Safeguarding

Safeguarding Policy: Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC

Organisation Name: Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC Business Address: The Centre, 5 Tweed Walk, Cumbernauld, G67 1EN Directors: Katherine Gallacher, Grant Trainer Policy Version: 1.1 Date of Issue: July 15, 2025 Review Date: July 15, 2026

  1. Policy Statement

Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all individuals, particularly children and adults at risk, who engage with our activities, services, and spaces. We believe that everyone has the right to be safe from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and sets out the principles, procedures, and responsibilities that will guide our actions to protect children and adults at risk. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and we are dedicated to ensuring that all our directors, staff, volunteers, and partners understand and uphold these principles.

We will abide by all relevant Scottish legislation, guidance, and best practices relating to safeguarding. This includes, but is not limited to, the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007, the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR), the Human Rights Act 1998, the Equality Act 2010, and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.

  1. Scope

This policy applies to all directors (Katherine Gallacher, Grant Trainer), employees, volunteers, contractors, and any other individuals working on behalf of Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC. It covers all activities and services provided by the CIC, whether on our premises at The Centre, 5 Tweed Walk, Cumbernauld, G67 1EN, or at any other location where Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC operates.

  1. Definitions
  • Safeguarding: The steps an organisation takes to prevent physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm to the individuals and communities they work with. This includes making sure that appropriate policies, practices, and procedures are put in place. It involves protecting people from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, and ensuring that individuals grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care.
    • For children, this aligns with the principles of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, which focuses on children's rights, wellbeing (through the GIRFEC - Getting It Right For Every Child - approach), and ensuring children are safe, healthy, achieving, nurtured, active, respected, responsible, and included (SHANARRI wellbeing indicators).
  • Child: For the purposes of this policy, a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
  • Adult at Risk of Harm (Protected Adult): As per the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, an adult at risk is anyone over the age of 16 who:
    • is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights, or other interests;
    • is at risk of harm; and
    • because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness, or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to harm than others.
  • Harm: Includes all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, such as:
    • Physical abuse
    • Emotional/Psychological abuse
    • Sexual abuse
    • Neglect
    • Financial abuse
    • Organisational/Institutional abuse
    • Discriminatory abuse (as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
    • Modern slavery and human trafficking
    • Online abuse
    • Radicalisation
  1. Principles

Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC is committed to the following safeguarding principles, which are underpinned by relevant Scottish legislation:

  • The welfare of the child/adult at risk is paramount: All decisions and actions will prioritise the best interests and safety of the individual, in line with the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 for children and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 for adults at risk.
  • Empowerment: We will support individuals to make their own decisions and give informed consent, and ensure they are heard and their views are respected. This aligns with the participation rights of children under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the principles of adult support and protection.
  • Prevention: We will take proactive steps to prevent harm from occurring, including fostering an inclusive environment as per the Equality Act 2010.
  • Protection: We will respond effectively to concerns and allegations of harm, ensuring that appropriate action is taken in accordance with legal duties.
  • Partnership: We will work collaboratively with individuals, families, and relevant agencies (including social work, police, and health services) to ensure effective safeguarding, recognising the multi-agency approach promoted by Scottish legislation.
  • Accountability: Everyone involved with Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC is accountable for their role in safeguarding, and we will ensure compliance with legal duties set out in acts such as the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.
  • Transparency: We will be open about our safeguarding practices and procedures, while respecting privacy and data protection principles as outlined in the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR).
  1. Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 Directors (Katherine Gallacher, Grant Trainer)

The Directors hold ultimate responsibility for ensuring that Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC meets its safeguarding obligations. Their responsibilities include:

  • Approving and regularly reviewing the safeguarding policy and procedures, ensuring they reflect current Scottish legislation.
  • Ensuring adequate resources are allocated for safeguarding, including training and PVG checks as required by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.
  • Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and ensuring they have the necessary time, training, and support to fulfil their role.
  • Promoting a culture of vigilance and openness regarding safeguarding across the organisation.
  • Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and guidance.
  • Managing any allegations of abuse against staff or volunteers, including reporting to relevant bodies as required by law.

5.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be appointed by the Directors. The DSL is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and will be responsible for:

  • Providing advice and support on safeguarding matters, informed by Scottish legislation.
  • Managing and recording safeguarding concerns and disclosures, ensuring compliance with data protection requirements.
  • Liaising with external agencies (e.g., social work, police) as required by the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and child protection procedures.
  • Ensuring that all staff and volunteers are aware of the safeguarding policy and reporting procedures.
  • Arranging appropriate safeguarding training for all relevant personnel.
  • Keeping up-to-date with local and national safeguarding guidance and legislation.

(Note: The Directors will appoint a specific individual to this role and their contact details will be made available to all staff, volunteers, and service users.)

