Staff and Volunteers

1. Policy Statement

BeScience STEM, for the purposes of this policy and procedure documents, considers a Vulnerable Person as an adult who may be restricted in capacity to guard himself/herself against harm or exploitation or to report such harm or exploitation. Restriction of capacity may arise as a result of physical or intellectual impairment. Vulnerability to abuse is influenced by both context and individual circumstances.

BeScience STEM, for the purposes of this policy and procedure documents, considers a child in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), 1989 (As Amended), under the Policy a child is defined as anyone who has not reached their 18th birthday. Although the national laws in countries that we work in may have different ages at which a child is considered an adult, or at which a child can give consent or is responsible, we use the definition of a child according to international law as set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

BeScience STEM is committed to the safeguarding of vulnerable persons and children from abuse. The definitions of safeguarding that guide our work in BeScience STEM are taken from the statutory guidance below:

• Safeguarding children as defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018(As Amended)
• Safeguarding adults at risk as defined in the Care and Support Statutory Guidance issued in the Care Act 2014(As Amended).

Safeguarding means protecting peoples’ health, well-being and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It acknowledges that all adults have the right to be safe and to live a life free from abuse. All persons are entitled to this right, regardless of their circumstances.

All BeScience STEM activities have a publicly declared ‘No Tolerance’ approach to any form of abuse and promote a culture that supports this ethos.BeScience STEM believes that everyone we come into contact with, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or ethnic origin has the right to be protected from all forms of harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation.BeScience STEM will not tolerate abuse and exploitation by staff or associated personnel.

BeScience STEM commits to addressing safeguarding throughout its work, through the three pillars of prevention, reporting and response.

This policy is mandatory and must be applied in all situations where BeScience STEM or our partners work.

This policy forms part of an employee’s terms and conditions of employment and may be subject to change at the discretion of management. It is therefore the responsibility of all staff of BeScience STEM to raise any concerns they have or any concerns which are reported to them according to this policy.

A core governance responsibility is to ensure that safeguarding policies, procedures and associated practices are in place and appropriate to the activities provided.

Definitions

1. Staff – A paid employee, contractor, or volunteer.
2. Social Enterprise Representatives – All staff, contractors and volunteers collectively
3. The Social Enterprise – BeScience STEM
4. Young person – anyone under the age of 18 years of age

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that BeScience STEM, a Social Enterprise, exercises its duty of care to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.

We also have a duty to protect our trustees, staff, volunteers and programme participants (including children and vulnerable adults) from any harm that may be caused due to their coming into contact with BeScience STEM.This includes harm arising from:

• The conduct of staff, personnel or trustees, associated with BeScience STEM.
• The design and implementation of BeScience STEM programmes and activities

The policy lays out the commitments made by BeScience STEM, and informs staff, associated personnel and trustees of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding.

This policy does not cover:

• Sexual harassment in the workplace – this is dealt with under BeScience STEM Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
• Safeguarding concerns in the wider community not perpetrated by BeScience STEM or associated personnel. 

3. Scope

This Policy and associated Procedures apply to:

• All staff employed by or contracted to BeScience STEM globally.
• Trustees and directors of BeScience STEM and/or its subsidiaries.
• The licensees of BeScience STEM, including their directors, staff, and associated personnel
• Associated personnel whilst engaged with work or visits related to BeScience STEM, including but not limited to the following: consultants, volunteers, contractors, programme visitors and guest contributors
• Partners, contractors and suppliers, and is also relevant for those with whom we engage for example children, parents and communities, to act in accordance with this policy.
• All Conferences, Workshops and Clubs, as well as any BeScience STEM partner project overseas whether under the direct or indirect control of the Social Enterprise activities in England.
• Its remit includes volunteers or staff in Community Support Projects, Conferences, Special Projects and Special Works including Children’s Camps, Coding Clubs and participating schools, universities and clubs who may encounter them. All of the preceding individuals are known collectively as “our representatives.”

