or adult at risk of harm’s life and not recognising their individuality; not allowing friendships or social development; pushing a child, young person or adult at risk of harm too hard or not recognising their limitations; manipulation; exposure to distressing events or interactions such as drug taking, heavy drinking or domestic abuse; persistently ignoring them; being cold and emotionally unavailable during interactions; never saying anything kind, positive or encouraging to a child, young person or adult at risk of harm and failing to praise  achievements and successes. 

There are not usually any obvious physical signs of emotional abuse, but you may spot signs in a child or adult at risk of harm’s actions or emotions. It is important to remember that some are naturally quiet and self-contained whilst others are more open and affectionate. 

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people who are or were in an intimate relationship. There are many different types of abusive behaviours that can occur within intimate relationships, including emotional, sexual, financial, psychological, and physical abuse. Domestic abuse can be underpinned by an on-going pattern of psychologically abusive behaviour (coercive control) that is used by one partner to control or intimidate the other partner. In situations of domestic abuse, both males and females can be abused or be abusers. Domestic abuse can happen in any relationship regardless of age, sexuality, gender identity, race, or religious identity. 

Children’s exposure to domestic abuse between parents and carers is child abuse. Children can be directly involved in incidents of domestic abuse, or they may be harmed by seeing or hearing abuse happening, and/or suffer domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships (teenage relationship abuse. The developmental and behavioural impact of witnessing domestic abuse is similar to experiencing direct abuse and can have a detrimental and long-term impact on their health, well-being, development, and ability to learn. Children in homes where there is domestic abuse are also at risk of other types of abuse or neglect.  

Bullying and cyberbullying is behaviour that hurts someone else. It usually happens over a lengthy period of time and can harm a child both physically and emotionally. A definition of bullying can be found in NWN’s Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion policy. Bullying can happen anywhere – at school, at home or online. When bullying happens online (known as cyberbullying) it can involve social networks, games, and mobile devices. It can be hard to know whether or not a child is being bullied. They might not tell anyone because they are scared the bullying will get worse. They might also think that the bullying is their fault. 

Child trafficking involves recruiting and moving children who are then exploited. Many children are trafficked into the UK from overseas, but children can also be trafficked from one part of the UK to another. Children are trafficked for: child sexual exploitation; benefit fraud; forced marriage; domestic servitude such as cleaning, childcare, cooking; forced labour in factories or agriculture; criminal exploitation such as cannabis cultivation, pickpocketing, begging, transporting, drugs, selling pirated DVDs and bag theft. Children who are trafficked experience many forms of abuse and neglect. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse is often used to control them, and they are also likely to suffer physical and emotional neglect. Modern slavery is another term which may be used in relation to child trafficking. 

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is also known as female circumcision or cutting. The age at which FGM is carried out varies. It may be carried out when a girl is newborn, during childhood or adolescence, just before marriage or during pregnancy (Home Office et al, 2016). Religious, social, or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However, FGM is dangerous and a criminal offence and anyone who discovers FGM has taken place must contact the police immediately Further information can be found in the multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation and the FGM resource pack (particularly section 13). 

Child criminal exploitation (CCE) is where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child into any criminal activity. This might be in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator, and/or through violence or the threat of violence. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. CCE does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. Some of the following can be indicators of CCE: children who appear with unexplained gifts or new possessions; children who associate with other young people involved in exploitation; children who suffer from changes in emotional well-being; children who misuse drugs and alcohol; children who go missing for periods of time or regularly come home late; and children who regularly miss school or education or do not take part in education. 

County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs (primarily crack cocaine and heroin) into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line.’ Exploitation is an integral part of the county lines offending model with children, young people, and adults at risk of harm exploited to move and store drugs and money. Offenders will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons to ensure compliance of victims. Children can easily become trapped by this type of exploitation as county lines gangs create drug debts and can threaten serious violence and kidnap towards victims (and their families) if they attempt to leave the county lines network. Further information on the signs of a child’s involvement in county lines is available in guidance published by the Home Office and The Children’s Society County Lines Toolkit For Professionals.  

