Safeguarding Policy Statement
Safeguarding Policy Statement
Croydon Community Action Guardians CIC
Our Commitment
Croydon Community Action Guardians CIC (CCAG) is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing, safety, and human rights of children, young people, and vulnerable adults we work with. We believe that every child, young person and vulnerable adult has the right to live free from harm, abuse, and exploitation. We take our responsibility seriously to create and maintain an environment that protects them.
Who We Are
CCAG is a community-led CIC that runs safeguarding-focused street patrols, public engagement initiatives, and youth outreach work in Croydon and surrounding boroughs. Our activities are designed to build safer communities, reduce harm, and provide trusted adult presence to intervene where young people may be at risk of violence, exploitation, or neglect.
Our Safeguarding Responsibilities
As an organisation that works directly with and around children, young people, and vulnerable individuals, we acknowledge our duty to:
- Protect children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm.
- Prioritise their welfare in all our activities.
- Recognise signs of abuse and respond appropriately.
- Provide safe environments for all individuals.
- Ensure all volunteers and staff understand their safeguarding duties.
Safeguarding Policy Statement
This policy applies to all CCAG staff, directors, volunteers (including patrol leads and members), contractors, and anyone working on behalf of the organisation.
Our Safeguarding Principles
- The welfare of the child or vulnerable person is paramount.
- All individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
- Some children and adults are additionally vulnerable due to the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
- Working in partnership with children, young people, vulnerable adults, parents, carers, and other agencies is essential in promoting their welfare.
Our Safeguarding Measures
1. Recruitment and Vetting
- All staff and volunteers who work directly with children or vulnerable individuals will undergo enhanced DBS checks.
- We obtain references and ensure relevant safeguarding declarations before confirming appointments.
- Safeguarding responsibilities are included in role descriptions.
2. Training and Awareness
- All volunteers and staff receive safeguarding induction and training appropriate to their roles.
- We provide ongoing learning opportunities, including annual refresher training and scenario-based learning.
- Designated safeguarding leads are given advanced training.
3. Code of Conduct
All CCAG team members must:
- Treat all children and vulnerable adults with respect and dignity.
- Never make inappropriate or suggestive remarks.
- Avoid being alone in a one-to-one situation with a child or vulnerable person, where possible.
- Report any concerns or disclosures immediately to the safeguarding team.
4. Reporting Concerns
- We have a clear procedure for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.
- Concerns can be raised by any member of the public, volunteer or young person.
- All concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or their deputy within 24 hours via email to safeguarding@cag-croydon.org.
5. Confidentiality and Record Keeping
- Information regarding safeguarding concerns will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.
- Accurate records of safeguarding incidents will be kept securely and confidentially.
Designated Safeguarding Contacts
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Simmone Turner, Safeguarding@cag-croydon.org
- Deputy DSL: Liz Owusu, safeguarding@cag-croydon.org
- Safeguarding Oversight Director (Board Level): Desna McKenzie, desna@cag-croydon.org
The safeguarding team operates a second-line response system to support patrol leads in dealing with live or reported incidents.
Escalation and Partnership
We work in partnership with local authorities, schools, youth services and police where safeguarding concerns require escalation. We follow the London Child Protection Procedures and refer to Croydon Council’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) where appropriate.
Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually, or in response to any safeguarding incident, organisational change, or legislative update.
- Next Review Date: 1 July 2026
- Approved by: Board of Directors, Croydon Community Action Guardians CIC
Contact Information
If you are concerned about a child or vulnerable adult, contact:
- Croydon MASH: 020 8255 2888
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
- Emergency (Immediate Danger): Call 999
Signed:
Desna McKenzie
Director
Croydon Community Action Guardians CIC
1 July 2025