In cases where we are not the lead partner, then it is expected that we will encourage and advocate for our partners to either follow the BeScience STEM Safeguarding Policy or develop their own.

Programme participants and members of the public are not within the scope of the policy. Programme participant behaviour is addressed through the BeScience STEM Conventions and the terms of conditions of their specific programme.

4. Principles

All our policies and procedures promote welfare, reflect inclusion and transparency in the provision of activities and promote a culture of safeguarding.

The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained in UK legislation and Social enterprise guidelines from England. They take the following into consideration:

• The Children Act 1989 (As Amended).
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989(As Amended).
• The Children Act 2004 & 2007(As Amended).
• Working Together 2018 (As Amended).
• The Care Act 2014 (As Amended).
• Human Rights Act 1998 (As Amended).
• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020 (As Amended).
• Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit Possession 2007(As Amended).
• Safeguarding Children in Whom Illness is Fabricated or Induced 2008 (As Amended).
• Safeguarding Children who may have been trafficked 2011 (As Amended).
• Children and Families Act 2014(As Amended).
• Child Sexual Exploitation: Definition and Guide for Practitioners(As Amended).
• The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime Policing Act 2014 (As Amended).
• Counterterrorism and Security Act, 2015; Section 26 (As Amended). 
• What to Do If You Are Worried a Child is being Abused 2015 (As Amended).
• Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People in Education 2015 (As Amended).
• General Data Protection Regulation 2016(As Amended).
• Keeping Children Safe in Education – Statutory Guidance for Schools and Colleges, September 2018 (As Amended).
• The Data Protection Act 2018(As Amended).
• Draft Guidance: Out-of-school Settings: Voluntary Code of Practice, 2018(As Amended).

The Social Enterprise’s safeguarding policy is guided by justice, moral and ethical values which stem from BeScience STEM’s principle that each child and young person has the right to be treated with the highest level of care, protection, love, encouragement and respect.

We hold this principle in the highest regard and this is reflected in our efforts to honour the dignity and rights of every child and to inculcate a safe, appropriate, healthy, supportive and conducive environment for education regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic group, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability, beliefs, or any other differences.

Our commitment recognises there is a need for special care and additional responsibility to protect the welfare of children and young persons to ensure that sufficient, prompt and appropriate steps are carried out to support them, if and when they face any known risk of significant harm from anyone.

We also acknowledge the additional challenges and strive to meet the additional needs and support required by beneficiaries from minority ethnic groups and disabled young persons. 

The beneficiaries include young persons who are members of marginalised or minority groups and communities who face exclusion and whose voices and opinions may not be heard or represented.

The best interest of children and young persons will be at the core of our decisions and actions.

Social Enterprise Representatives are responsible and entrusted to carry out relevant, sufficient, prompt and appropriate steps to support a child when they face any known risk of significant harm from anyone be it neglect, sexual, physical, psychological, emotional, financial or any other kind of abuse.

When working with the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society, we recognise that an unequal power dynamic may be created and we commit our efforts to guard any potential scenario where this dynamic might be exploited by our representatives, no matter how small the risk.

In this policy, we explicitly declare the Social Enterprise’s commitment to the development of best practices and rigorous internal procedures. This will be reflected in the way we handle all safeguarding referrals and all those involved with support, sensitivity, respect, professionalism and efficiency in a timely and discreet manner.

Social Enterprise Representatives are responsible to report to management when they deem that a child may face any risk of significant harm from anyone.

BeScience STEM will respond to any concerns or allegations reported to them with sensitivity, respect, professionalism and efficiency in a timely and discreet manner.

5. Implementation

Responsibility for leading the implementation of this policy and procedure rests with BeScience STEM’s Human Resource Team, namely the Human Resources and Finance Manager.

