Safeguarding Policy

Writers in Schools South West CIC (WISSW CIC)
Company Number: 16272847
Registered Office: Queensgate House, 48 Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SR
Effective from: 29/03/2025

1. Purpose and Scope

WISSW CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All children and young people we work with, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or belief, have a right to protection from harm.

This policy applies to:

• All staff, volunteers, directors, and freelance writers engaged by WISSW CIC;

• All programmes, residencies, workshops, and activities conducted in schools or community settings.

2. Our Commitment

WISSW CIC will:

• Actively promote safe practices and a culture of safeguarding;

• Ensure all staff and associates understand their safeguarding responsibilities;

• Work in partnership with schools and local authorities’ safeguarding protocols;

• Respond promptly and appropriately to concerns or allegations.

3. Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up based on UK legislation and guidance that seeks to protect children and young people, including:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004

• Education Act 2002

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023

• The Equality Act 2010

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Director Anna Wallace-Hare

Responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns;

• Liaising with partner schools’ safeguarding leads;

• Recording and referring concerns in line with local procedures.

All WISSW staff and volunteers must:

• Attend safeguarding training as required;

• Report concerns immediately to the DSL or school’s safeguarding contact;

• Work in line with the school's safeguarding and safer working practice policies during onsite activities.

5. Safe Recruitment and Training

WISSW CIC ensures:

• All staff are subject to appropriate checks (including Enhanced DBS checks);

• Safeguarding and child protection training is completed before programme delivery;

• Continuous updating of knowledge and practices, including induction refreshers.

6. Working in Schools and Community Settings

When delivering projects:

• WISSW team members will be accompanied by a member of school staff unless explicitly agreed otherwise;

• All writers will adhere to host institution safeguarding protocols;

• Physical and digital interactions will be respectful, appropriate, and professionally documented.

7. Reporting Concerns

Any concerns about a child’s welfare must be reported immediately to:

• The school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, and;

• WISSW CIC's DSL.

In cases of immediate danger or harm, emergency services must be contacted directly (999).

8. Allegations Against Staff or Writers

Any concern or allegation made against a WISSW writer or representative must be referred to the WISSW DSL and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), and the school DSL where applicable.

9. Data Protection and Confidentiality

Information about safeguarding concerns will be:

• Treated as confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis;

• Recorded securely in accordance with WISSW CIC’s data protection policy;

• Shared with appropriate authorities where necessary.

10. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any major safeguarding incident. It may be updated more frequently to reflect statutory changes or sector best practice.

Last Reviewed: 29/03/ 2025
Next Review Due: 29/03/2026