SAFEGUARDING POLICY

1. Our Commitment to Child Safety

At Kids & Sparks, the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child are non-negotiable.
We create photography and sport-based learning environments where children can explore, express themselves, and grow — always within a framework of protection, respect, and transparency.

Kids & Sparks is committed to:

• Protecting all children participating in our programs

• Preventing any form of abuse, exploitation, or discrimination

• Ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and partners uphold the highest standards of child safety

• Working with schools and local authorities to create safe environments

• Implementing international safeguarding standards across all countries where we operate

2. Scope of the Policy

This Safeguarding Policy applies to:

• Kids & Sparks staff

• Volunteers (photographers, sport coaches, mentors)

• Board and committee members

• Contractors, partners, and corporate sponsors present during activities

• School staff collaborating with Kids & Sparks

• Any adult participating in our programs

It applies to all activities, including:

• Photography workshops

• Sport and wellbeing sessions

• School visits

• Events, exhibitions, and public showcases

• Online content and communication involving children

3. Safeguarding Principles

We follow four core principles:

1. Protection

Prevent physical, emotional, sexual, and online abuse.

2. Prevention

Reduce risks through training, codes of conduct, and safe environments.

3. Participation

Respect children's voices, autonomy, and rights to express themselves safely.

4. Partnership

Work closely with schools, local authorities, NGOs, and communities to ensure long-term protection.

4. Safe Recruitment & Background Checks

All adults working directly with children must undergo:

• Identity verification

• Background / criminal record checks (Police Clearance)

• Verification of previous work with minors

• Reference checks

• Agreement to the Kids & Sparks Code of Conduct

For international volunteers, we request:

• Local police check

• Home-country police check

• Self-declaration for safeguarding compliance

No adult without clearance may work alone with a child.

5. Code of Conduct for Adults

All staff and volunteers must:

• Always act in the best interest of the child

• Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries

• Avoid being alone with a child in a closed setting

• Never request personal contact details from a child

• Never engage in physical punishment, humiliation, or inappropriate behavior

• Respect cultural and religious differences

• Follow all photo and media consent rules

• Report concerns immediately

6. Photo, Video & Media Protection

Photography is a central part of our mission, so online safety is essential.

Kids & Sparks ensures that:

• No photos are taken without explicit parental/school consent

• No child is tagged, named, or made personally identifiable online without explicit parental or school authorization.

• Sensitive contexts are never published

• Photos are stored securely

• Children are taught to photograph respectfully and safely

• All exhibitions follow ethical guidelines

7. Reporting Concerns & Incident Management

Kids & Sparks maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.

Any concern must be reported immediately to: Hello@kidsparks.org

Reports may include:

• Inappropriate behavior

• Safety risks

• Boundary violations

• Online safety issues

• Child disclosures

• Suspected abuse

We guarantee:

• Confidentiality

• Non-retaliation

• Prompt response

• Cooperation with schools and authorities

8. Working With Schools & Local Authorities

Before launching a program, Kids & Sparks confirms:

• School safety standards

• Emergency procedures

• Presence of a designated safeguarding lead

• Adequate child-to-adult ratios

• Policies compatible with local laws and international standards

We operate only in environments where safety conditions are met.

9. Online Safety & Data Protection

We comply with:

• GDPR (Europe)

• Local data protection regulations

• School digital policies

We ensure:

• Secure data storage

• Minimal data collection

• Photo anonymisation

• Moderation of all online interactions

10. After the Workshops: Long-Term Protection

Kids & Sparks encourages schools and communities to:

• Continue safe photography and sport activities after our program

• Maintain safeguarding practices

• Provide children with spaces to express themselves safely

• Use the skills developed to promote wellbeing and inclusion

We provide documentation, training, and support to ensure continuity.

11. External Frameworks & International Standards

Our policy aligns with:

• UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child

• Centre for Sport & Human Rights

• UK NSPCC Child Protection Guidelines

• Australian Child Safe Standards

• EU GDPR

• Local education and child protection laws in each country

12. Contact & Safeguarding Lead

For any safeguarding concerns: Hello@kidsparks.org