Safeguarding Policy

Policy Statement

Cambridge Radio is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who come into contact with the station through its broadcasts, events, volunteering opportunities and community activities.

We believe that everyone has the right to participate in our activities in a safe, supportive and respectful environment.

Cambridge Radio recognises its responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation and inappropriate conduct.

This policy applies to all trustees, volunteers, presenters, staff, contractors and anyone acting on behalf of Cambridge Radio.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide clear guidance for volunteers, presenters and staff.
• Reduce risks associated with station activities.
• Ensure concerns are reported and managed appropriately.
• Maintain public confidence in Cambridge Radio.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

Child or Young Person
Any person under the age of 18.

Vulnerable Adult
Any person aged 18 or over who may require additional support or protection due to age, illness, disability, mental health conditions or other circumstances.

3. Our Commitment

Cambridge Radio will:

• Provide a safe environment for participants and contributors.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Listen to and take seriously any safeguarding concerns.
• Respond appropriately to concerns or allegations.
• Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• Review safeguarding arrangements regularly.

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Steering Group will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns.
• Maintaining safeguarding records.
• Liaising with statutory agencies where required.
• Advising volunteers and presenters.
• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed.

The Steering Group appoints Amy Gray as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Contact Details: amy@cambridge.radio

5. Working with Children and Young People

When involving children and young people in station activities, Cambridge Radio will:

• Prioritise their welfare at all times.
• Ensure activities are suitable and appropriately supervised.
• Avoid situations where adults are working alone with children wherever possible.
• Obtain appropriate permissions where required.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality.

For planned interviews with children under 16, parental or guardian consent should normally be obtained unless the interview is taking place through a school, organised group, public event or other setting where appropriate permissions have already been arranged.

Young people aged 16 and 17 may generally give their own consent to be interviewed or recorded. However, presenters should consider the subject matter, the individual’s circumstances and any potential safeguarding concerns before proceeding.

6. Broadcast Interviews and Recording

Presenters and reporters should:

• Clearly explain the purpose of an interview before recording.
• Obtain consent before recording and broadcasting contributors.
• Take additional care when interviewing children or vulnerable adults.
• Avoid questions that may cause distress or place contributors at risk.
• Avoid broadcasting personal information that could compromise someone’s safety.
• Consider anonymity where sensitive issues are discussed.
• Stop an interview if a contributor becomes distressed or uncomfortable.

Particular care should be taken when discussing:

• Abuse or neglect.
• Mental health difficulties.
• Criminal investigations.
• Family disputes.
• Domestic abuse.
• Sexual offences.
• Self-harm or suicide.

7. Photography, Video and Social Media

Cambridge Radio will:

• Use photographs and recordings responsibly.
• Avoid identifying children by full name unless there is a clear editorial reason and appropriate consent.
• Avoid publishing information that could compromise safety.
• Respect requests regarding the use of images and recordings.

Volunteers should not use personal social media accounts to communicate privately with children on behalf of the station.

8. Safeguarding Concerns

Any person who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern should report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Concerns may include:

• Physical abuse.
• Emotional abuse.
• Sexual abuse.
• Neglect.
• Exploitation.
• Grooming.
• Online abuse.
• Radicalisation.
• Self-harm or serious welfare concerns.

Volunteers and presenters are not expected to investigate concerns themselves.

9. Responding to a Disclosure

If a child or vulnerable adult discloses information:

• Listen calmly and carefully.
• Take what they say seriously.
• Do not promise confidentiality.
• Do not ask leading questions.
• Record the information accurately.
• Report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

10. Recruitment and Vetting

Where roles involve regular and substantial contact with children or vulnerable adults, Cambridge Radio will consider whether a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is appropriate.

The station recognises that most volunteer and broadcasting roles will not normally require DBS checks, but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

11. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Safeguarding information will be:

• Recorded accurately.
• Stored securely.
• Shared only with those who need to know.
• Managed in accordance with data protection requirements.

12. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident, legislative change or significant change in station activities.