Safeguarding & Child Protection.

This is Creative Enterprise (TICE)
Version 5 – Last Updated 14.04.2025

Our Commitment

This is Creative Enterprise (TICE) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We believe every child and young person, regardless of background, ability, or identity, has the right to feel safe, protected, and supported during their engagement with TICE activities.

We actively promote a culture of openness and accountability where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, mentors, and volunteers are expected to uphold this policy and report any concerns.

Key Definitions

  • Safeguarding: The organisation’s duty to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, exploitation, or neglect, both offline and online.

  • Child Protection: The specific actions taken to protect individual children identified as at risk or experiencing harm.

  • Vulnerable People: Children, young people, and vulnerable adults who may be unable to protect themselves.

Policy Aims

  • Embed a safeguarding-first culture across all TICE operations.

  • Ensure every child is treated equally and respectfully, with protection from all forms of harm.

  • Inform and support TICE staff and mentors in their duty of care.

  • Provide a safe environment for children and young people to share concerns and seek help.

  • Set clear procedures for identifying and reporting abuse.

  • Ensure all staff with access to children have appropriate vetting, including enhanced DBS checks.

Core Principles

  • The welfare of children is paramount.

  • Children and young people are never left at risk online or offline.

  • Delays in reporting concerns may harm a child—timely reporting is essential.

  • Children with Special Educational Needs or disabilities may be more vulnerable to abuse and must receive additional consideration.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

All TICE staff and volunteers who work with children must undergo an Enhanced DBS check. TICE adheres to safer recruitment practices and will notify the DBS of any concerns or dismissals related to safeguarding.

Code of Behaviour

Attitudes & Approach

  • Treat all young people with dignity, respect, and fairness.

  • Listen to children and value their voices.

  • Encourage positive engagement, praise, and participation.

Conduct

  • Lead by example and use appropriate language.

  • Avoid one-to-one situations where possible—if needed, ensure transparency and others are aware.

  • Respect personal boundaries and privacy.

Physical Contact

  • Never engage in inappropriate touching or personal care tasks.

  • Do not allow or participate in physical games or horseplay.

  • If necessary, refer such situations to school staff or guardians.

Professional Boundaries

  • Staff relationships must not interfere with the safety and function of their roles.

  • Never trivialise or make jokes about abuse.

  • Avoid situations that may be misinterpreted or exploited.

Information Sharing & Confidentiality

  • Safeguarding concerns are shared on a need-to-know basis only.

  • We cannot promise confidentiality to a child if their safety is at risk.

  • Information will be shared with relevant authorities where required.

  • Parents/guardians will be informed unless doing so may put the child at greater risk.

Reporting Procedures

You must report immediately if:

  • A complaint is made against a TICE representative.

  • You witness inappropriate behaviour by anyone within TICE or a school.

  • A young person discloses abuse or risk.

  • A TICE representative accesses confidential data for personal use.

All concerns must be reported to the school’s safeguarding lead and the TICE Managing Director.

Allegations Against Staff

  • All allegations will be taken seriously.

  • Interviews and one-to-one interactions should always occur in visible spaces.

  • Staff under investigation will be supported while appropriate procedures are followed.

Photography and Filming

TICE will:

  • Obtain written parental and child consent before capturing images.

  • Only use first names in public materials unless further consent is given.

  • Ensure children are suitably dressed in images.

  • Require external press or parents photographing events to respect consent rules.

Photos for promotional use must have a signed Model Release Form from parents/guardians.

Social Media Use

  • Staff may not post identifiable images of children without explicit written permission.

  • No personal social media engagement with under-18s (e.g. friend requests).

  • Business-related interactions must occur on official TICE channels only.

  • Breaches may be treated as gross misconduct.

Mobile Phones and Devices

  • Personal calls must not be made or received during child-facing sessions (except in emergencies).

  • Personal device use around children must be professional and discreet.

  • Language used in the presence of children must always be appropriate.

Online Safety & Digital Delivery

  • Children must not be left unattended online.

  • All digital sessions must follow safeguarding procedures, including supervision and risk assessment.

  • Any online bullying, harassment, or sexting will be dealt with seriously and referred as appropriate.

TICE uses secure platforms in line with UK GDPR and data protection regulations.

Data Management

  • Only necessary youth data is collected and stored securely in our database.

  • Access is restricted by user roles, password protection, and encrypted systems.

  • Paper forms (e.g. Model Release Forms) are shredded or securely stored after use.

  • All marketing communications involving youth are subject to consent and opt-outs.

Supporting Children

TICE is committed to:

  • Encouraging confidence and self-esteem.

  • Promoting a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

  • Acting promptly and sensitively if a child is in difficulty.

  • Working closely with schools, parents/carers, and safeguarding agencies.

Parental Responsibilities

Parents remain the primary guardians of their children’s welfare. TICE works with schools and parents to provide reassurance, transparency, and open communication about safety practices.

Staff & Volunteer Training

All TICE staff and volunteers are required to complete regular Safeguarding & Child Protection training and are familiar with this policy and their responsibilities.

Policy Review and Access

  • This policy is reviewed annually or in response to legislative changes.

  • It is available to schools, partners, parents/guardians, and safeguarding bodies upon request.

  • A digital version is accessible via the TICE website.