Safeguarding policy

Our commitment

Every child and young person we work with has the right to be safe. Everyone who mentors for Forge Projects follows this policy, and we act on any concern straight away.

Who mentors students

• Everyone who mentors holds an Enhanced DBS check, kept current through the DBS Update Service.
• We check identity and references before anyone mentors a student.
• Every mentor reads this policy and our code of conduct, and completes safeguarding training.

Online sessions

• Sessions take place on Microsoft Teams using Forge Projects accounts, at times agreed with the family.
• Parents and guardians know when sessions take place and can join or check in at any time.
• Mentors and students both join from appropriate settings, with cameras positioned suitably.
• Sessions are only recorded with consent, and recordings are stored securely.

Messages between sessions

• Messages with students under 18 go through a group chat that includes a parent or guardian.
• Messages are about the project only. Mentors do not connect with students on personal social media.

Build days and in-person sessions

• Each build day has a risk assessment, supervised use of tools and suitable safety equipment.
• A responsible adult is contactable throughout.

Photos and video

We only photograph or film students with consent, and only publish identifiable images, names or quotes with written consent from the student and a parent or guardian. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.

How our mentors work with students

• Relationships stay professional and focused on the project.
• Sessions and build days happen at agreed times, with families informed.
• Contact goes through Forge Projects channels, not personal social media.
• Mentors treat every student with respect, and act on any concern the same day.

If you have a concern

1. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 in the UK, or the local emergency number in your country.
2. Tell our designated safeguarding lead at gus@forge-projects.uk or on +44 7587 091991. We will respond the same day.
3. Need advice? In the UK, the NSPCC helpline is 0808 800 5000 and nspcc.org.uk. Students can call Childline free on 0800 1111.

We record every concern, act on it, and refer to the local authority children’s services or the police where appropriate. Concerns about a mentor are referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). For students outside the UK, we follow the reporting routes in their country and inform their parents or guardians, and their agent where relevant, unless doing so would put the child at risk.

Review

This policy is reviewed every year, and after any incident. Next review: October 2027.