Safeguarding Policy

1. Statement of Intent

Joybringers Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people (aged 7–25), parents/carers, families, and adults at risk who participate in our programmes and activities. We believe that every child and young person has the right to grow up in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment, free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

This policy applies to all trustees, staff, volunteers, contractors and any other individuals working on behalf of Joybringers Charity. It is approved by the Board of Trustees and reviewed annually.

2. Legal Framework & Responsibilities

Joybringers Charity follows the statutory guidance set out in:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004
• The Care Act 2014 (in relation to adults at risk)
• UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
• The Equality Act 2010
• North Tyneside's Local Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures
• Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding and protecting people

DBS Checks

All staff and volunteers working directly with children and young people under the age of 18 are required to hold a current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before any unsupervised access. No person with a relevant caution or conviction will be permitted to work with young people.

3. Designated Safeguarding Leads

Joybringers Charity has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for receiving all concerns, liaising with statutory agencies, ensuring training, and reviewing this policy.

4. Reporting a Concern

Anyone who has a concern about the welfare of a child, young person or adult at risk connected to Joybringers activities should follow these steps:

• Do not delay. Report your concern as soon as possible — the same day if possible.
• Contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead Esele Okosun by email or phone (details above).
• If the DSL is unavailable, contact the Deputy DSL John Porlycarp.
• Record what you have seen, heard or been told — use factual language, not interpretation.
• Do not investigate yourself or promise confidentiality to anyone.
• If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 999 first.

All concerns will be treated seriously, recorded securely, and dealt with promptly and confidentially in accordance with UK GDPR.

5. Key External Contacts

• North Tyneside Children's Social Care (MASH): 0345 200 0109
• North Tyneside Adult Social Care: 0345 200 0101
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
• Childline: 0800 1111
• Police (non-emergency): 101
• Emergency services: 999

6. Safer Recruitment

Joybringers Charity follows safer recruitment practices for all roles involving contact with young people, including:

• Application forms and interviews for all roles
• Two references, one from a previous employer or supervisor
• Enhanced DBS check before any unsupervised access to young people
• Safeguarding induction training before commencing any programme delivery
• Volunteers and staff complete a Joybringers Code of Conduct

7. Online Safety

Joybringers Charity delivers online programmes and maintains online communities. We take online safety seriously:

• All online sessions are conducted via password-protected platforms
• Sessions involving under-18s are recorded for safeguarding purposes only
• Staff and volunteers must not communicate with participants via personal social media or personal email accounts
• Participants under 13 must have parental or guardian consent to attend online sessions
• Inappropriate content or online abuse must be reported to the DSL immediately

8. Photography & Video

Joybringers Charity requires written consent before photographing or filming any young person under 18. Images are used only for the purposes stated at the time of consent. Personal details (full name, address, school) are never published alongside images of children.

9. Record Keeping & Confidentiality

All safeguarding records are kept securely and retained in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Records are accessible only to those who need them and are stored separately from other personnel files. Safeguarding records are retained for a minimum of 7 years after the last contact with the young person, or until they reach age 25 (whichever is later).

10. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Board of Trustees, or sooner following any safeguarding incident, change in legislation, or updated statutory guidance.

Version 2.0  |  Effective: 3 July 2026  |  Next review: 3 July 2027  |  Approved by Board of Trustees
Download full policy (PDF)

Quick Contact

DSL — Esele Okosun
Esele.Okosun@joybringerscharity.org
+44 7500 010317

Deputy DSL — John Porlycarp
john.porlycarp@joybringerscharity.org

Emergency: 999

N. Tyneside Children's: 0345 200 0109

N. Tyneside Adults: 0345 200 0101

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

Childline: 0800 1111

Download Policy

Download the full Joybringers Safeguarding Policy v2.0 (effective 3 July 2026).

Related Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Complaints Procedure
• Terms of Use

External Resources

• NSPCC
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Charity Commission
• Internet Matters (Online Safety)