The Human Resource and Finance Manager will have overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy and procedure within their administrative area, and, will ensure that each manager of relevant BeScience STEM activities will undertake the following:

• Communicate this policy to all staff and volunteers;
• Appropriate training is provided;
• Ensure that service specific procedures are developed, implemented and reviewed in compliance with this policy.

6. Definitions of Abuse

Abuse may be defined as “any act, or failure to act, which results in a breach of a vulnerable person’s human rights, civil liberties, physical and mental integrity, dignity or general wellbeing, whether intended or through negligence, including sexual relationships or financial transactions to which the person does not or cannot validly consent, or which are deliberately exploitative. Abuse may take a variety of forms.”

Although this abuse definition focuses on acts of abuse by individuals, abuse can also arise from inappropriate or inadequate care or programmes of care.

There are several forms of abuse, any or all of which may be perpetrated as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or lack of insight and ignorance. A person may experience more than one form of abuse at any one time. The following are the main categories/types of abuse.

A. Types of Abuse

• Physical abuse includes hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.
• Sexual abuse includes rape and sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the vulnerable person has not consented, or could not consent, or into which he, she or they were compelled to consent.
• Psychological abuse includes emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
• Financial or material abuse includes theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
• Neglect and acts of omission include ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services and the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.
• Discriminatory abuse includes ageism, racism, sexism, based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.
• Institutional abuse may occur within residential care and acute settings including nursing homes, acute hospitals and any other in‐patient settings, and may involve poor standards of care, rigid routines and inadequate responses to complex needs.

B. Related Areas To Safeguarding

• Forced marriage
• Child sexual exploitation
• Female genital mutilation
• Modern slavery
• Honour-based violence
• Domestic abuse
• Stalking
• Hate crime
• Extremism and radicalization
• Cyber abuse/stalking
• Gangs
• Bullying
• Mate crime

7. Prevention

A. BeScience STEM Responsibilities
The key to safeguarding is abuse prevention. It is widely recognised that organisational awareness and good practice can promote positive staff actions, reduce opportunities for offending and enable earlier detection and response to safeguarding concerns.

In this regard, BeScience STEM will:

• Make this policy available to all staff, and provide appropriate means for staff to become familiar with, and know their responsibilities within this policy.
• Design and undertake all its programmes and activities in a way that protects people from any risk of harm that may arise from their coming into contact with BeScience STEM. This includes the way in which information about individuals in our programmes is gathered and communicated.
• Implement stringent safeguarding procedures when recruiting, managing and deploying staff and associated personnel.
• Adopt safeguarding practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
• Develop and implement an effective e-safety policy and related procedures.
• Make training available on safeguarding for staff as required.
• Follow up on reports of safeguarding concerns promptly and according to the agreed procedures as set out in the Safeguarding Reporting Procedures.
• Appoint a lead manager with responsibility for safeguarding.
• Review this policy annually and have it approved by the CPCT board.
• Record and store information professionally and securely, and share information about safeguarding and good practice with staff and volunteers via the staff handbook and other communication.
• Use its safeguarding procedures to share concerns with agencies who need to know.
• Use its procedures to manage allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately.
• Create and maintain an anti-bullying environment and include appropriate policies and procedures to help it deal effectively with any bullying that does arise.
• Establish effective complaints and whistleblowing measures.
• Provide a safe physical environment for staff, volunteers, and programme participants by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.

B. Staff Responsibilities

BeScience STEM staff and associated personnel must not:

• Sexually abuse or exploit anyone.
• Subject anyone to physical, emotional or psychological abuse, or neglect.
• Exchange money, employment, goods or services for sexual activity.

Additionally, BeScience STEM staff and associated personnel are obliged to:

• Contribute to creating and maintaining an environment that prevents safeguarding violations and promotes the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy.
• Value, listen to and respect all people whom they come into contact with.
• Report any concerns or suspicions regarding safeguarding violations by a BeScience STEM staff member or associated personnel to the appropriate staff member.

