Moot Works Ltd is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all individuals we work with, particularly children, young people, and adults at risk. We recognise our duty of care and are committed to creating environments that are safe, inclusive, and free from harm or exploitation.

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1. Our approach

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We aim to ensure that everyone we work with—whether as participants, collaborators, or audience members—is treated with dignity and respect. We take all allegations, disclosures, and concerns seriously, and we act in accordance with current safeguarding legislation and best practice.

This policy applies to all staff, directors, freelancers, volunteers, and anyone acting on behalf of Moot Works Ltd.

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2. Definitions

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• Child: Anyone under the age of 18
   

• Adult at risk: An adult who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, illness, disability, or other vulnerabilities
   

3. Responsibilities

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• All team members are expected to act responsibly, respectfully, and in line with this policy
   

• Those working directly with children or adults at risk will be required to:

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• Complete appropriate safeguarding training (e.g. NSPCC Introductory Safeguarding or equivalent)

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• Undergo enhanced DBS checks where legally required
   

• A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will oversee policy implementation and act as the point of contact for concerns
   

Designated Safeguarding Lead: safeguarding@mootworks.co.uk

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4. Responding to concerns

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If someone is at immediate risk, call 999.

If you have a concern about the safety or wellbeing of a child or adult at risk during a Moot Works activity:

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a) Report it as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
 

b) Record key details (who, what, when, where) without asking leading questions
 

c) Do not promise confidentiality—explain that concerns will be shared with the appropriate authorities or safeguarding professionals
 

We will handle all concerns sensitively, in line with safeguarding legislation and statutory reporting duties.

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5. Safer working practices

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We aim to reduce risk and create safe working environments by:

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• Including safeguarding in project planning, delivery, and risk assessments
   

• Ensuring venues and digital platforms are appropriate and moderated
   

• Working in pairs or groups when delivering activities with children or adults at risk
   

• Gaining informed consent from participants or guardians before engagement
   

• Avoiding inappropriate physical contact or personal relationships with participants
   

• Ensuring third-party partners and host venues have their own safeguarding policies in place
   

6. Recruitment and training

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We will ensure that:

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• All staff and freelancers working with participants have access to this policy
   

• Where necessary, enhanced DBS checks and references are obtained before engagement
   

• Safeguarding responsibilities are clearly outlined in contracts or briefs
   

• Basic safeguarding training is completed by all relevant team members
   

7. Reporting, review and improvement

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• All safeguarding concerns and incidents will be logged securely
   

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner in response to changes in legislation or organisational activity
   

• We welcome feedback from participants, partners, and team members to help improve our safeguarding practice

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Effective date: June 2025