Safeguarding Policy

Policy Owner: Performance Goal C.I.C.
Date Approved: 01/03/2025
Review Date: 01/03/2026
Website: www.performancegoal.co.uk

1. Policy Statement

Performance Goal C.I.C. is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants, beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and partners. We recognise our duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults involved in any of our programmes, projects, or initiatives.

We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that safeguarding is embedded across all areas of our work, and that everyone engaged with our organisation understands and fulfils their responsibilities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals working with or on behalf of Performance Goal C.I.C., including but not limited to:

  • Employees

  • Contractors

  • Freelancers

  • Volunteers

  • Associates

  • Board Members / Directors

  • Delivery Partners

  • Consultants

  • Placement Students / Interns

All individuals covered by this policy must adhere to its principles and requirements.

3. Safer Recruitment and PVG Membership

Performance Goal C.I.C. requires that anyone undertaking work or volunteering that involves regulated activity (as defined under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007) must hold a current and relevant PVG Scheme membership (Protecting Vulnerable Groups).

Requirements:

  • It is the responsibility of the individual (contractor, volunteer, employee, or partner) to ensure that they hold a valid and appropriate PVG membership for the nature of the work they undertake.

  • Individuals must provide evidence of PVG Scheme membership (or disclosure certificate) before starting any regulated activity.

  • Where applicable, Performance Goal C.I.C. may verify the PVG status through Disclosure Scotland or request an update under the PVG Scheme.

  • No individual will be permitted to begin regulated work without confirmation of appropriate PVG clearance.

Failure to provide or maintain valid PVG membership will result in suspension or termination of engagement.

4. Storage and Management of PVG Information

Performance Goal C.I.C. complies fully with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 regarding the collection, storage, and use of personal information.

Data Handling Procedures:

  • PVG information (confirmation of membership number, issue date, and verification status) will be stored securely on our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

  • The CRM system will be password-protected, encrypted, and accessible only to authorised staff members within Performance Goal C.I.C. who require access for safeguarding or compliance purposes.

  • Physical copies (if collected) will be stored in locked cabinets and disposed of securely once verification is complete.

  • PVG certificates will not be copied or retained beyond the necessary verification period.

  • PVG data will only be used for safeguarding and compliance purposes and will not be shared with any third parties without lawful basis or consent.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Insert Name / Role] – Responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures, PVG compliance, and ensuring best practice across all activities.

  • Line Managers / Project Leads: Responsible for confirming PVG membership before assigning individuals to any regulated work.

  • Individuals (Contractors, Volunteers, Staff, etc.): Responsible for obtaining, maintaining, and renewing PVG membership appropriate to their role.

  • Board of Directors: Responsible for ensuring the organisation meets all safeguarding obligations and regularly reviews safeguarding policies and practices.

6. Training and Awareness

All individuals involved in regulated activity or working directly with children, young people, or vulnerable adults must complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role. Refresher training will be provided periodically.

7. Reporting Concerns

Any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or deputy. Performance Goal C.I.C. follows a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and will take all reports seriously, following local safeguarding procedures and reporting to statutory agencies when necessary.

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to legislation, organisational structure, or safeguarding guidance.