Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Policy owner: Centrepoint
Approved by: Board of Governors
Date approved: September 2026
Review date: September 2027
Version: 2026/1

1. Policy statement

At Centrepoint, the safety and wellbeing of children is at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to providing an environment in which every child feels safe, respected, valued and listened to, and where children know that there are adults they can talk to if they are worried or need help.

Centrepoint recognises that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every person who works for or on behalf of Centrepoint has a responsibility to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm and to promote their welfare.

We will take all reasonable and appropriate steps to:

• protect children from harm;

• promote their welfare and wellbeing;

• listen to and value children's voices;

• recognise signs that a child may be experiencing harm or neglect;

• respond promptly and appropriately to concerns;

• work effectively with parents, carers and other professionals;

• share information lawfully and proportionately where this is necessary to protect a child;

• maintain safe recruitment and employment practices;

• provide appropriate safeguarding training and supervision;

• create a culture in which concerns can be raised without fear;

• learn from incidents, concerns and complaints; and

• continually review and improve our safeguarding practice.

We recognise that safeguarding is not simply about responding to abuse. It is about creating a culture, environment and relationships in which children are safe, listened to, respected and able to thrive.

2. Scope

This policy applies to everyone working for or on behalf of Centrepoint, including:

• employees;

• managers and senior leaders;

• the Chief Executive Officer;

• Governors;

• volunteers;

• students and trainees;

• agency and temporary workers;

• contractors;

• visiting professionals; and

• other people who may come into contact with children through Centrepoint.

It applies across all Centrepoint services and activities, including:

• Nursery Care;

• Playcare, including Breakfast Club, After School Club and Holiday Club;

• At Home & More/Home Care;

• Child Contact Centre;

• Outreach and family support;

• The Space, our specialist service for children with additional and complex needs;

• fundraising and community activities; and

• any other activity undertaken by Centrepoint where children may be present or involved.

Everyone covered by this policy must understand their safeguarding responsibilities and follow Centrepoint's safeguarding procedures.

3. Legal and safeguarding framework

Centrepoint's safeguarding practice is informed by the legal and professional framework applicable in Jersey, including:

• the Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2022;

• relevant statutory guidance issued under that Law;

• the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018;

• the current Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Child Protection Procedures;

• the Jersey Children's First Framework;

• relevant childcare and early years requirements;

• relevant safer recruitment and employment requirements; and

• other applicable legislation, guidance and professional standards.

Centrepoint will keep this policy and our safeguarding procedures under regular review to ensure they remain consistent with current Jersey safeguarding arrangements.

The current Jersey Safeguarding Partnership procedures were substantially updated in July 2026 and provide the multi-agency framework that practitioners working with children in Jersey are expected to follow.

4. The child's welfare and voice

Centrepoint puts children at the centre of our work.

We recognise that every child has the right to:

• be safe from abuse and neglect;

• be treated with dignity and respect;

• be listened to;

• express their views and feelings;

• have their views taken seriously;

• receive appropriate care and support;

• play, learn and develop;

• have their individual needs recognised; and

• be protected from discrimination and harm.

We will take account of children's age, understanding, communication needs, disability and individual circumstances when listening to them and making decisions about their care and safety.

We recognise that children with additional or complex needs may face additional barriers to communicating that something is wrong. Staff must therefore be particularly alert to changes in behaviour, communication, presentation or wellbeing.

A child does not have to make a direct disclosure for a safeguarding concern to exist.

5. What do we mean by safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting children from harm and promoting their welfare.

This includes protecting children from:

• physical abuse;

• emotional or psychological abuse;

• sexual abuse;

• neglect;

• domestic abuse;

• online abuse and exploitation;

• child sexual exploitation;

• criminal exploitation;

• trafficking;

• grooming;

• bullying and cyberbullying;

• harmful sexual behaviour;

• discrimination and hate-related abuse;

• female genital mutilation;

• forced marriage;

• radicalisation and extremism;

• abuse or exploitation by other children;

• non-recent abuse;

• abuse within the family or household;

• abuse by adults in positions of trust; and

• other circumstances that place a child at risk of harm.

