Safeguarding Policy – Neuro Exploration

Updated on: 14/09/2025

1. Purpose

Neuro Exploration is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants. This policy sets out our approach to safeguarding children, young people (13–25 under Arts Award), and vulnerable adults involved in our workshops, online sessions, or community programmes.

2. Definitions

  • Child / Young Person: Any person under the age of 18. Under Arts Award we may work with participants aged 13–25, with additional protections for those under 18.

  • Vulnerable Adult: Someone aged 18+ who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or abuse due to disability, mental health, or circumstances.

  • Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual abuse; neglect; bullying; exploitation; harassment.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all facilitated services provided by Neuro Exploration, including:

  • Online and in-person workshops

  • Arts Award sessions for young people

  • All staff, contractors, volunteers, facilitators working with or responsible for participants

4. Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Stella Photis will act as DSL for Neuro Exploration. She is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, updated, and communicated, and that appropriate training is undertaken.

  • Staff / Facilitators: Must follow this policy, take part in training, understand how to recognise and report concerns.

  • Participants and Guardians: Participants under 18 or vulnerable adults should disclose any relevant existing conditions. Guardians / parents should consent for under-18s where required.

5. Safe Recruitment & DBS Checks

  • Any staff or facilitators working with under-18s or vulnerable adults will undergo Enhanced DBS Checks (or equivalent) as appropriate.

  • References will be checked.

  • Role descriptions will clearly indicate any safeguarding responsibilities.

6. Training & Induction

  • All staff / facilitators will receive safeguarding training (at least once before working with under-18s or vulnerable adults).

  • Regular refresher training at least every two years.

  • Familiarisation with local safeguarding authorities and referral procedures

7. Reporting Concerns

  • Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately to the DSL.

  • The DSL will assess the concern and, if necessary, refer to the appropriate authorities (e.g. Local Authority, Children’s Social Care, or police).

  • Confidentiality will be maintained, with information only shared on a need-to-know basis.

  • Records will be kept (date, nature of concern, actions taken) securely.

8. Online Safety & Digital Workshops

  • Where workshops are online, we ensure secure, private platforms are used.

  • Participants are encouraged to use professional or private accounts, avoid sharing sensitive personal info in group settings.

  • Any recording or screenshot with participants will only happen with explicit consent.

9. Safeguarding Young People under Arts Award

  • All Arts Award sessions follow additional duty of care.

  • Parental consent is obtained for participants under 18.

  • We comply with Arts Award requirement for safeguarding and any guidelines they set.

  • Young people are made aware of how to raise concerns; parents/guardians have a point of contact.

10. Review & Updates

  • This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if there is change in law or practice.

  • Participants, staff, and stakeholders will be informed of updates.

 

11. Contact

If you have any questions, concerns or require more information about this Safeguarding Policy, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Stella Photis
Email: stella.photis@neuroexploration.com

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