Halo Arts (Education) Ltd

Safeguarding Policy

Version: August 2026

Introduction

Halo Arts (Education) Ltd is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and adults in line with Scottish and UK law, as well as national and local guidelines.

We strive to ensure all our activities are delivered in ways that keep everyone safe, regardless of age or circumstance.

We foster a culture of zero tolerance for harm, abuse, or neglect—whether it occurs within our activities, in the wider community, at home, or in any care or educational setting. We recognise and report harm wherever it is experienced, and we are committed to best safeguarding practice for all.

Selection and Screening of Staff/Freelancers

  • All applicants complete an application form and are interviewed.

  • References are always taken up before appointments are confirmed.

  • All staff, freelancers, and volunteers working with children, young people, or adults at risk must undergo appropriate PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks before starting.

  • Ongoing suitability is regularly reviewed.

Training

  • All staff and volunteers receive induction, including an overview of our safeguarding values, purpose, and procedures.

  • Ongoing training covers health and safety, recognising and reporting abuse, confidentiality, and role-specific safeguarding responsibilities.

  • Training is regularly reviewed and updated.

Policy Statement

Halo Arts (Education) Ltd believes that everyone—regardless of age, ability, disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status—has the right to live free from abuse, harm, or neglect. We are committed to creating a safe, positive, and open environment where everyone feels able to share concerns without fear.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We recognise that factors such as health, well-being, ability, disability, and need for care or support can affect a person’s resilience, and that barriers to communication or seeking help may exist at any age.

We will always act in accordance with relevant Scottish and UK safeguarding legislation and local procedures for both children and adults.

Purpose

This policy demonstrates Halo Arts (Education) Ltd’s commitment to safeguarding and ensures that everyone involved understands:

  • The legislation, policy, and procedures for safeguarding children, young people, and adults.

  • Their role and responsibility in safeguarding.

  • What to do and who to contact if they have a concern about the welfare or wellbeing of any participant.

Scope

This policy applies to all staff, facilitators, workshop leaders, employees, volunteers, participants, and partner organisations involved in Halo Arts (Education) Ltd activities. We expect partners, affiliates, suppliers, and sponsors to share our commitment to these principles.

Commitments

Halo Arts (Education) Ltd will ensure:

  1. Everyone is aware of safeguarding procedures and knows who to contact with concerns about a child, young person, or adult.

  2. All concerns are taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up in line with our policy and procedures.

  3. The well-being and voice of those at risk of harm are prioritised, and their views respected unless there are overriding reasons not to.

  4. Actions taken are proportionate, respectful, and uphold the rights and dignity of all involved.

  5. Confidential, accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored.

  6. We cooperate fully with Police, Social Work, and relevant authorities in safeguarding actions.

  7. All staff, volunteers, and partners are up to date with safeguarding training relevant to their role.

  8. Safe recruitment practices are used and ongoing suitability is monitored.

  9. Information about individuals who pose a risk is shared with the appropriate authorities (e.g., Disclosure Scotland, Police, Social Work).

  10. Safeguarding actions and this policy are reviewed annually by the senior management team.

Implementation

To ensure effective safeguarding, Halo Arts will:

  • Maintain clear accountability for the safety and welfare of all children, young people, and adults.

  • Access relevant legal and professional advice as needed.

  • Have robust procedures for reporting and responding to concerns, including poor practice.

  • Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead/Welfare Officer, and delegate safeguarding leads for events or trips.

  • Work with other organisations to promote welfare and share information as appropriate.

  • Uphold codes of conduct for all staff, volunteers, partners, and participants, with zero tolerance of abuse.

Key Points

  • There are legal duties to safeguard both children and adults at risk, and definitions and frameworks differ for each group.

  • The law covers all forms of abuse and neglect, and emphasises person-centred safeguarding for all ages.

  • Good safeguarding practice means prioritising well-being, empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, and accountability.

  • Information sharing is key; confidentiality is respected, but the safety of the individual always comes first.

Handling Disclosures

If a child, young person, or vulnerable adult discloses abuse or harm:

  1. Listen carefully and give your full attention.

  2. Stay calm and supportive; do not judge.

  3. Do not promise confidentiality—explain you may need to share information to keep them safe.

  4. Ask open questions and record the disclosure as soon as possible, using their own words.

  5. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO); do not investigate yourself.

  6. Provide ongoing support and check in with the individual.

  7. Ensure follow-up and participate in debriefing if needed.

Confidentiality & Information Sharing

  • Information is shared only on a “need to know” basis and always in line with data protection law.

  • The safety of the individual is paramount; information may be shared without consent if there is risk of harm.

Monitoring & Review

  • This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.

  • Feedback from staff, volunteers, and stakeholders is considered in reviews.

Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Officer: Brendon McIlroy Email: brendon@wearehaloarts.com Tel: 07506 407 438

Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Julia Jack- Julia@wearehaloarts.com

For further information or to discuss a safeguarding concern, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Appendices with further resources and support contacts can be provided on request.

Policy adopted: May 2024

Next scheduled review: May 2026