Safeguarding concerns may arise from something that happens at Centrepoint, at home, online, in the community or in another setting.

6. Signs and indicators of abuse or neglect

Staff do not need to be experts in diagnosing abuse.

However, everyone working with children must remain alert to signs or changes that may indicate that a child is experiencing harm or needs additional support.

These may include:

• unexplained injuries;

• repeated injuries or injuries with an unusual explanation;

• significant changes in behaviour or mood;

• withdrawal or unusually fearful behaviour;

• sexualised behaviour that is inappropriate for the child's age or development;

• changes in eating, sleeping or toileting;

• poor hygiene or persistent unmet basic needs;

• unexplained absence or changes in attendance;

• a child appearing unusually anxious about going home or being collected;

• sudden changes in relationships;

• concerning online behaviour;

• signs of exploitation or grooming;

• changes in communication or presentation;

• disclosures or comments made by a child;

• concerning interactions between adults and children; or

• concerns raised by another child, parent, carer, professional or member of the public.

Some children may communicate distress through behaviour rather than words.

Staff should consider what is unusual for the individual child rather than relying solely on a fixed list of indicators.

7. Everyone's responsibility

Safeguarding is the responsibility of every person working for or on behalf of Centrepoint.

All staff and volunteers must:

• read and understand this policy;

• attend required safeguarding training;

• know who the Designated Safeguarding Lead is;

• know how to report a concern;

• remain alert to signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation;

• listen to children appropriately;

• maintain professional boundaries;

• record concerns accurately and promptly;

• maintain appropriate confidentiality;

• never ignore a concern because someone else has already raised it;

• never investigate a safeguarding allegation themselves unless specifically authorised to do so;

• follow Centrepoint's safeguarding procedures; and

• seek advice whenever they are unsure.

If something does not feel right, staff should speak up and seek advice.

8. Designated Safeguarding Leads

Centrepoint will appoint appropriately trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Designated Safeguarding Persons/Deputies for our services.

The current designated safeguarding contacts are maintained on Centrepoint's internal safeguarding information and must be displayed or readily accessible to staff at each Centrepoint setting.

The current DSL and deputy details should be checked and updated whenever there is a staffing change.

The DSL has responsibility for:

• providing advice and support to staff;

• receiving and assessing safeguarding concerns;

• ensuring concerns are recorded;

• making referrals where appropriate;

• liaising with the Children and Families Hub and other safeguarding agencies;

• managing safeguarding records;

• ensuring staff receive appropriate training;

• maintaining safeguarding awareness across Centrepoint;

• supporting staff following safeguarding incidents or disclosures;

• ensuring allegations against adults are escalated appropriately;

• monitoring safeguarding practice; and

• ensuring this policy and related procedures remain current.

The DSL does not carry sole responsibility for safeguarding. Everyone remains responsible for raising concerns.

9. If a child tells you something

If a child makes a disclosure:

Listen

Stay calm.

Give the child your full attention.

Allow them to speak in their own words.

Do not interrupt unnecessarily.

Do not ask leading questions.

Reassure

Take the child seriously.

Thank them for telling you.

Reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking to you.

Do not promise secrecy

Never promise a child that you will keep something secret.

Explain, in an age-appropriate way, that you may need to tell someone whose job it is to help keep them safe.

Do not investigate

Do not attempt to investigate the allegation yourself.

Do not interrogate the child or ask them to repeat the disclosure unnecessarily.

Report

Tell the DSL as soon as possible and follow the Centrepoint safeguarding procedure.

If the concern is urgent or a child is at immediate risk, do not wait for the DSL to become available. Contact the appropriate emergency or safeguarding service directly.

Record

Make a clear, factual and contemporaneous record of what was said or observed.

Records should:

• be dated and timed;

• distinguish between fact and opinion;

• use the child's own words where possible;

• record actions taken;

• identify who the concern was reported to; and

• be stored securely.

10. Responding to a safeguarding concern

A concern may come from:

• a child;

• a parent or carer;

• a member of staff;

• another child;

• a professional;

• a volunteer;

• a visitor;

• a member of the public; or

• another organisation.

All concerns must be taken seriously.

Staff must report concerns promptly to the DSL.

