Young Adult Safeguarding Policy – Circl Learning Limited

Introduction

Circl is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young adults we work with. We collaborate with schools, universities, charities and other partner organisations to ensure the wellbeing of young adults who participate in our virtual programmes.

Our mission is to upskill and connect current and future workforces while promoting social mobility. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Improving the interpersonal skills of socio-economically disadvantaged young adults

• Expanding the professional networks of socio-economically disadvantaged young adults

This policy outlines Circl’s commitment to best practice in safeguarding and our approach to responding to safeguarding concerns related to young adults.

Objectives of this policy

This policy ensures that:

• Excellent safeguarding practice is promoted across Circl

• All young adults engaging with Circl are treated with dignity and respect

• All staff, coaches, volunteers, advisors, interns and trustees are informed and confident in identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns

• All safeguarding concerns are dealt with consistently and properly recorded

Principles underpinning this policy

The policy is based on the following principles:

• Welfare is paramount – The safety and wellbeing of young adults is the highest priority

• Empowerment – Young adults are supported to make informed choices and give consent

• Prevention – It is better to act early to prevent harm

• Proportionality – Responses should be appropriate to the level of risk

• Protection – Support is given to those in greatest need

• Partnership – We work with our partners and local services to support young adults

• Accountability – Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and must be carried out with transparency and oversight

Definitions

Safeguarding Young Adults

This means:

• Protecting young adults from abuse or neglect

• Preventing impairment of their health or development

• Ensuring safe and effective care

• Supporting them to achieve the best possible outcomes

Young Adult at Risk

A "young adult at risk" refers to any person aged 18 or over who, due to mental health issues, learning or physical disabilities, sensory impairments, illness or age, may be unable to protect themselves from harm or take care of their own wellbeing.

Scope of this policy

This policy applies to all Circl employees, coaches, advisors, interns and trustees. It also applies to anyone involved in Circl-organised activities or events. While levels of contact may vary, all individuals must be aware of safeguarding indicators and escalation procedures.

All relevant staff undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks prior to starting their roles, as appropriate.

Availability of this policy

This policy is publicly available at www.circl.org and can also be requested by emailing tom@circl.org.

Preparing Circl professionals for safeguarding

Before starting any programme, Circl professionals  must:

• Receive this policy as part of their pre-training materials

• Undergo brief safeguarding training during their initial onboarding session

• Sign a declaration confirming they have read, understood and agree to follow this policy

Signed documents will be stored securely in accordance with data protection legislation. Coaches may not begin any delivery until these steps are completed.

Escalation procedure

Stage 1: Identifying a concern

All stakeholders are responsible for recognising safeguarding concerns. You are not expected to investigate concerns, but you must report them. We recognise that not all concerns will relate to the categories below. For example, it may be that you have other concerns about a young adult that relate to their mental wellbeing. If in doubt, don’t keep it to yourself.

Types of abuse include (but are not limited to):

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Online abuse

Common indicators include:

• Sudden behavioural changes

• Withdrawal or distress

• Inappropriate online activity

• Physical signs of harm

• Lack of access to food, medical care, or a safe environment

Stage 2: Reporting a concern

If you become aware of a safeguarding concern:

1. Record the concern using the ‘Safeguarding Concerns Form’ (Appendix 1), noting only facts—not assumptions or opinions

2. Report the concern to the lead Circl staff member present

3. Immediately notify the Lead Safeguarding Officer: Tom Scott

• Call: 07717 673 999

• Email: tom@circl.org (attach the Safeguarding Concerns Form)

If you cannot reach Tom or receive an out-of-office response, contact:

• Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Charlie Stainforth

• Call: 07775 676868

• Email: charlie@circl.org

If a young adult is at immediate risk, contact emergency services (police or adult social care) and notify the Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible.

Virtual Programme Guidance: Reporting During Sessions

If you witness a safeguarding concern during a virtual session:

• Call Tom Scott – 07717 673 999

• Email the completed Safeguarding Concerns Form to tom@circl.org

Responding to a disclosure

If a young adult discloses a safeguarding concern:

• Remain calm and listen without interruption

• Do not give your opinion—just accept what is shared

• Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you

• Let them know that you may need to share the information with someone who can help

• Do not make physical contact

• Record the exact words used where possible, and focus on facts

Stakeholder conduct expectations

All stakeholders must act professionally and respectfully at all times and serve as positive role models.

Stakeholders must:

• Treat all young adults with dignity and respect

• Inform Circl of any past or present police involvement or disciplinary matters

• Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times

• Use inclusive and respectful language

• Act in ways that could never be reasonably interpreted as abusive

Stakeholders must not:

• Share contact details or contact young adults outside of programme activities

• Participate in virtual sessions from inappropriate environments (e.g., bedrooms)

• Invite young adults to their homes or offer transport

• Make physical contact that would be deemed inappropriate in an educational or professional setting

• Request or accept high-value gifts

• Consume or offer alcohol or tobacco in the presence of young adults

Reviewing the policy

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Lead Safeguarding Officer and updated as necessary to reflect changes in best practice, legislation, or Circl programme delivery.

Appendices 

Appendix 1 – Safeguarding Concerns Form