Wear the Future is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and adults who engage with our work. 

This policy sets out our commitment to: 

• Protecting young people (aged 16–25) who participate in our programmes 

• Protecting volunteers, staff and partners 

• Preventing harm, abuse or exploitation 

• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. 

This policy applies to: 

• Directors 

• Employees 

• Freelancers and contractors 

• Volunteers 

• Delivery partners 

• Anyone acting on behalf of Wear the Future 

It applies to: 

• In-person programmes 

• Online activity 

• Events 

• Communications and digital engagement 

Wear the Future will: 

• Create a safe and inclusive environment 

• Take all safeguarding concerns seriously 

• Respond promptly and appropriately to allegations or disclosures 

• Work with relevant authorities where necessary 

• Ensure safer recruitment practices 

• Provide clear reporting procedures 

• Maintain confidentiality appropriately 

We have zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, discrimination or harassment. 

This policy particularly protects: 

• Young people aged 16–18 (legally children under UK law) 

• Young adults aged 18–25 

• Individuals who may be vulnerable due to circumstances or additional needs 

Abuse may include: 

• Physical abuse 

• Emotional or psychological abuse 

• Sexual abuse 

• Neglect 

• Exploitation 

• Financial abuse 

• Online abuse or grooming 

• Bullying or harassment 

• Discriminatory abuse 

Safeguarding concerns may arise both online and offline. 

Where roles involve regular or unsupervised contact with under-18s or vulnerable adults, Wear the Future will: 

• Conduct appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks 

• Take up references 

• Ensure role clarity and supervision 

The level of DBS check required will depend on the nature of the role. 

All representatives of Wear the Future must: 

• Treat young people with respect and dignity 

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries 

• Avoid one-to-one unsupervised contact with under-18s (unless formally authorised) 

• Avoid private communication with under-18s on personal social media accounts 

• Report any safeguarding concern immediately 

• Avoid behaviour that could be misinterpreted 

Where programmes are delivered online: 

• Sessions must be conducted via approved platforms 

• Professional accounts must be used 

• Communication must remain transparent and documented 

• No private messaging with under-18s outside agreed platforms 

• Safeguarding procedures apply equally online 

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. 

If you have a safeguarding concern: 

1. Record what you have seen or been told as soon as possible 

2. Do not investigate yourself 

3. Do not promise confidentiality 

4. Report the concern immediately

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Eva Novillo, Email: safeguarding@wearthefuture.org 

If the concern relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, report directly to a Director of Wear the Future.   

If a young person discloses abuse: 

• Stay calm 

• Listen carefully 

• Do not ask leading questions 

• Reassure them they have done the right thing 

• Do not promise confidentiality 

• Explain that you may need to share information to keep them safe 

• Record the disclosure factually 

• Report immediately to the DSL 

Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis only. 

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where there is a risk of harm. 

Where Wear the Future works with delivery partners: 

• We expect partners to have an appropriate safeguarding policy 

• Safeguarding responsibilities will be clarified in agreements 

• DBS processes may be requested where appropriate 

All staff, volunteers and partners are encouraged to report concerns about unsafe practices. 

Concerns may be raised confidentially with a Director.

f an allegation is made against someone representing Wear the Future: 

• The concern will be taken seriously 

• The individual may be suspended pending investigation 

• Appropriate authorities may be contacted 

• An investigation will be conducted fairly and promptly 

Wear the Future will ensure: 

• Directors understand safeguarding responsibilities 

• Staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding awareness 

• This policy is reviewed annually 

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or organisational activity changes.