The DSL will consider the information, seek appropriate advice and decide what action is required in accordance with Jersey's safeguarding procedures.

Where appropriate, this may include contacting the Children and Families Hub or another relevant agency.

The current Children and Families Hub contact details are:

Children and Families Hub
Telephone: 01534 519000
Email: childrenandfamilieshub@gov.je

Opening hours are currently:

Monday–Thursday: 8.30am–5.00pm
Friday: 8.30am–4.30pm

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, the Police should be contacted on 999.

11. When to contact external safeguarding services

Centrepoint staff should not delay making a referral because they are waiting for internal approval where a child may be at risk.

If a concern requires an external safeguarding response, the appropriate agency must be contacted promptly.

Staff should seek advice from the DSL where possible, but immediate action takes priority where there is an urgent risk to a child.

The current Jersey safeguarding arrangements direct professionals to the Children and Families Hub for safeguarding concerns.

12. Information sharing and confidentiality

Centrepoint respects confidentiality, but safeguarding information must never be kept secret where sharing it is necessary to protect a child.

Information should be:

• relevant;

• necessary;

• proportionate;

• accurate;

• shared with the appropriate person or agency; and

• handled securely.

Staff must not discuss safeguarding concerns casually with colleagues, friends, family members or other parents.

Safeguarding information should only be shared with people who have a legitimate reason to receive it.

The current Jersey safeguarding procedures include specific guidance on information sharing and should be followed alongside Centrepoint's Privacy Policy and Data Protection procedures.

13. Working with parents and carers

Centrepoint believes that parents and carers are important partners in keeping children safe.

Where appropriate, we will work openly and constructively with parents and carers.

However, there may be circumstances where we cannot tell a parent or carer about a safeguarding concern before seeking advice or making a referral.

This may be the case where doing so could:

• place a child at greater risk;

• place another person at risk;

• prejudice an investigation;

• lead to evidence being destroyed or altered;

• result in intimidation or pressure being placed on a child or another person; or

• otherwise compromise safeguarding action.

The decision about whether and when information should be shared with parents or carers will be made in accordance with safeguarding procedures and, where appropriate, advice from the relevant safeguarding agency.

14. Allegations or concerns about an adult working with children

Centrepoint recognises that safeguarding concerns can arise about adults working with or around children, including staff, volunteers, contractors, visitors or other professionals.

An allegation may relate to someone who:

• has harmed or may have harmed a child;

• may have committed a criminal offence against or relating to a child;

• may pose a risk of harm to children; or

• has behaved in a way that raises concerns about their suitability to work with children.

All such concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with Centrepoint's Managing Allegations Against Adults / Low-Level Concerns Procedure.

Staff must not attempt to investigate an allegation themselves.

Where an allegation concerns an adult working with children, Centrepoint will seek advice from the appropriate Jersey safeguarding authority and follow the current multi-agency procedures.

The current Jersey Safeguarding Partnership framework includes a specific Multi-Agency Managing Allegations Framework for Children.

15. Allegations against the DSL or senior management

If a safeguarding concern relates to the DSL, the concern must be reported to another appropriate senior person and escalated externally where required.

If a concern relates to the CEO or another senior member of Centrepoint, the concern must not be handled solely through that person's normal management arrangements.

Centrepoint will follow the appropriate Jersey safeguarding and managing-allegations procedures and seek independent advice where necessary.

No member of staff should feel prevented from raising a safeguarding concern because it involves someone senior to them.

16. Whistleblowing

Centrepoint is committed to creating a culture where staff feel able to raise concerns about safeguarding practice.

Staff should raise concerns if they believe that:

• a child is not being adequately protected;

• safeguarding procedures are not being followed;

• a safeguarding concern has not been taken seriously;

• information is being deliberately withheld;

• an allegation involving an adult has not been appropriately escalated;

• unsafe practice is taking place; or

• management action is inadequate.

Concerns may be raised with the DSL, CEO or another appropriate senior person.

If a member of staff believes that Centrepoint has not responded appropriately, they may seek advice from the appropriate external safeguarding authority.

No person will be penalised for raising a genuine safeguarding concern in good faith.