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism 

and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, while terrorism. Although there is no single way of identifying whether a child is likely to be susceptible to an extremist ideology, there are possible indicators that should be taken into consideration alongside other factors and contexts. Background factors combined with specific influences such as family and friends may contribute to a child’s vulnerability. Similarly, radicalisation can occur through many different methods (such as social media or the internet) and settings (such as within the home). Further information can be found on the Educate Against Hate website. Glow’s Safeguarding Officer is aware of how to make a Prevent referral if needed.  

Appendix 2: Online Safety  

Glow may work with children and young people online as part of its programmes. This online activity may include but is not limited to: frequent posts for young people on Glow accounts (Facebook, Instagram and X); sharing and celebrating young people’s work via social media and on the Glow website; online feedback via a young person’s email address, online workshops, in word, audio and video form, that can be accessed and downloaded from our website; virtual workshops for children and or young people held on Zoom.  

In the delivery of our work online we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Relevant Individuals (children, young people, and vulnerable adults, as defined in Glow’s Safeguarding Policy) is paramount when they are using the internet, social media, or mobile devices to access Glow’s online programme.  

The following information outlines for all Associated Glow Individuals (employees, trustees, creative practitioners, artists, volunteers, interns, and any other individual working on behalf of, or associated with Glow, as defined in our Safeguarding Policy) with the overarching principles that guide our approach to online safety  

Glow believes that it is the right of all people and Relevant Individuals to have access to Glow’s online programme for education, creative and personal development, but safeguards need to be in place to ensure they are kept safe at all times.  

Glow recognises that the online world provides many opportunities, but it also presents risks and challenges. Glow recognises that it has a duty to ensure all Relevant Individuals involved with our programme are protected from harm online. Glow recognises that working in partnership with Relevant Individuals, their parents/carers and other agencies is essential in promoting Relevant Individual’s welfare and in helping them to be responsible in their approach to online safety.  

GLOW Newcastle will seek to keep Relevant Individuals and Glow Associated Individuals safe online by:  

• Ensuring that the named Glow Safeguarding Officer is also responsible for online safety coordination  

• Providing clear and specific directions to Glow Associated Individuals on how to behave online through our ‘Keeping Safe Online’ guidance for staff and freelancers  

• Providing clear and specific guidance to Relevant Individuals and their parents/carers on how to stay safe online through our ‘Keeping Safe Online’ guidance for children and young people. This will include how to contact the Glow Safeguarding Officer in the event of online abuse taking place  

• Supporting and encouraging the young people using our service to use the internet, social media and mobile phones in a way that keeps them safe and shows respect for others  

• Risk assessing any online platforms we plan to use as part of the programme and updating our guidance for Relevant Individuals and Glow Associated Individuals accordingly  

• Developing clear and robust procedures to enable us to respond appropriately to any incidents of inappropriate online behaviour, whether by a Glow Associated Individual, Relevant Individual or member of the public  

• Ensuring that usernames, logins, email accounts and passwords are used effectively to keep online data secure and that any relevant user- names and passwords are kept private 

• Ensuring personal information about the Relevant Individuals and Associated Individuals who are involved in our organisation is held securely and shared only as appropriate  

• Ensuring that images of Relevant Individuals are used only after their written permission has been obtained, and only for the purpose for which consent has been given  

• Ensuring that no online activity is recorded, unless prior consent from all participants and parties has been obtained. If any recordings do take place, they will be stored in accordance with our GDPR guidelines and Data Protection and Privacy Policy.  

• Providing supervision, support, and training for Glow Associated Individuals about online safety as appropriate  

• Examining and risk assessing any social media platforms and new technologies before they are used within the organisation  

If online abuse occurs, GLOW Newcastle will respond to it by:  

• Immediately following the steps outlined in GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding Policy relating to reporting a concern or disclosure (Appendix 1, 3, 4 and 5) and making any relevant referrals 

• Contacting the Professional Online Safety Helpline (UK Safer Internet Centre) and reporting to other professional bodies as appropriate to reduce the possibility of similar abuse happening again  

• Reviewing the plan developed to address online safety at regular intervals, to ensure processes and response remain in line with best practice.  