8. Enabling Reports

BeScience STEM has a duty of care to ensure we respond appropriately to concerns of actual or suspected abuse/harm both internally and externally.

Irrespective of the role, all BeScience STEM staff have a responsibility and mandatory duty to report any allegations or concerns in a confidential manner. It is not for staff to decide whether abuse has taken place. No staff member can agree to keep information relating to safeguarding in personal confidence.

As a result, BeScience STEM Common has established a safe, appropriate and accessible means of reporting safeguarding concerns for staff and the programme participants we work with.

Any staff reporting concerns or complaints through formal whistleblowing channels (or if they request it) will be protected by BeScience STEM’s Whistleblowing Policy.

Following the Public Disclosure Act 1998, Social Enterprise representatives are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns about fellow volunteers, or staff, made in good faith, without fear of repercussion.

BeScience STEM will also accept complaints from people other than staff, such as programme participants and members of the public.

Below you will find the appropriate channel to raise an allegation or concern.

A. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern – (Staff)

Staff members who have a complaint or concern relating to safeguarding should report it immediately to Nur Fadeela binti Jamal, Human Resource and Finance Manager, BeScience STEM,or to finance@bescience.org.uk.

If the staff member does not feel comfortable reporting to the Human Resource and Finance Manager for example if they feel that the report will not be taken seriously, or if that person is implicated in the concern they may report to Jessica Okoro, Founder of BeScience STEM.

B. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern –(Other Participants Excluding Staff)

Programme participants and members of the public who have a complaint or concern relating to safeguarding should contact Nur Fadeela binti Jamal, Human Resources and Finance Manager, BeScience STEM or to finance@bescience.org.uk.

9. Response

BeScience STEM will follow up on safeguarding allegations and concerns according to the transparent processes set out in the following Safeguarding Reporting Procedures, and legal and statutory obligations. BeScience STEM is not an investigative authority, and therefore where appropriate referrals will be made to the relevant social or law enforcement agencies.

BeScience STEM will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to staff found in breach of policy.

Where staff or associated personnel have caused harm to a person, regardless of whether or not a formal internal response is initiated (such as an internal investigation), BeScience STEM will offer appropriate support to that person.

10. Safeguarding Decision Steps

The following steps highlights the consideration we follow when an allegation or complaint is received;

• An allegation is raised or concern is received;
• Reporting to Human Resource and Finance Manager or CEO/Founder;
• Whether the allegation/concern involves staff of or associate partners of BeScience STEM;
• Whether allegation/concern regards abuse outside of the Social enterprise;
• Does the concern need reporting to the local/national authorities;
• Whether allegation/concern is due to the way BeScience STEM is delivering business;
• Reporting to local Authorities;
• Application of internal safeguarding procedures;
• Follow Up on actions taken by authorities;
• Deciding further response, recording case and action is taken.

11. Investigation Procedure

Our investigation procedure is based on the following key steps. The steps will be climbed up and down at different stages of the process and may need to be revisited as the investigation progresses;

• Initial assessment/information gathering;
• Clarify exact nature of allegation/concern;
• Clarify what national laws, rules, policy code or procedure have been violated;
• Identify documents and other data that the investigation team will need;
• Scope out terms of reference;
• Plan process and interviews;
• Conduct risk assessment;
• Produce witness and investigator protection plan;
• Complete investigation;
• Produce final report and action plan.

A. Investigation Process

To ensure complete transparency, during the investigation stage we use the PEACE model to ensure that we are gathering all pertinent information without bias. Our findings and final reports will outline the information found at each stage of this process.

B. Confidentiality

Staff and associated personnel will maintain confidentiality at all stages of the process when dealing with safeguarding concerns. Information relating to the concern and subsequent case management will be shared strictly on a need-to-know basis and will be kept secure at all times.