17. Safer recruitment

Centrepoint recognises that safer recruitment is an essential part of safeguarding.

We will:

• undertake appropriate pre-employment checks;

• obtain relevant criminal record and safeguarding checks where required;

• verify identity and employment history;

• obtain appropriate references;

• assess suitability for working with children;

• provide safeguarding information as part of induction; and

• ensure staff understand Centrepoint's safeguarding expectations.

No person should work unsupervised with children where the required checks or safeguards have not been completed.

Centrepoint will maintain appropriate records of safeguarding and recruitment checks.

18. Safeguarding training

All staff and volunteers who work with children will receive appropriate safeguarding training.

Training will cover matters including:

• recognising abuse and neglect;

• responding to disclosures;

• recording and reporting concerns;

• information sharing;

• professional boundaries;

• online safety;

• safeguarding children with additional needs;

• exploitation;

• domestic abuse;

• harmful sexual behaviour;

• allegations against adults;

• whistleblowing; and

• Centrepoint's safeguarding procedures.

The DSL and other designated safeguarding staff will receive additional training appropriate to their roles.

Safeguarding training will be refreshed in accordance with current requirements and identified training needs.

19. Professional boundaries and staff conduct

Adults working with children must maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

Staff must:

• treat children with dignity and respect;

• use appropriate language;

• avoid favouritism;

• avoid inappropriate physical contact;

• avoid inappropriate communication with children;

• never use sexualised or degrading language towards a child;

• never communicate privately with children through personal social media accounts;

• never engage in inappropriate online contact with children;

• never use physical punishment;

• never humiliate, threaten or intimidate a child; and

• follow Centrepoint's Code of Conduct.

Physical contact may sometimes be necessary and appropriate, for example to comfort a distressed child, provide personal care or prevent immediate harm. Staff must use professional judgement and follow Centrepoint's procedures.

20. Online safety

Children may face safeguarding risks through phones, gaming, social media, messaging platforms and other online services.

Centrepoint will promote age-appropriate online safety and remain alert to concerns including:

• cyberbullying;

• grooming;

• sexual exploitation;

• inappropriate sexual content;

• coercion;

• image-based abuse;

• online radicalisation;

• criminal exploitation;

• harmful communication; and

• contact with unsafe adults or other children.

Where online activity raises a safeguarding concern, Centrepoint will follow the same safeguarding principles as it would for an offline concern.

21. Children with additional or complex needs

Centrepoint recognises that children with additional or complex needs may be particularly vulnerable to abuse or neglect and may face additional barriers to communicating concerns.

This may include children with:

• disabilities;

• communication difficulties;

• developmental differences;

• complex health needs;

• behavioural or emotional needs; or

• other circumstances affecting their ability to communicate or seek help.

Staff must consider each child's individual communication methods and take care to recognise changes in behaviour or presentation.

A child should never be assumed to be unable to communicate their wishes or concerns simply because they have additional needs.

The Space and other Centrepoint services supporting children with additional or complex needs will ensure that safeguarding arrangements are adapted to individual children wherever necessary.

22. Safeguarding and children who may be experiencing family difficulties

Centrepoint works with families experiencing a wide range of circumstances.

These may include:

• parental separation;

• domestic abuse;

• financial difficulties;

• housing difficulties;

• parental mental health or wellbeing concerns;

• substance misuse;

• family conflict;

• social isolation; or

• other circumstances affecting family life.

Staff should remain alert to the impact that these circumstances may have on children.

Centrepoint will work with families and relevant professionals to provide support and identify concerns at the earliest opportunity.

23. Child-on-child abuse and harmful behaviour

Safeguarding concerns can arise from the behaviour of one child towards another.

This may include:

• bullying;

• physical aggression;

• sexualised behaviour;

• harmful sexual behaviour;

• harassment;

• coercion;

• intimidation;

• discriminatory behaviour;

• online abuse; or

• exploitation.

Such behaviour must never be dismissed simply as "children being children".

Centrepoint will respond proportionately, taking into account the age, development, circumstances and needs of all children involved.

Where necessary, external safeguarding advice will be sought.

