Updated on: 16/12/2025

1. Purpose

Neuro Exploration is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all participants. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding children, young people (13–25 under Arts Award), and vulnerable adults participating in workshops, including NeurographicAI™ 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: Anyone aged 18+ who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or abuse due to disability, mental health, or personal circumstances.
  
  Abuse: Physical, emotional, sexual abuse; neglect; bullying; exploitation; harassment.

3. Scope

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

Online and in-person workshops
NeurographicAI™ workshops and programmes
Arts Award sessions for young people
All staff, contractors, volunteers, and facilitators working with or responsible for participants

4. Responsibilities

- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Stella Photis acts as DSL, responsible for policy implementation, updates, communication, and ensuring training is completed.
  
  Staff / Facilitators: Must follow this policy, participate in training, and understand how to recognise and report concerns.
  
  Participants and Guardians: Participants under 18 or vulnerable adults should disclose relevant conditions where appropriate and with consent. Guardians/parents must provide consent for under-18s where required.

5. Safe Recruitment & DBS Checks

- - Staff and facilitators working with under-18s or vulnerable adults undergo Enhanced DBS checks (or equivalent).
  - References are verified.
  - Role descriptions clearly indicate safeguarding responsibilities.

6. Training & Induction

- - All staff/facilitators receive safeguarding training before working with under-18s or vulnerable adults.
  - Regular refresher training occurs at least every two years.
  - Staff familiarise themselves with local safeguarding authorities and referral procedures.

7. Reporting Concerns

- - All safeguarding concerns must 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, police).
  - Confidentiality is maintained; information is shared only on a need-to-know basis.
  - Secure records are kept (date, nature of concern, actions taken).

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 and avoid sharing sensitive personal information in group settings.
- Any recording or screenshot involving participants will only take place with explicit, informed consent.

9. Safeguarding Young People under Arts Award

- - Arts Award sessions follow additional duty of care requirements.
  - Parental consent is obtained for participants under 18.
  - Compliance with Arts Award safeguarding requirements is maintained.
  - Young people are informed of how to raise concerns, and parents/guardians are provided with a clear point of contact.

10. Review & Updates

- This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes in law, regulation, or recognised best practice.
  
  Participants, staff, and stakeholders are informed of updates where relevant.

11. Contact

For questions, concerns, or further information about safeguarding, contact:

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