C. Recording and Information Sharing

All safeguarding concerns, decisions and actions will be recorded promptly and saved securely. This includes retaining a copy of a referral and evidence of prompt completion of any agreed actions to protect a child or vulnerable adult.

Information sharing decisions will be recorded whether or not the decision is taken to share. Reasons to share should also include what information has been shared and to whom.

Consideration must be given to what information to share and the impact of disclosing information on the individual or any third party. Any information shared must be proportionate to the need and level of risk. It must also be accurate, relevant, and adequate to the purpose of sharing the information.

From the outset of identifying safeguarding concerns, we will be open and transparent with the individual about why, what, how and with whom the information will, or could be shared. We will also seek their agreement to share information unless it is unsafe or inappropriate to do so.

All information should be shared in a timely manner to reduce the risk of harm and in an appropriate and secure way.

Policy

A. Low-Level Concerns

The Social Enterprise practises a Low-Level Concerns reporting policy to create and maintain a safer environment for all children and young persons.

The Social Enterprise defines a low-level concern as  any disquieting behaviour towards children which falls below the threshold of an allegation or is otherwise not serious enough on its own to merit a referral to a statutory agency.

Such concerns include behaviours that may range from inappropriate interaction, communication or treatment, to any behaviour that is intended to enable abuse or mistreatment, even when it occurs outside of the activities conducted on behalf of the Social Enterprise. The management will respond to all reports appropriately, led by the Safeguarding Officer and with guidance or referral to authorities.

This policy ensures no opportunity is missed to recognise, identify, respond and act against any known risk of significant harm towards a child by enabling and easing the early sharing of any genuine concern about a child. It also brings forth the responsibility that Social Enterprise Representatives must uphold during activities conducted on behalf of the Social Enterprise at all times.

B. International Partnerships

With reference to our work with international partners, the Social Enterprise is committed to upholding the following international safeguarding standards:

1. The United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant Human Rights Conventions (UNCR)(As Amended); 
2. UN Secretary General’s Bulletin for Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (As Amended);
3. IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) Minimum Operating Standards for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (As Amended); and 
4. The Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) (As Amended).

The Social Enterprise recognises that each country upholds its own specific legislative requirements relating to safeguarding such as criminal law, recruitment vetting processes, data protection and reporting protocols. If circumstances arise where BeScience STEM’s Safeguarding Policy contravenes or contradicts local legislation, local legislation must be followed with guidance from the Safeguarding Officer and management.

In the event that BeScience STEM Safeguarding Policy is more elaborate and complete than local legislation, then BeScience STEM Safeguarding Policy will prevail.

C. Support for Victims and Survivors of Abuse

BeScience STEM is dedicated to protecting all survivors of abuse, standing up against abuse and mistreatment and upholding accountability.

All individuals involved will be offered and provided support guided by the results of a needs assessment conducted by the Human Resources Department. The availability of resources, capacity and all other circumstances will also be considered.

13. General Provisions

1. 1. 1. You may not transfer any of your rights under this Safeguarding Policy to any other person. We may transfer our rights under this Safeguarding Policy where we reasonably believe your rights will not be affected.
      2. If any court or competent authority finds that any provision of this Safeguarding Policy (or part of any provision) is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision or part-provision will, to the extent required, be deemed to be deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of this Safeguarding Policy will not be affected.
      3. Unless otherwise agreed, no delay, act or omission by a party in exercising any right or remedy will be deemed a waiver of that, or any other, right or remedy.
      4. This Policy will be governed by and interpreted according to the law of England and Wales. All disputes arising under this Policy will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English and Welsh courts.

14. Key Roles and Contacts

15. Amendments To Safeguarding Policy

1. 1. BeScience STEM reserves the right to change this Safeguarding Policy as we may deem necessary from time to time or as may be required by the law. Any changes will be immediately updated and posted on the various BeScience STEM platforms.

You may contact BeScience STEM by email at finance@bescience.org.uk

This Safeguarding Policy was created on 30th March 2023.