5.3 All Staff and Volunteers

Every individual working for or volunteering with Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC has a responsibility to:

  • Read, understand, and adhere to this safeguarding policy and related procedures.
  • Be alert to the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect.
  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  • Maintain professional boundaries with all individuals, particularly children and adults at risk.
  • Participate in relevant safeguarding training.
  • Adhere to the Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC Code of Conduct.
  1. Safer Recruitment

Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC is committed to safer recruitment practices to minimise the risk of unsuitable individuals working with children or adults at risk. Our recruitment procedures will include:

  • Clear Job Descriptions: Defining roles and responsibilities, especially concerning contact with children or adults at risk.
  • Application Forms: Requiring comprehensive information, including employment history and explanations for any gaps.
  • Interviews: Structured interviews designed to explore attitudes towards safeguarding.
  • References: Obtaining at least two satisfactory references, including one from the most recent employer where applicable.
  • Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme Membership: For any role involving "regulated work" with children or protected adults, successful applicants will be required to become members of the PVG Scheme or have their existing membership checked, as mandated by the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. No individual will commence regulated work until a satisfactory PVG check has been received.
  • Induction: All new staff and volunteers will receive an induction that includes a thorough review of this safeguarding policy and related procedures.
  1. Reporting Concerns

Any individual who has a safeguarding concern, suspicion, or receives a disclosure of abuse relating to a child or adult at risk connected to Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC must report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

If the DSL is the subject of the concern, or unavailable, concerns should be reported directly to Katherine Gallacher or Grant Trainer.

In an emergency, or if you believe a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999 without delay.

Reporting Procedure:

  1. Listen and Record: Listen carefully to the individual, without leading or making promises of confidentiality that cannot be kept. Make a factual, written record of the concern, including dates, times, what was said or observed, and who was involved. Sign and date the record.
  2. Report to DSL: Report the concern to the DSL as soon as possible, ideally on the same day.
  3. DSL Actions: The DSL will assess the information, ensure the immediate safety of the individual, and decide on the appropriate course of action, which may include:
    • Referring the concern to the local authority social work department (Children and Families Social Work for children, Adult Social Work for adults at risk), in line with relevant Scottish legislation and guidance.
    • Referring the concern to Police Scotland.
    • Seeking advice from relevant safeguarding organisations (e.g., NSPCC, Social Work Services).
    • Implementing internal protective measures.
  4. Confidentiality: All safeguarding concerns will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, shared only with those who need to know to ensure the safety of the individual and to fulfil legal obligations under the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) and relevant safeguarding legislation.
  1. Responding to Concerns

Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC will respond to all safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately. Our response will be guided by the principles outlined in this policy and will aim to:

  • Ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the individual.
  • Cooperate fully with statutory agencies (Police, Social Work) as required by law.
  • Support the individual who has raised the concern.
  • Take appropriate action against any alleged perpetrator, which may include disciplinary action, suspension, or referral to external authorities, including Disclosure Scotland if relevant under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.
  • Learn from incidents to improve our safeguarding practices.
  1. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information relating to safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR). Information will only be shared on a "need-to-know" basis with relevant individuals and agencies to ensure the safety of the child or adult at risk. Where possible and appropriate, consent will be sought before sharing information, but the safety of the individual will always take precedence, in accordance with legal provisions for sharing information to protect vulnerable individuals.

  1. Training and Awareness

Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC is committed to providing appropriate safeguarding training for all directors, staff, and volunteers. Training will be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current Scottish legislation and best practice.

  • Induction Training: All new personnel will receive safeguarding awareness training as part of their induction.
  • Refresher Training: Regular refresher training will be provided to ensure ongoing awareness and competence.
  • Specialised Training: The DSL and other relevant personnel will receive more in-depth, specialised safeguarding training, covering specific duties under Scottish safeguarding legislation.
  1. Review and Monitoring

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors of Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or organisational activities. The effectiveness of the policy and procedures will be monitored through regular internal reviews and feedback mechanisms, ensuring ongoing compliance with Scottish safeguarding frameworks.

  1. Important Contacts
    • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
      • Grant Trainer
  • 07981918306
  • creativespacecumbernauld@gmail.com
  • Directors:
    • Katherine Gallacher: 07813883729
    • Grant Trainer: 07981918306
  • Emergency Services: 999 (if someone is in immediate danger)
  • Police Scotland (non-emergency): 101
  • Local Authority Social Work Services (North Lanarkshire Council):
    • Adult Social Work: 0303 123 1008
    • Children and Families Social Work: 0303 123 1008
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • Care Inspectorate: 0345 600 9527 (for concerns about care services)
  • OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator): (If Creative Space Cumbernauld CIC also has charitable status) - for serious incident reporting.