24. Missing children and collection arrangements

Centrepoint has procedures for managing situations where:

• a child is absent unexpectedly;

• a child cannot be located;

• a child leaves a Centrepoint setting without permission;

• a parent or authorised person fails to collect a child; or

• there is uncertainty about who is authorised to collect a child.

Staff must follow the relevant service procedure immediately.

Particular care will be taken where there are known court orders, contact restrictions, safeguarding concerns or other legal arrangements affecting a child.

Parents and carers must keep Centrepoint informed of relevant changes to contact details, authorised collection arrangements and legal orders.

25. Court orders and child contact arrangements

Centrepoint must be informed of any court order or other legal arrangement that affects a child's attendance, collection, contact or care where this is relevant to the service being provided.

Copies of relevant orders may be requested where necessary.

Information about court proceedings and family circumstances will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

For children using the Child Contact Centre, staff will follow the specific safeguarding and contact procedures applicable to that service.

26. Recording safeguarding concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be recorded promptly.

Records should be:

• factual;

• clear;

• objective;

• dated and timed;

• signed or attributable to the person making the record;

• stored securely; and

• accessible only to authorised people.

Records should include:

• what was observed or reported;

• the child's own words where possible;

• relevant context;

• who was present;

• what action was taken;

• who was informed;

• any advice received; and

• any subsequent action.

Records must not be altered to obscure or remove the original information.

27. Safeguarding records and data protection

Safeguarding records contain highly sensitive information and must be handled accordingly.

Centrepoint will process safeguarding information in accordance with:

• the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018;

• Centrepoint's Privacy Policy;

• Centrepoint's Records Retention Policy;

• relevant safeguarding procedures; and

• applicable retention requirements.

Data protection must never be used as a reason to avoid sharing information where lawful and necessary sharing is required to protect a child.

28. Photography, filming and social media

Centrepoint recognises the safeguarding risks associated with photography, filming and social media.

Staff must follow Centrepoint's procedures concerning:

• photographs and video;

• consent;

• use of personal devices;

• storage of images;

• social media;

• sharing information online; and

• communications involving children.

Staff must never use images of children for personal purposes or share them through personal social media accounts.

29. Visitors, contractors and volunteers

Visitors and contractors must follow Centrepoint's safeguarding requirements.

Visitors must not be left unsupervised with children unless appropriate checks and authorisation are in place.

Anyone working regularly with children must complete the appropriate safeguarding and recruitment checks before undertaking unsupervised work.

All visitors should be made aware of the Centrepoint safeguarding arrangements relevant to their visit.

30. Managing safeguarding incidents

Following a safeguarding incident, Centrepoint will:

• ensure the immediate safety of the child or children involved;

• seek appropriate medical or emergency assistance where necessary;

• notify the DSL;

• make any required external referral;

• record the incident accurately;

• provide appropriate support to children and staff;

• consider whether other children may be affected;

• notify relevant regulatory or safeguarding bodies where required;

• review what happened; and

• identify any learning or changes needed to prevent recurrence.

31. Supporting staff

Safeguarding concerns and disclosures can be distressing for staff.

Centrepoint will provide appropriate support, supervision and access to management following significant safeguarding incidents or concerns.

Staff must maintain confidentiality and must not discuss sensitive cases outside appropriate professional channels.

32. Allegations against Centrepoint staff

Where an allegation is made against a member of staff, volunteer or other adult working with children, Centrepoint will follow the appropriate Jersey safeguarding procedures.

The person who is the subject of an allegation will be treated fairly and respectfully, while ensuring that the welfare of children remains the primary consideration.

Centrepoint will not conduct an internal investigation where doing so could interfere with a safeguarding or criminal investigation.

Where appropriate, Centrepoint will seek advice from the relevant safeguarding authority before taking action.

33. Referral to relevant authorities

Where an adult working with children is dismissed, would have been dismissed had they not left, or otherwise meets the relevant criteria for referral, Centrepoint will make any required referral to the appropriate safeguarding, barring or regulatory authority.

Centrepoint will follow current Jersey requirements and professional advice when determining whether and how a referral should be made.

34. Complaints

Centrepoint welcomes complaints and concerns because they can help us improve our services.

Safeguarding concerns should not be treated simply as ordinary complaints.

