Young Voices (UK) Ltd. and Young Voices International Ltd. (henceforth referred to as Young Voices) carry out activities that bring employees and people working on behalf of the organisation into regular contact with children. In line with the Children Act of 1989/2004, Young Voices is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children as their welfare is paramount and all reasonable steps must be taken to prevent them from harm.
This Policy relates to any situation involving children and young people up to age 18, whether or not accompanied by adults. Young Voices also recognizes that vulnerable people of any age will benefit from similar safeguards. Whenever the guidelines refer to children, this broader meaning applies.
All children and young people, whatever their age, race, ethnic origin, nationality, language, culture, religious beliefs, social class, disability, gender, and/or sexual identity/orientation have a right to protection from abuse. This Policy is also in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
This Policy indicates the way in which we deal with such activities and it applies to everyone working with us including any members of staff (including trustees, freelancers and agency workers) or volunteers whose duties at Young Voices brings them into contact with children. While primarily intended to safeguard children, this policy is also meant to protect staff and volunteers who are working with us from any false allegation of improper conduct.
All partner organisations that work with Young Voices are required to have adequate protection policies and procedures in place and must adhere to them. However, our Code of Conduct must be followed at all times and any concerns about the implementation of the partner organisation’s protection policies and procedures should be raised with the Child Protection Officer at Young Voices.
The following terminology is used throughout this policy: