(UK/EU Law – FCDO/Charity Commission Aligned)

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Child Protection Policy is to:

• Safeguard all children and young people who interact with Roma Public Council KUPATE BG

• Protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm

• Ensure staff, volunteers, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities

• Comply with UK/EU safeguarding legislation, Charity Commission guidance, and donor requirements

This Policy forms part of the organisation’s governance framework and supports safe practice across all programmes.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to:

• All children and young people under the age of 18 years involved in programmes or activities

• All staff, trustees, volunteers, consultants, and contractors

• All locations, activities, events, and digital platforms managed or sponsored by the organisation

3. Policy Statement

Roma Public Council KUPATE BG is committed to:

• Protecting children from harm or abuse in all forms

• Ensuring that children are treated with respect and dignity

• Promoting their welfare in accordance with best practice and legal obligations

• Taking all allegations or concerns of child abuse seriously and responding promptly

4. Definitions

4.1 Child

A child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years.

4.2 Abuse

Abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse – causing physical harm

• Emotional abuse – harm caused by verbal or psychological maltreatment

• Sexual abuse – inappropriate sexual contact or exploitation

• Neglect – failure to provide adequate care or supervision

5. Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 Trustees

• Ensure that safeguarding policies comply with legal and regulatory requirements

• Provide oversight and monitoring of child protection practices

• Ensure staff and volunteers receive appropriate training

5.2 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

• Responsible for child protection concerns and reporting procedures

• Provides advice and guidance to staff and volunteers

• Liaises with statutory authorities as required

5.3 Staff and Volunteers

• Follow the organisation’s safeguarding procedures

• Report any concerns or allegations immediately to the DSO

• Maintain professional boundaries with children

6. Recruitment and Training

• All staff and volunteers undergo safeguarding checks and background verification

• Recruitment procedures follow best practice to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with children

• Staff and volunteers receive mandatory child protection training at induction and regular updates

7. Reporting Procedures

7.1 Raising a Concern

• Any suspicion, allegation, or disclosure of abuse must be reported immediately to the DSO

• Staff may also report to senior management if the DSO is implicated

7.2 Confidentiality

• Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis

• The identity of the child and reporter must be protected wherever possible

7.3 External Reporting

• Reports are made to statutory authorities (police, social services) where required by law

• Funders or partners (FCDO, British Embassy, EU donors) are informed in line with contractual obligations

8. Safe Programme Practices

• All activities are risk-assessed with child protection considerations

• Adult-to-child ratios are maintained in line with standards

• Codes of conduct for staff, volunteers, and partners are enforced

• Digital communications with children follow safe online safeguarding procedures

9. Whistleblowing and Complaints

• Staff and volunteers are encouraged to report any concern regarding safeguarding failures or misconduct

• Whistleblowing protections apply in accordance with UK/EU legislation

• Complaints involving child protection are addressed promptly and confidentially

10. Monitoring and Review

• Safeguarding practices are monitored by the DSO and trustees

• Child Protection Policy is reviewed at least annually or after any serious incident

• Training, procedures, and risk assessments are updated as necessary

11. Policy Compliance

Failure to comply with this Policy may result in:

• Disciplinary action, termination of employment, or volunteer contract

• Reporting to statutory authorities as required

• Potential civil or criminal liability

12. Trustee Declaration

The trustees of Roma Public Council KUPATE BG confirm that:

• This Child Protection Policy has been reviewed, approved, and adopted

• Adequate systems are in place to protect children under the organisation’s care

• The organisation will ensure compliance across all programmes and staff.

  13. Effective Date

  This Child Protection Policy is effective from: 25/12/2025

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