GLOW Newcastle is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and adults at risk of harm. We believe that everyone has the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and exploitation. This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who engage with our services.
This policy complies with the relevant legislation and guidance in the United Kingdom, including but not limited to:
N.B. An adult at risk of harm is defined as an adult who has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs); and is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.
GLOW Newcastle’s Diversity and Inclusion policy pledges to eliminate discrimination and create an inclusive environment for our employees, audiences and communities. To do that we have to recognise and address structural racism and inequality of opportunity for people with protected characteristics and socio-economic disadvantage and put in place a series of measures that disrupt the systems that have promoted this inequity. GLOW Newcastle is committed to ensuring that all Relevant Individuals have the same protection regardless of these factors. GLOW Newcastle will treat all Relevant Individuals equally, and with respect and dignity.
GLOW Newcastle recognises that some Relevant Individuals face barriers to engagement. GLOW Newcastle is committed to doing all that it can to reduce those barriers to ensure that everyone is afforded the same protection through GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding policy. GLOW Newcastle recognises that working in partnership with children, young people and adults at risk alongside their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting welfare.
Supported by other policies, procedures and processes within GLOW Newcastle including (but not limited to):
Equalities and Inclusion
Health and Safety
Employment Contracts
Data Protection and Privacy
Risk Assessments
GLOW Newcastle requires all Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals to comply with the following Code of Conduct in order to ensure best practice.
N.B. We are aware on occasion that freelancers may meet or have contact with Relevant Individuals as part of other delivery. This is acceptable provided the Safeguarding Officer is made aware of the interaction and it is separate to any GLOW Newcastle programmes. Please ask the Safeguarding Officer for further information on this if required.
Glow is committed to ensuring a safeguarding culture within the organisation and the programmes that we run. In order to do this, Glow has in place the following procedures:
Safeguarding Officer: Bex Mather. bex@glow-newcastle.co.uk T: 07904690825
Trustee with lead responsibility for safeguarding: Gemma Johnson
You can also contact the NSPCC Helping or Childline for directly for child protection advice and support:
NSPCC: 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk
Childline: 0800 1111, www.childline.org.uk
Policy drafted and agreed by original board | April 2024 |
Date of Review by New Board | March 2025 |
Appendix 1: Definitions of abuse (as defined by the NSPCC, December 2017 but also applied to adults at risk of harm. Updated to include Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020 recommendations).
Child abuse happens when a person – adult or child – harms a child. It can be physical, sexual, or emotional, but can also involve a lack of love, care, and attention. Neglect can be just as damaging to a child as physical or sexual abuse.
Individuals suffering abuse usually know the person abusing them, but it is also possible for strangers to abuse children, young people, and adults at risk of harm. There is often more than one type of abuse experienced, and the abuse usually happens over a period time, rather than being a single, isolated incident. Increasingly, abuse can happen online.
General signs of abuse
Individuals suffering abuse may be afraid to tell anybody. They may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or confusion – particularly if the abuser is a parent, caregiver or other close family member or friend. Many of the signs of abuse are the same regardless of the type of abuse. Anyone working with children, young people, or adults at risk of harm needs to be vigilant to:
These signs do not necessarily mean that abuse is taking place. There may well be other reasons for changes in behaviour such as a bereavement or relationship problems between family/carers/peers. In assessing whether signs are related to abuse or not, they need to be considered in the context of the child, young person, or adult at risk of harm’s development and situation.
Physical abuse happens when a child, young person, or adult at risk of harm is deliberately hurt, causing injuries such as cuts, bruises, burns and broken bones. It can involve hitting, kicking, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, or suffocating. It is also physical abuse if a parent or carer makes up or causes the symptoms of illness. For example, they may give them medicine they do not need, making them unwell. This is known as fabricated or induced illness (FII).
We all trip, fall and have accidents which may cause cuts, bumps, and bruises. These injuries tend to affect bony areas of the body such as elbows, knees and shins and are not usually a cause for concern.
If an individual is frequently injured, and if the bruises or injuries are unexplained or the explanation does not match the injury, this should be investigated. It is also concerning if there is a delay in seeking medical help for a child, young person, or adult at risk of harm who has been injured.
