Safeguarding Policy
dotPublic Community Interest Company
Approved by the directors on 30th September 2026
Review date: October 2027
1. Purpose
dotPublic Community Interest Company is committed to treating everyone we come into contact with, including staff, volunteers, directors, partners and members of the public, with respect and dignity, and to keeping them safe from harm, abuse, exploitation and harassment while they are involved with our work.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all paid staff, volunteers, directors, freelancers and anyone else acting on our behalf. Our work does not involve delivering services to children or adults at risk, and we do not run activities aimed at them. We recognise, however, that we may occasionally meet someone who is at risk, or who becomes vulnerable, through our events, our online presence or our partners. This policy sets out how we will respond.
3. Our principles
Everyone has the right to be safe and to be treated with respect.
Concerns are taken seriously, treated confidentially and acted on promptly.
Nobody will suffer retaliation for raising a concern in good faith.
We will act within the law and follow the guidance of statutory agencies.
4. What we mean by harm
Harm includes physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, financial abuse, coercion and modern slavery. Harm can occur in person or online, and can involve a colleague, a volunteer or a third party.
5. Safe practice
Conduct: Staff and volunteers must behave respectfully and professionally at all times.
Recruitment: We will take references and carry out right-to-work checks for staff, and we will consider whether a role needs any further checks. Our roles do not currently require DBS checks. We will review this if our activities change.
Volunteers: Volunteers are expected to read our policies and will be informed who they can speak to if they have a concern. We do not place volunteers in situations where they are alone with people who may be at risk.
Events and public activity: Any events will be planned with attention to safety, accessibility and a clear point of contact.
Data: We handle personal information about concerns confidentially and in line with UK GDPR.
This statement was approved by the directors of dotPublic Community Interest Company on 30 September 2026.
Signed: Tony Ageh
Name: Tony Ageh
Role: Executive Director