Types of concern

Abuse is when a young person is intentionally harmed by an adult or another child. Types of abuse include: physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying, cyberbullying, criminal exploitation and gangs. Young people may be abused by family, friends, people working in school or community settings, or strangers.

Another element of safeguarding is the Prevent duty, which aims to stop young people from being drawn into extremism or terrorism.

If a Safeguarding concern occurs the young person’s GP has responsibility and must be informed as soon as possible.

Reporting a concern

If you have a Safeguarding or Prevent concern about a young person you have been working with through our programme, contact their GP immediately and ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and report your concerns directly to them. Keep a confidential note of the concern for your own records with accurate information, including word for word what was said, the time and date of the incident, and the place. Sign and date and keep in a safe place. Once you have completed the above actions please let Our Creative Community know with brief details of the concern.

Out of hours

If you have an urgent concern about a young person and you are not able to reach their GP please report your concern to one of the following numbers and let OCC know as soon as possible the next working day:

Social care service for young people in Bristol: 0117 903 6444 or 01454 615165

Social care service for young people in South Gloucestershire: 01454 866 000 or 01454 615165

Young person at imminent risk of harm:

Call 999 or from a UWE campus phone call 9999 to contact the gatehouse (0117 3289 999 from a mobile)

How to learn more

You can find out about the different types of abuse and how to spot the signs on the NSPCC website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse

You can learn more about the Prevent duty: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/radicalisation/ 

Your conduct during an OCC activity

• Do not allow yourself to be left alone with a young person
• Avoid physical contact with a young person unless it is appropriate and necessary for your role and you should seek permission in doing so
• Do not take photographs on personal devices
• Do not share your contact details, such as mobile number or social media handles with a young person
• Do not arrange to meet a young person outside of or after an event
• You are a role model for the young person so be mindful of the language you use and what experiences and examples you share
• Do not promise secrecy; let the young person know that any concern will be dealt with confidentially
• Ensure you are fit to work with the young people when you turn up i.e. no drug or alcohol use before attending activity