Neglect is persistently failing to meet a child, young person, or adult at risk of harm’s basic physical and/or psychological needs usually resulting in serious damage to their health and development. Neglect may involve failure to: provide adequate food, clothing or shelter; supervise (including leaving them with unsuitable carers) or keep safe from harm or danger; make sure appropriate health and/or dental care is received; make sure a suitable education is received; meet the child, young person or adult at risk of harm’s basic emotional needs – parents or carers may ignore children, young people or adults at risk of harm when they are distressed or even when they are happy or excited. This is known as emotional neglect.
Neglect is the most common type of child abuse. It often happens at the same time as other types of abuse. Neglect can also be present with children, young people, or adults at risk of harm who have taken on the role of carer for other family members.
Sexual abuse is forcing or enticing a child, young person, or adults at risk of harm to take part in sexual activities. It does not necessarily involve violence and the individual may not be aware that what is happening is abuse. Sexual abuse can involve contact abuse and/or non-contact abuse.
Contact abuse happens when the abuser makes physical contact and includes: sexual touching of any part of the body whether the individual is wearing clothes or not; rape or penetration by putting an object or body part inside an individual’s mouth, vagina or anus; forcing or encouraging an individual to take part in sexual activity; making an individual take their clothes off, touch someone else’s genitals or masturbate.
Non-contact abuse involves non-touching activities. It can happen online or in person and includes: encouraging an individual to watch or hear sexual acts; not taking proper measures to prevent exposure to sexual activities by others; showing pornography to an individual; making, viewing or distributing child or adult at risk of harm abuse images; allowing someone else to make, view or distribute child or adult at risk of harm abuse images.
Online sexual abuse includes: persuading or forcing a child, young person or adult at risk of harm to send or post sexually explicit images of themselves (sometimes referred to as sexting); persuading or forcing a child, young person or adult at risk of harm to take part in sexual activities via a webcam or smartphone or having sexual conversations by text or online; meeting a child, young person or adult at risk of harm following online sexual grooming with the intent of abusing them.
Abusers may threaten to send sexually explicit images, video, or copies of sexual conversations to the young person or adult at risk of harm’s friends and family unless they take part in other sexual activity. Images or videos may continue to be shared long after the abuse has stopped.
Abusers will often try to build an emotional connection in order to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse. This is known as grooming.
Changes in behaviour or mood may also cause concern, individuals may want to avoid spending time with specific people and may show sexual behaviour that is inappropriate for their age or situation.
Sexual exploitation is a type of sexual abuse. Young people and adults at risk of harm in exploitative situations and relationships receive things such as gifts, money, drugs, alcohol, status, or affection in exchange for taking part in sexual activities. Individuals may be tricked into believing they are in a loving, consensual relationship. They often trust their abuser and do not understand that they are being abused. They may depend on their abuser or be too scared to tell anyone what is happening. They might be invited to parties and given drugs and alcohol before being sexually exploited. They can also be groomed and exploited online. Some individuals are trafficked into or within the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation can also happen to young people in gangs.
Sexual exploitation can involve violent, humiliating and degrading sexual assaults and involve multiple perpetrators. It can be very difficult to identify. Further information on signs of a child’s involvement in sexual exploitation is available in Home Office guidance: Child sexual exploitation: guide for practitioners.
Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) occurs when children, young people, and adults at risk of harm themselves and others and can include using sexually explicit words and phrases; inappropriate touching; using sexual violence or threats; full penetrative sex with other children or adults.
It is normal for children to show signs of sexual behaviour at each stage in their development. Behaviours which might be concerning depend on the child’s age and the situation.
