Safeguarding Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this Safeguarding Policy is to ensure the safety, dignity and well-being of all participants, staff and stakeholders working with Black Fruit Media CIC. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all people are protected from harm and actively supported to thrive.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff (paid or unpaid)

  • Volunteers

  • Consultants and facilitators

  • Participants in consultations and activities

  • Stakeholders and external partners

The policy is relevant to all settings where our activities occur, including in-person events, online spaces and any other form of interaction.

2. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: The proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable people and communities, preventing harm, abuse and exploitation.

  • Vulnerable Adult: An adult (18+) who may be in need of care or support services and may be at risk of harm or exploitation.

3. Principles

Our safeguarding policy is based on the following principles:

  • Zero Tolerance: We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, harassment or neglect. More specifically, we are attuned to the myriad ways anti-Blackness, LGBTQ-phobia, Islamophobia and misogynoir impact the lives of those within and outside of Black Fruit Media.

  • Respect and Dignity: All people must be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances.

  • Empowered Consent: All people will be supported to make their own decisions and to have control over their participation and engagement. 

  • Accountability: All members of the organisation are accountable for ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed.

  • Intersectionality: We understand and are attentive to the ways that multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage sometimes compound themselves and create obstacles that often are not understood among conventional ways of thinking.

  • Caring conflict: We understand that Black LGBTQ people are not a monolith and that conflict will invariably emerge as we work collectively towards the futures we deserve to inhabit together. We provide the space and support to work through conflict safely and bravely.

4. Types of Harm

We recognise that harm may occur in various forms, including:

  • Physical Abuse: Intentional use of force resulting in pain or injury.

  • Emotional Abuse: Actions that cause emotional distress, including bullying, harassment, or coercive behavior.

  • Sexual Abuse: Any form of non-consensual sexual activity.

  • Neglect: Failure to meet the basic needs of a vulnerable person, including physical and emotional care.

  • Discriminatory Abuse: Harassment or unfair treatment based on personal characteristics, such as race, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Project Manager: Overall responsibility for safeguarding. Ensures the policy is implemented, updated and communicated to all staff, volunteers and project participants.

  • Safeguarding Officer: A designated individual responsible for overseeing safeguarding concerns, receiving reports of harm and coordinating the appropriate response.

  • Staff and Volunteers: Responsible for adhering to the safeguarding policy, attending safeguarding training and reporting any concerns.

6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

  • Reporting: If anyone suspects that a participant, staff member or volunteer is experiencing harm or abuse, they must report it immediately to the Project Manager.

    • Reports can be made in person, by phone or via email.

    • Reports must be acted on promptly, with confidentiality maintained unless there is a risk of harm to the individual or others.

  • Response: Upon receiving a report, the Project Manager will:

    • Assess the risk and ensure the immediate safety of the person involved.

    • Record all details of the concern.

    • Liaise with external authorities (such as social services or the police) if required.

    • Provide appropriate support to the affected individual, including referrals to counselling or other services if needed.

7. Safer Recruitment

To minimise the risk of harm, the organisation will implement safer recruitment practices:

  • All staff, volunteers and consultants involved in the project must undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

  • Recruitment processes will include interviews that assess candidates’ commitment to safeguarding.

  • References will be required for all staff and volunteers.

8. Code of Conduct

All staff, volunteers and partners must adhere to the following code of conduct:

  • Respect: Treat all individuals with respect and avoid actions or words that could cause harm or distress.

  • Boundaries: Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times, including in digital communications.

  • Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of all participants and only share information as necessary to protect individuals from harm.

  • Inclusivity: Ensure that the environment is welcoming and inclusive for Black LGBTQ individuals and other marginalised groups.

9. Safeguarding in Digital Spaces

As part of our initiative, we may engage participants in online consultations and communications. To safeguard participants in digital spaces:

  • All online sessions will have at least two facilitators or moderators present.

  • All participants will be required to have their cameras on at the start of the consultation to ensure the Black Fruit Media team can verify their identity.

  • Sessions will be monitored for any abusive or inappropriate behaviour, and offenders will be removed immediately.

  • Personal data will be handled securely in accordance with data protection laws.

10. Training and Awareness

  • All staff, volunteers and partners will undergo mandatory safeguarding training.

  • Refresher training and safeguarding updates will be provided as necessary.

  • Participants will be informed of their rights and the safeguarding measures in place.

11. Monitoring and Review

  • The Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or in response to specific incidents.

  • Feedback from staff, participants and external partners will inform improvements to safeguarding practices.

Contact Information for Safeguarding Lead:

  • Josh Rivers

  • hello@blackfruit.media

This policy is made available to all staff, volunteers, participants and stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in safeguarding practices.