Safeguarding Policy

FTM Camp – Fit The Mould Productions CIC

Policy Reviewed: January 2026
Next Review Due: January 2027

1. Statement of Commitment

Fit The Mould Productions CIC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people attending FTM Camp.

We believe that:

  • Every child and young person has the right to feel safe, respected and valued.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

FTM Camp provides residential and non-residential performing arts programmes for young people. We recognise our responsibility to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where young people can thrive creatively and personally.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All staff (employed and freelance)

  • Volunteers

  • Guest practitioners

  • Chaperones

  • Contractors working with young people

  • Anyone representing FTM Camp

It applies during:

  • Residential camps

  • Rehearsals and workshops

  • Performances

  • Off-site activities

  • Travel organised by FTM Camp

  • Online communication related to camp

3. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest edition)

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

  • The Care Act 2014 (where applicable)

4. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

FTM Camp has a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for safeguarding oversight.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Robert Chesters
ftmcamp@gmail.co.uk
07748988905

In the absence of the DSL, a Deputy DSL will be appointed for each residential camp.

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving safeguarding concerns

  • Making referrals to local safeguarding authorities where necessary

  • Maintaining confidential safeguarding records

  • Ensuring staff safeguarding training

  • Liaising with parents/carers and relevant agencies

5. Safer Recruitment

FTM Camp follows safer recruitment practices, including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all staff working directly with young people

  • At least two references checked prior to appointment

  • Identity verification

  • Safeguarding interview questions

  • Clear role descriptions and codes of conduct

No adult will be permitted to work unsupervised with young people without appropriate checks.

6. Code of Conduct for Staff

All staff must:

  • Treat young people with respect and dignity

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Avoid being alone with a young person where possible (especially in residential settings)

  • Not engage in inappropriate physical contact

  • Not communicate privately with young people via personal social media

  • Not exchange personal contact details

  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

Any breach of conduct will be taken seriously and may result in dismissal and/or referral to relevant authorities.

7. Residential Camp Safeguarding Measures

During residential camps:

  • Separate sleeping arrangements are strictly maintained (staff and participants never share rooms).

  • Gender-appropriate and supervised accommodation arrangements are implemented.

  • Night supervision procedures are in place.

  • Clear sign-in and sign-out systems operate.

  • Risk assessments are completed for all activities.

  • Appropriate staff-to-young person ratios are maintained.

  • A first aider is present at all times.

Participants are briefed at the start of camp on:

  • Who to speak to if they feel unsafe

  • Behaviour expectations

  • Anti-bullying standards

  • Respect for others

8. Anti-Bullying & Behaviour Expectations

FTM Camp has a zero-tolerance approach to:

  • Bullying (including online bullying)

  • Discrimination

  • Harassment

  • Harmful or sexualised behaviour

All participants are expected to:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect

  • Follow staff instructions

  • Maintain appropriate behaviour

Concerns will be addressed promptly and proportionately.

9. Reporting a Concern

All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Concerns may include:

  • Disclosure of abuse

  • Signs of neglect

  • Inappropriate behaviour by a staff member

  • Peer-on-peer abuse

  • Online safety issues

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services will be contacted.

All concerns are recorded securely and confidentially.

10. Online Safety

FTM Camp recognises the importance of online safeguarding.

  • Staff will not communicate with young people via personal accounts.

  • Any digital communication will be through official channels and, where appropriate, include parents.

  • Media consent is obtained before photos/videos are used.

  • Written consent is required for any recorded materials.

11. Photography & Filming

  • Parental/guardian consent is required for photography or filming.

  • Images are stored securely.

  • No full names are published alongside images without explicit consent.

  • Participants are not permitted to film or photograph others without permission.

12. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis.

We will always prioritise the safety of the child over confidentiality if there is risk of harm.

13. Staff Training

All staff receive:

  • Safeguarding induction before camp begins

  • Clear reporting procedures

  • Code of conduct briefing

  • Ongoing safeguarding updates as required

14. Whistleblowing

Any staff member with concerns about safeguarding practice or another adult’s behaviour must report this directly to the DSL or, if necessary, to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

FTM Camp is committed to a culture of openness and accountability.

15. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or practice guidance changes.