Safeguarding Policy Statement
Black and Being Essex CIC
Last updated: April 2025
Our Commitment
Black and Being Essex CIC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants, particularly those who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, gender identity, race, or other characteristics.
We take seriously our duty of care to protect all individuals, especially women, non-binary people, and children who engage with our directory, social activities, events, and digital platforms.
Scope
This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, members, collaborators, and anyone representing Black and Being Essex CIC during events, in-person meetups, and digital spaces including social media and the WhatsApp Community.
1. Safeguarding Adults
We will:
- Treat all participants with respect and dignity
- Provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space
- Respond promptly and appropriately to any concerns raised
- Ensure all volunteers are briefed on how to recognise and report safeguarding issues
2. Safeguarding Children and Young People
We will:
- Ensure children at public events are accompanied by a responsible adult
- Not run unsupervised children’s activities
- Refer to professionals or safeguarding partners if concerns are raised about a young person’s wellbeing
3. Digital Safety
We will:
- Moderate online platforms (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram)
- Remove or address harmful or inappropriate content
- Provide guidance to members on respectful digital behaviour
4. Reporting and Concerns
Safeguarding concerns can be reported to the Safeguarding Lead via info@blackandbeingessex.co.uk.. In an emergency, contact emergency services via 999.
5. Responsibilities
Safeguarding Lead: Preen Chakadonha, contact info@blackandbeingessex.co.uk
Our Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:
- Handling concerns or disclosures
- Coordinating with emergency or statutory services where needed
- Supporting volunteer awareness and event-specific plans
6. Event-Specific Safeguarding Plans
a. Monthly Member Meetups (e.g. Brunches, Pottery Painting, Walks)
- Events are for adults only unless stated otherwise
- All attendees are part of our closed membership and agree to our group values on respect and safety
- A volunteer host is present at all events to handle any concerns and flag issues to the Safeguarding Lead
- Public venue staff are informed of our group booking and will be approached in emergencies
b. Public Community Events (e.g. Curly Hair Celebration)
- A named Safeguarding Lead will be on-site for the event and clearly identified for staff and attendees
- All volunteers will receive a pre-event briefing on safeguarding awareness, including what to do if someone shares a concern or becomes distressed
- Event signage will include how to get support or raise a concern on the day
- Children attending must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No unaccompanied minors will be permitted
- First aid provision and emergency access points will be planned in advance with the venue
- A quiet/chill-out space will be made available for those who need it, especially neurodivergent or those with accessibility needs
c. Area Subgroup Meetups (Informal Gatherings)
- These are peer-led and open only to vetted members via our WhatsApp Community
- All members are expected to follow group rules for respectful and safe interaction
- Subgroup leads will be given a safeguarding checklist and contact details for the Safeguarding Lead if support is needed
7. Review
This policy and all event safeguarding procedures will be reviewed annually or after any incident, feedback, or new type of event.