Safeguarding Policy

The Irish in London Online Gateway is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults who may engage with our platform, services, or community initiatives. We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm, exploitation, and abuse.

This policy outlines the principles, procedures, and responsibilities that guide our approach to safeguarding in all activities associated with the Irish in London Online Gateway. It ensures compliance with relevant legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Care Act 2014.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners involved with the Irish in London Online Gateway.
Any interaction with children (under 18) or vulnerable adults through our website, digital content, events, community support initiatives, or communication platforms.
Both online and offline engagement, including social media, email communication, events, and advisory services.

Definitions • Child: Any person under 18 years of age.
- Vulnerable Adult: Any person aged 18 or over who, due to age, disability, illness, or other circumstances, may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, exploitation, or neglect.
- Abuse: Includes but is not limited to physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory abuse, and neglect.
Principles of Safeguarding

The Irish in London Online Gateway is committed to the following safeguarding principles: • The welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount in all activities.

All individuals, regardless of age, ability, race, gender, or background, have the right to protection from harm.
Online safety is prioritised to prevent cyberbullying, grooming, or exploitation.
All concerns must be reported promptly, and appropriate action taken.
Partnership working with relevant authorities, organisations, and communities is essential to safeguarding.

Online Safety and Digital Safeguarding

Since the Irish in London Online Gateway operates in a digital environment, we take additional steps to ensure online safety by:

Implementing content moderation to prevent harmful or inappropriate material.

Monitoring interactions on social media and digital platforms to detect risks. Ensuring staff and volunteers interacting online are trained in digital safeguarding.

Providing clear reporting procedures for anyone experiencing online harassment, abuse, or exploitation.

Encouraging safe and respectful communication in all digital spaces.

Code of Conduct for Staff, Volunteers, and Partners

All individuals representing the Irish in London Online Gateway must: Respect and protect the dignity of children and vulnerable adults.

Maintain appropriate boundaries in online and offline interactions. Avoid one-to-one private online communication with children or vulnerable adults.

Ensure consent is obtained before sharing any images, stories, or personal information.

Report concerns or suspicions of abuse immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

They must not:

Engage in any form of abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate behaviour.

Share personal contact details with children or vulnerable adults outside of professional interactions.

Use language or imagery that is offensive, discriminatory, or suggestive. Ignore concerns or fail to act on a safeguarding issue.

Reporting Procedures

All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately. If a child or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk, emergency services must be contacted.

Steps to follow if abuse is suspected or disclosed:

Listen carefully and remain calm—do not ask leading questions.
Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing by speaking up.
Do not promise confidentiality—explain that information must be shared to ensure safety.
Record the concern factually, including dates, times, and observations.
Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Contact Details

DSL: Catherina Casey

Phone: 07775 077859

Email: contact@irish-london.com

Safer Recruitment and Training

To protect children and vulnerable adults, the Irish in London Online Gateway implements:

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all staff and volunteers working directly with vulnerable groups.
Reference checks before employment or voluntary appointments.
Mandatory safeguarding training for all staff and volunteers.
Clear safeguarding responsibilities outlined in job descriptions and volunteer agreements.

Confidentiality and Data Protection • All safeguarding reports and disclosures will be handled with confidentiality and shared only with those who need to know.
- Information will be stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection legislation.
- Consent will always be sought before sharing any child or vulnerable adult’s information, except in cases where there is an immediate risk to safety.

Partnership and Collaboration

We recognise that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. The Irish in London Online Gateway is committed to working with:

Local safeguarding boards, support organisations, and community groups.
Irish welfare and community support organisations in London.

Statutory authorities, including social services and law enforcement, where necessary.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it reflects best practices, updated legislation, and evolving safeguarding needs.

Declaration

The Irish in London Online Gateway is committed to ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and that appropriate measures are in place to protect children and vulnerable adults in all our digital and offline interactions.

For further information, guidance, or to report a concern, please contact the

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Catherina Casey

Email: contact@irish-london.com

Phone: 07775 077859

Date: 31st January 2025

Policy Review: 1st February 2026