Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: 31 May 2026

1. Statement of Commitment

The Refract Foundation (‘Refract’, ‘we’, ‘our’, ‘us’) is committed to promoting the welfare, safety and wellbeing of all children, young people and vulnerable adults who engage with our programmes, events, research activities and services.

We believe that everyone has the right to participate in our activities free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, bullying, harassment or harm.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Volunteers
• Staff
• Mentors
• Speakers
• Event organisers
• Contractors
• Leadership team members
• Anyone representing Refract Foundation

This policy applies to:

• In-person activities
• Online activities
• Workshops and events
• Research projects
• The Digital Literacy Census
• Communications undertaken on behalf of Refract Foundation

3. Definitions

Child

Any person under the age of 18.

Vulnerable Adult

Any adult who may require additional protection due to disability, illness, circumstances or other factors.

Safeguarding

Protecting individuals from abuse, neglect, exploitation, radicalisation, discrimination, bullying and other forms of harm.

4. Safeguarding Principles

Refract Foundation will:

• Put the welfare of children and young people first.
• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Promote inclusive and welcoming environments.
• Take concerns seriously.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Work with schools, parents, guardians and relevant authorities where appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality whilst recognising that safeguarding concerns may need to be shared.

5. Expectations of Representatives

Anyone acting on behalf of Refract Foundation must:

• Behave professionally.
• Treat participants respectfully.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Follow this policy and the Code of Conduct.
• Report safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Avoid situations that may place themselves or others at risk.

6. Online Safety

Where activities occur online:

• Communications should remain professional and relevant.
• Organisational communication channels should be used where possible.
• One-to-one communication with minors should be avoided unless necessary and appropriate.
• Safeguarding concerns identified online should be reported in the same way as offline concerns.

7. Research and Census Activities

When conducting research, surveys or the Digital Literacy Census, Refract Foundation will:

• Minimise collection of personal data.
• Avoid collecting unnecessary sensitive information.
• Use appropriate privacy and security measures.
• Consider safeguarding implications of research findings.
• Report safeguarding concerns identified through research where appropriate and lawful.

8. Reporting Concerns

Safeguarding concerns should be reported as soon as reasonably possible.

Examples include:

• Abuse or neglect
• Exploitation
• Grooming
• Bullying or harassment
• Online harm
• Threats to safety or wellbeing

Where there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately.

9. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively.

Information will only be shared with individuals who need to know in order to protect an individual or fulfil legal obligations.

Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where safeguarding concerns exist.

10. Breaches

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Removal from programmes or events
• Suspension of volunteering privileges
• Termination of involvement with Refract Foundation
• Referral to relevant authorities where appropriate

11. Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated where necessary.

12. Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Refract Foundation has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for receiving and managing safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding concerns should be reported to:

safeguarding@refractfoundation.org

Where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services immediately.

13. Contact

General enquiries: hello@refractfoundation.org

Website: refractfoundation.org