If a complaint raises a safeguarding concern, it must be referred immediately to the DSL and handled under the safeguarding procedures.

Parents, carers, children, staff and others can raise concerns about safeguarding without fear of being treated unfairly.

35. Monitoring and review

Centrepoint's safeguarding arrangements will be reviewed regularly.

The CEO, DSLs and management team will monitor:

• safeguarding concerns and referrals;

• training compliance;

• safer recruitment checks;

• safeguarding incidents;

• complaints;

• lessons learned;

• changes to legislation and guidance; and

• feedback from children, families and staff.

The Board of Trustees will receive appropriate assurance that safeguarding arrangements are operating effectively.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner where there are significant changes to legislation, guidance, Centrepoint's services or safeguarding arrangements.

36. Key safeguarding contacts

Immediate danger

Police: 999

If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.

Children and Families Hub

Telephone: 01534 519000
Email: childrenandfamilieshub@gov.je

Monday–Thursday: 8.30am–5.00pm
Friday: 8.30am–4.30pm

The Children and Families Hub is the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns and requests for support concerning children and families in Jersey.

Police

Non-emergency: 01534 612612
Emergency: 999

Jersey Safeguarding Partnership

Centrepoint staff should use the current Jersey Safeguarding Partnership procedures and contact arrangements when seeking professional safeguarding advice.

Current safeguarding procedures are available through the Jersey Safeguarding Partnership's online procedures manual.

Centrepoint

Centrepoint
Le Hurel
La Pouquelaye
St Helier
Jersey
JE2 3FU

Telephone: 01534 735151
Email: admin@centrepoint.je

Appendix 1 – Types of abuse and safeguarding concerns

Physical abuse

Physical abuse involves deliberately causing physical harm to a child or deliberately exposing them to physical harm.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse involves persistent behaviour that causes serious emotional or psychological harm, including humiliation, intimidation, threats, rejection, isolation or controlling behaviour.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing, persuading or manipulating a child to take part in sexual activity.

It may involve physical contact or non-contact activity, including online abuse.

Neglect

Neglect involves the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or emotional needs, where this results in serious impairment of health or development or places the child at risk of harm.

Domestic abuse

Children may experience significant harm from living with domestic abuse, even where they are not directly assaulted.

Exploitation

Children may be vulnerable to sexual, criminal or other forms of exploitation.

Online abuse

Online abuse may include grooming, sexual exploitation, bullying, harassment, coercion, abuse involving images or videos and contact with unsafe adults or other children.

Child-on-child abuse

Children may harm other children through bullying, violence, sexualised behaviour, exploitation, coercion, harassment or online abuse.

All such concerns must be taken seriously.

Appendix 2 – Children's rights

Centrepoint is committed to promoting children's rights and taking account of the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In particular, we recognise the importance of:

• Article 2: non-discrimination;

• Article 3: the best interests of the child;

• Article 12: the child's right to express their views;

• Article 19: protection from violence, abuse and neglect;

• Article 23: rights of children with disabilities;

• Article 31: the right to rest, play and participate in cultural and recreational activities;

• Article 34: protection from sexual exploitation and abuse; and

• Article 39: support and recovery following abuse, neglect or exploitation.

These principles underpin Centrepoint's commitment to listening to children and putting their welfare at the centre of our practice.

Appendix 3 – Related Centrepoint policies and procedures

This policy should be read alongside, where applicable:

• Child Protection Procedures;

• Managing Allegations Against Adults Procedure;

• Low-Level Concerns Procedure;

• Whistleblowing Policy;

• Code of Conduct;

• Safer Recruitment Policy;

• Health and Safety Policy;

• Missing Child Procedure;

• Online Safety Policy;

• Anti-Bullying Policy;

• Complaints Policy;

• Privacy Policy;

• Data Protection Policy;

• Records Retention Policy;

• Photography and Image Consent Policy;

• Staff Disciplinary Policy; and

• service-specific procedures and risk assessments.

Where a service has additional safeguarding requirements, those requirements must be followed alongside this policy.

Document owner: Centrepoint
Version: 2026/1
Approved: September 2026
Next review: September 2027