Appendix 3: Dealing with concerns and making referrals. 

GLOW Newcastle recognises it is not the role of any Associated Glow Individual to decide whether a Relevant Individual has been subjected to abuse or neglect. Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals have an obligation to report any justified concerns regarding Relevant Individuals they are working with, especially when a disclosure has been made. The guidelines outlined below should be followed. 

Dealing with Disclosures 

A disclosure is when a Relevant Individual makes it known that they have been, or are currently being abused or neglected, that they are at risk of harm from others or from themselves, or that they may cause harm to another person.  

A disclosure can be direct, indirect (verbal, written or graphic hints that appear to be about abuse) or third party (a Relevant Individual tells another person they are being abused).  

If a Relevant Individual discloses to you, Glow requests the following procedure is followed: 

Listen 

• Listen and accept what is being said.  

• Do not express verbally or non-verbally how it makes you feel (e.g., do not show upset or disgust). That is a separate issue for you to deal with later and Glow can provide support with this as required. 

• Make notes. 

Reassure  

• Reassure the Relevant Individual as much as you can.  

• It is important to let them know you take them seriously.  

• Tell the Relevant Individual that you will help or will ensure they receive the help they need.  

• Do not make false promises, such as ‘I won’t say anything,’ because you may need to pass the information on. 

React  

• React to the conversation only so far as is necessary for you to know whether a referral to Social Services is required.  

• Do not ask leading questions such as ‘Did they hit you?’ Instead, ask open-ended questions such as ‘Is there anything else you would like to tell me?’ 

• Make it clear that it is your responsibility to pass on information. 

• Make it clear what you have to do next and who you have to talk to.  

• Do not criticise the perpetrator who may be a family member or close to the child.  

• Do not ask the Relevant Individual to repeat anything to other staff.  

Write  

• Write up notes in as full a way as possible, without throwing away any original notes.  

• Use the Relevant Individual’s words rather than your words for any body parts or activities described.  

• Include the date, time, place, and any non-verbal behaviour the Relevant Individual displays whilst talking to you, for example moments of distress and when they occurred in the conversation.  

• If there is any bruising or marks noticed, draw a diagram to show where they are.  

Talk 

• Report the disclosure to GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible. 

Please also be aware that: 

• It is not your responsibility to investigate suspected cases of abuse. 

• You should not take any action beyond that identified above. 

• You cannot promise a young person complete confidentiality – you must explain that you may need to pass information. 

Dealing with concerns or observations  

If an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual has a concern (where no disclosure has taken place), GLOW Newcastle requests the following procedure is followed: 

• Discuss the matter with GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding Officer. 

• Complete an incident report form.  

Making complaints 

If a Relevant Individual has a concern about an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual, they should: 

• Discuss the matter with Glow’s Safeguarding Officer. 

When an artist is working within a school or community setting, an agreement will be made at the point of contracting as to their responsibility to work within both GLOW Newcastle’s and the partner organisation’s safeguarding policies. If an artist needs to report a concern or disclosure, they may need to report to both the Safeguarding officer in the partner setting and GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding Officer. The GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding officer will contact the partner setting’s Safeguarding Officer to ensure that the policy protocols have been completed appropriately. The GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding officer will also ensure that any support needed by the artist is provided.  

It is the role of the GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer to decide how to act on a concern raised by an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual. The decision may be taken to refer the concern to social services. If the concern arises in the context of a school or community group setting, the GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer may choose to share the concern with the institution’s named Safeguarding Officer or support worker and with reference to the contractual agreements detailed above. The GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer may consult with the named GLOW Newcastle Trustee with responsibility for safeguarding. Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals must not share concerns informally with school or community group staff, or a Relevant Individual’s family or friends all communication should follow the procedures explained in GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding Policy and if contractually agreed, within the partner setting’s safeguarding policy. All communication will be directed specifically to the GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer and if contractually agreed, the partner setting’s Safeguarding Officer.