Emotional abuse is persistent, and, over time, it severely damages a child, young person, and adult at risk of harm’s emotional health and development. It involves: humiliating, putting down or constantly criticising an individual; shouting at or threatening a child, young person or adult at risk of harm or calling them names; mocking an individual or making them perform degrading acts; constantly blaming or scapegoating a child, young person or adult at risk of harm for things which are not their fault; trying to control a child, young person or adult at risk of harm’s life and not recognising their individuality; not allowing friendships or social development; pushing a child, young person or adult at risk of harm too hard or not recognising their limitations; manipulation; exposure to distressing events or interactions such as drug taking, heavy drinking or domestic abuse; persistently ignoring them; being cold and emotionally unavailable during interactions; never saying anything kind, positive or encouraging to a child, young person or adult at risk of harm and failing to praise achievements and successes.
There are not usually any obvious physical signs of emotional abuse, but you may spot signs in a child or adult at risk of harm’s actions or emotions. It is important to remember that some are naturally quiet and self-contained whilst others are more open and affectionate.
Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people who are or were in an intimate relationship. There are many different types of abusive behaviours that can occur within intimate relationships, including emotional, sexual, financial, psychological, and physical abuse. Domestic abuse can be underpinned by an on-going pattern of psychologically abusive behaviour (coercive control) that is used by one partner to control or intimidate the other partner. In situations of domestic abuse, both males and females can be abused or be abusers. Domestic abuse can happen in any relationship regardless of age, sexuality, gender identity, race, or religious identity.
Children’s exposure to domestic abuse between parents and carers is child abuse. Children can be directly involved in incidents of domestic abuse, or they may be harmed by seeing or hearing abuse happening, and/or suffer domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships (teenage relationship abuse. The developmental and behavioural impact of witnessing domestic abuse is similar to experiencing direct abuse and can have a detrimental and long-term impact on their health, well-being, development, and ability to learn. Children in homes where there is domestic abuse are also at risk of other types of abuse or neglect.
Bullying and cyberbullying is behaviour that hurts someone else. It usually happens over a lengthy period of time and can harm a child both physically and emotionally. A definition of bullying can be found in NWN’s Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion policy. Bullying can happen anywhere – at school, at home or online. When bullying happens online (known as cyberbullying) it can involve social networks, games, and mobile devices. It can be hard to know whether or not a child is being bullied. They might not tell anyone because they are scared the bullying will get worse. They might also think that the bullying is their fault.
Child trafficking involves recruiting and moving children who are then exploited. Many children are trafficked into the UK from overseas, but children can also be trafficked from one part of the UK to another. Children are trafficked for: child sexual exploitation; benefit fraud; forced marriage; domestic servitude such as cleaning, childcare, cooking; forced labour in factories or agriculture; criminal exploitation such as cannabis cultivation, pickpocketing, begging, transporting, drugs, selling pirated DVDs and bag theft. Children who are trafficked experience many forms of abuse and neglect. Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse is often used to control them, and they are also likely to suffer physical and emotional neglect. Modern slavery is another term which may be used in relation to child trafficking.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is also known as female circumcision or cutting. The age at which FGM is carried out varies. It may be carried out when a girl is newborn, during childhood or adolescence, just before marriage or during pregnancy (Home Office et al, 2016). Religious, social, or cultural reasons are sometimes given for FGM. However, FGM is dangerous and a criminal offence and anyone who discovers FGM has taken place must contact the police immediately Further information can be found in the multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation and the FGM resource pack (particularly section 13).
Child criminal exploitation (CCE) is where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child into any criminal activity. This might be in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator, and/or through violence or the threat of violence. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. CCE does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. Some of the following can be indicators of CCE: children who appear with unexplained gifts or new possessions; children who associate with other young people involved in exploitation; children who suffer from changes in emotional well-being; children who misuse drugs and alcohol; children who go missing for periods of time or regularly come home late; and children who regularly miss school or education or do not take part in education.
County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs (primarily crack cocaine and heroin) into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of ‘deal line.’ Exploitation is an integral part of the county lines offending model with children, young people, and adults at risk of harm exploited to move and store drugs and money. Offenders will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons to ensure compliance of victims. Children can easily become trapped by this type of exploitation as county lines gangs create drug debts and can threaten serious violence and kidnap towards victims (and their families) if they attempt to leave the county lines network. Further information on the signs of a child’s involvement in county lines is available in guidance published by the Home Office and The Children’s Society County Lines Toolkit For Professionals.
Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism
and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs, while terrorism. Although there is no single way of identifying whether a child is likely to be susceptible to an extremist ideology, there are possible indicators that should be taken into consideration alongside other factors and contexts. Background factors combined with specific influences such as family and friends may contribute to a child’s vulnerability. Similarly, radicalisation can occur through many different methods (such as social media or the internet) and settings (such as within the home). Further information can be found on the Educate Against Hate website. Glow’s Safeguarding Officer is aware of how to make a Prevent referral if needed.
Glow may work with children and young people online as part of its programmes. This online activity may include but is not limited to: frequent posts for young people on Glow accounts (Facebook, Instagram and X); sharing and celebrating young people’s work via social media and on the Glow website; online feedback via a young person’s email address, online workshops, in word, audio and video form, that can be accessed and downloaded from our website; virtual workshops for children and or young people held on Zoom.
In the delivery of our work online we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Relevant Individuals (children, young people, and vulnerable adults, as defined in Glow’s Safeguarding Policy) is paramount when they are using the internet, social media, or mobile devices to access Glow’s online programme.
The following information outlines for all Associated Glow Individuals (employees, trustees, creative practitioners, artists, volunteers, interns, and any other individual working on behalf of, or associated with Glow, as defined in our Safeguarding Policy) with the overarching principles that guide our approach to online safety
Glow believes that it is the right of all people and Relevant Individuals to have access to Glow’s online programme for education, creative and personal development, but safeguards need to be in place to ensure they are kept safe at all times.
Glow recognises that the online world provides many opportunities, but it also presents risks and challenges. Glow recognises that it has a duty to ensure all Relevant Individuals involved with our programme are protected from harm online. Glow recognises that working in partnership with Relevant Individuals, their parents/carers and other agencies is essential in promoting Relevant Individual’s welfare and in helping them to be responsible in their approach to online safety.
GLOW Newcastle recognises it is not the role of any Associated Glow Individual to decide whether a Relevant Individual has been subjected to abuse or neglect. Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals have an obligation to report any justified concerns regarding Relevant Individuals they are working with, especially when a disclosure has been made. The guidelines outlined below should be followed.
A disclosure is when a Relevant Individual makes it known that they have been, or are currently being abused or neglected, that they are at risk of harm from others or from themselves, or that they may cause harm to another person.
A disclosure can be direct, indirect (verbal, written or graphic hints that appear to be about abuse) or third party (a Relevant Individual tells another person they are being abused).
If a Relevant Individual discloses to you, Glow requests the following procedure is followed:
Please also be aware that:
If an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual has a concern (where no disclosure has taken place), GLOW Newcastle requests the following procedure is followed:
If a Relevant Individual has a concern about an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual, they should:
When an artist is working within a school or community setting, an agreement will be made at the point of contracting as to their responsibility to work within both GLOW Newcastle’s and the partner organisation’s safeguarding policies. If an artist needs to report a concern or disclosure, they may need to report to both the Safeguarding officer in the partner setting and GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding Officer. The GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding officer will contact the partner setting’s Safeguarding Officer to ensure that the policy protocols have been completed appropriately. The GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding officer will also ensure that any support needed by the artist is provided.
It is the role of the GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer to decide how to act on a concern raised by an Associated GLOW Newcastle Individual. The decision may be taken to refer the concern to social services. If the concern arises in the context of a school or community group setting, the GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer may choose to share the concern with the institution’s named Safeguarding Officer or support worker and with reference to the contractual agreements detailed above. The GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer may consult with the named GLOW Newcastle Trustee with responsibility for safeguarding. Associated GLOW Newcastle Individuals must not share concerns informally with school or community group staff, or a Relevant Individual’s family or friends all communication should follow the procedures explained in GLOW Newcastle’s Safeguarding Policy and if contractually agreed, within the partner setting’s safeguarding policy. All communication will be directed specifically to the GLOW Newcastle Safeguarding Officer and if contractually agreed, the partner setting’s Safeguarding Officer.