Safeguarding Policy

2.1The welfare of young people is paramount. HackUK has a collective and individual duty to ensure that all employees fulfil their responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk, to prevent child abuse and to report any abuse discovered or suspected. This includes employees taking complete responsibility for ensuring they adhere to this too. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Commitment to this policy is obtained through safeguarding centric recruitment, a robust safeguarding induction plan, closely monitored safeguarding training, reporting lead by HackUK, safeguarding promotion by all staff members in all meetings and regular updates within HackUK business. HackUK employee recruitment procedures make specific reference to the role and responsibilities of all employees towards upholding the principles, policy and practice of effective safeguarding and all appointments are subject to satisfactory DBS and Enhanced DBS check.

2.2All young people regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity have a right to protection from all types of harm. This includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Those who work in positions of trust as part of our school’s engagement and work experience programmes must act with integrity and demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour and practice.

5.1 England

(a) The Children Act 1989 provides the legislative framework for child protection in England. Key principles established by the Act include:

• the paramount nature of the child’s welfare
• the expectations and requirements around duties of care to children

(b) Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) is the key statutory guidance for anyone working with children in England. Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) is the key statutory guidance for schools and colleges.