Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
1. Purpose and Commitment
OurKid Talent Ltd is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all children and young people we represent. We recognise our duty of care to safeguard and promote their rights, protect them from harm, and create a safe and supportive environment in which they can develop their talents.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all staff, contractors, chaperones, casting professionals, and any third parties working with or on behalf of OurKid Talent Ltd. It covers children and young people under the age of 18 engaged in the entertainment, and advertising industry, in activities arranged by the agency.
3. Legal Framework
This policy is informed by:
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (UK statutory guidance)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
- Local Authority Child Performance Licensing Regulations
- Relevant data protection legislation (GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018)
4. Safeguarding Principles
We are guided by the following principles:
- The welfare of the child is paramount.
- All children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, or background, have the right to protection from harm.
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Kate Curley - Responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices and liaising with statutory services.
- All Staff/Associates: Must complete safeguarding training, follow procedures, and immediately report concerns.
- Parents/Guardians: To be consulted and informed regarding participation and welfare arrangements.
6. Safer Recruitment
- All staff and chaperones must undergo enhanced DBS checks.
- References must be obtained and verified.
7. Working Practices
- Children must be supervised by a licensed chaperone or parent/guardian at all times.
- Appropriate adult-to-child ratios will be maintained.
- Clear boundaries regarding physical contact and communication must be observed.
- No unsupervised one-to-one situations unless risk-assessed and approved.
- Age-appropriate working hours and rest breaks will be enforced in line with child performance licensing laws.
8. Online Safety and Data Protection
- No unauthorised photography, filming, or social media posting of children is permitted.
- Children’s personal details and images will be stored and used in compliance with data protection law.
9. Reporting Concerns
- Any safeguarding concern, allegation, or disclosure must be reported immediately to the DSL.
- If a child is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services must be contacted (999).
- All concerns will be documented, stored securely, and shared only with relevant safeguarding authorities.
10. Training and Awareness
- All staff and associates will receive safeguarding induction and ongoing refresher training.
- Regular updates will be provided on changes in legislation and best practice.
11. Review
-This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or best practice requires.
NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.