Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
1. Policy Statement
Hiking Kids UK CIC (the “Company”) acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people participating in Company-led activities. This policy outlines our commitment to providing a safe environment and sets out the code of conduct for our digital and physical spaces.
2. Principle of Parental Responsibility
The Company operates on a Parental Supervision Model.
2.1 Duty of Care: At all times during physical events, including day walks, social outings and camping activities, the child’s primary duty of care remains with the or legal guardian.
2.2 Supervision: Children must never be left unattended with Company directors or volunteer admin. The Company does not provide regulated childcare or supervised activities.
2.3 Medical & First Aid: Responsibility for first aid, the administration of medication, and the physical well-being of the minor rests solely with the parent or guardian.
3. Leadership and Accountability
3.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The Board of Directors has appointed Ashley Sykes as the Lead DSL. He is the primary point of contact for any safeguarding concerns or reports.
3.2 Experience: The Lead DSL maintains a current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, ensuring a baseline of safety and trust for the community.
4. Digital Safeguarding and Media Consent
4.1 Private Online Communities: Access to the Company’s private Facebook group is strictly moderated.
4.2 Image Consent & Usage: The Company utilizes photography to document community activities.
4.2.1 Right to Opt-Out: Participants have the right to withhold consent for their child’s image to be used. Notification must be provided to the Event Lead upon arrival.
4.2.2 Participant Responsibility: Where consent is withheld, the parent/guardian is responsible for ensuring the minor is not present in group photographs.
4.2.3 Data Protection: The Company will not publish the full names of minors alongside imagery in any public-facing promotional material. Images shared inside the private group should not be shared outside of it without the express permission of the parent/guardians.
4.3 Communication Channels: WhatsApp and other instant messaging groups used for event logistics are restricted to adults only. No person under the age of 18 is permitted in these instant digital environments.
5. Reporting Procedures
Any suspicion of child abuse, neglect, or a significant breach of safety must be reported immediately to the DSL.
5.1 Record Keeping: All reports will be recorded in a confidential Safeguarding Log, detailing the date, time, and nature of the concern.
6. Nature of Activities and Physical Safety
6.1 Risk Assessment: For every official event, the Event Lead will conduct a "Dynamic Risk Assessment" based on weather, terrain, and group ability. The Company reserves the right to alter routes for safety.
6.2 Equipment: While the Company may provide guidance via the event description, the responsibility for ensuring a child is dressed appropriately rests with the parent/guardian.
6.3 Weather Monitoring: Activities will be suspended or moved to lower ground in the event of Met Office Amber/Red weather warnings.
7. Missing Child Protocol
7.1 Immediate Action: If a child is separated from the group, the Event Lead will halt the main group and designate a search while parents maintain supervision of other children.
7.2 Emergency Services: If the child is not located within 15 minutes, or immediately if terrain/weather is high-risk, the DSL or Event Lead will contact 999 (Police/Mountain Rescue).
7.3 Record Keeping: Any missing child incident must be recorded in the Safeguarding Log.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) details - Shared with members