Safeguarding Policy

Young Dreamers Society is committed to safeguarding the welfare of every young person involved in our activities. This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, mentors, programme participants, and anyone acting on behalf of YDS.

1. Our commitment

The safety and wellbeing of every young person in our community is our highest operational priority. We believe every young person has the right to be safe, heard, and treated with dignity and respect — always. We will not tolerate abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any kind.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All paid staff and volunteers working with YDS.
• All programme participants, including Academy cohort members.
• Mentors, guest speakers, and external facilitators.
• Online and in-person YDS activities and events.

3. DBS checks and vetting

All YDS staff and volunteers who have regular contact with young people under 18 are required to hold a valid Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before commencing their role. Records of checks are maintained securely and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Mentors working with young people under 18 must also complete YDS’s safeguarding awareness training before beginning any 1-on-1 interactions.

4. Code of conduct for adults

All adults working with YDS are expected to:

• Treat all young people with dignity, fairness, and respect.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Never engage in one-to-one communication with a young person through personal social media or messaging channels outside of YDS-approved platforms.
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Never promise confidentiality to a young person disclosing abuse or harm.

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

YDS has a designated safeguarding lead responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices and ensuring concerns are acted upon promptly. The DSL can be contacted at safeguarding@youngdreamerssociety.org.

6. Reporting a concern

If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a young person involved with YDS — or if you have experienced something that concerns you — please contact our DSL immediately at safeguarding@youngdreamerssociety.org. All reports are treated with the utmost seriousness, sensitivity, and confidentiality.

In the case of immediate risk, please contact the emergency services (999) first.

7. Safer recruitment

YDS is committed to safer recruitment practices. This includes references, identity verification, and appropriate DBS checks for all roles involving regular contact with young people.

8. Online safety

Our online programmes and community spaces follow strict community guidelines. Inappropriate content, harassment, or any behaviour that puts a young person at risk will result in immediate removal and, where appropriate, referral to the relevant authorities.

9. Policy review

This policy is reviewed annually by the YDS leadership team and updated as required. All staff and volunteers are required to read and acknowledge the current version of this policy before working with our community.

10. Contact

Safeguarding concerns: safeguarding@youngdreamerssociety.org
General enquiries: hello@youngdreamerssociety.org