Policy Statement: SEO London prioritises the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, ensuring they all have the right to protection. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility among all associated parties including staff, volunteers and partners.

 

SEO London’s full Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE. Below is a summary of its key features:

 

SEO London’s Safeguarding Measures:

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• Lead Trustee representative for safeguarding advises the Board of Trustees.

• Defines safeguarding responsibilities clearly, ensuring that all individuals with safeguarding duties understand their roles and remain fully accountable.

• Promotes a culture of listening to and acting on concerns raised by at-risk individuals.

• Implements safer recruitment practices, including background checks and due diligence.

• Establishes clear and effective procedures for safeguarding, handling concerns and responding to allegations

• Maintains clear reporting mechanisms for safeguarding concerns, ensuring confidentiality and data protection.

• Requires mandatory induction and ongoing safeguarding training for staff and volunteers to enhance awareness.

• Conducts regular monitoring and evaluation of safeguarding practices to ensure effectiveness.

• Collaborates with external organisations, agencies and safeguarding networks.

• Procures expert advice and training procured from SafeCiC and other safeguarding specialists.

 

Policy Review: The policy is reviewed annually and promoted through induction, training and supervision.

 

Equal Opportunities Statement: SEO London opposes discrimination, harassment and victimisation based on age, culture, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

 

Code of Conduct: All staff, volunteers and participants must adhere to SEO London’s Code of Conduct, acting professionally and respecting everyone’s rights and dignity. This includes the responsible use of online communication, maintaining respectful behaviour and permission before taking photos or recordings.

 

Commitments:

• Treat everyone with respect.

• Recruit and select staff carefully.

• Respond appropriately to concerns and allegations.

 

Internal Safeguarding Leads:

• DSL: Charlotte Tillson (Investment Banking Workstream)

• DDSL: Chanelle Francis (Alternative Investment Programme)

• Senior Staff Lead: Abigail Moss (Chief Executive Officer)

 

Definitions:

• Child/Young Person: Under 18 (or 16-25 with SEND or care experience).

• Adult at Risk: Over 18, needing care/support, at risk of abuse/neglect, unable to protect themselves.

 

Safer Recruitment: Follows government and Charity Commission guidelines. All staff undergo DBS checks, renewed every 3 years.

 

Induction and Training: New employees receive safeguarding training during onboarding. Ongoing training is provided with refreshers every 2 years or as needed.

 

Mentors and Volunteers: Must complete safeguarding training and DBS checks. One-to-one mentoring occurs only in public venues or online between 8am and 9pm.

 

Working Practices: Consent is obtained for care, activities and media. Activities and events are risk-assessed, with emergency plans in place.

 

Events and Incident Management: All activities are risk-assessed and at least two SEO London staff members are present at events. In emergencies our staff will contact the individual’s listed contact and follow safety protocols. All incidents are reported to the Safeguarding Leads and documented. 

 

Keeping Records: We maintain secure records of all safeguarding incidents, accessible only to safeguarding leads. Any incidents are reported and documented within 24 hours. 

 

Handling Allegations: Serious incidents are referred to social care services, police and SEO London’s Trustees. The Designated Safeguarding Lead informs relevant statutory bodies.

 

SEO London’s Related Policies include Data Protection, Codes of Conduct, Whistleblowing, Grievance, Disciplinary and Complaints Procedures.

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Responding to Concerns: Staff and volunteers must listen to and act on disclosures, following safeguarding procedures and recording incidents accurately using our  Disclosure Form. Where there is an emergency concern, share this immediately with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy (DDSL) by calling 0207 400 0402 (during office hours), as well as completing the Disclosure Form to ensure accurate details are recorded.