Everything Audio N.E Safeguarding Policy

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1. Introduction

At Everything Audio N.E we recognize our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults we encounter in our work. We are committed to upholding the highest safeguarding standards while delivering our AV solutions to schools, colleges, and educational institutions across the North East.

This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and child protection and ensures that all employees, subcontractors, and associates comply with safeguarding legislation, best practices, and school policies when working on-site.

2. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to:

Ensuring all Everything Audio N.E staff working in schools and colleges are fully DBS-checked before engaging in any on-site work.

Providing a safe and respectful environment when working around children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Adhering to the 5 R’s of Safeguarding: Recognise, Respond, Report, Record, and Refer.

Having at least one safeguarding-trained member of staff on-site at all times when working in schools during operational hours.

Reporting any safeguarding concerns immediately through the appropriate school Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Training our team to identify and appropriately respond to safeguarding concerns in line with school policies and national safeguarding legislation.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Management & Leadership

Ensure all staff are DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained before undertaking any work in schools.

Maintain up-to-date safeguarding records and review policies annually.

Provide regular safeguarding training and updates to staff.

Ensure safeguarding is embedded into all aspects of our work within education settings.

3.2 All Staff and Subcontractors

Adhere to this policy and the safeguarding procedures of the schools and institutions we work with.

Maintain professional boundaries and always act in a way that protects the welfare of children and young people.

Immediately report any concerns to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and follow up to ensure the appropriate action has been taken.

Never engage in inappropriate interactions with students, including online communication.

Always work in designated areas within the school premises and avoid situations where they are alone with a child or young person.

4. Safeguarding Procedures

4.1 Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Staff are expected to be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or harm, including but not limited to:

Physical abuse (e.g., unexplained injuries, bruises, burns)

Emotional abuse (e.g., excessive criticism, intimidation, humiliation)

Sexual abuse (e.g., inappropriate relationships, sexual comments, exploitation)

Neglect (e.g., lack of supervision, failure to meet basic needs)

Online safety risks (e.g., cyberbullying, inappropriate content)

4.2 Reporting & Recording Concerns

Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

A written record of the concern must be completed and stored securely.

Under no circumstances should staff investigate the concern themselves.

If a child is in immediate danger, staff must call 999 and inform the DSL as soon as possible.

5. DBS & Recruitment Procedures

All employees and subcontractors working in schools must undergo a DBS check before employment.

Recruitment processes will include rigorous safeguarding and background checks.

Any concerns raised during DBS checks will be reviewed in accordance with safeguarding best practices.

Staff will be re-checked periodically to maintain compliance.

6. Working on School Premises

Our team will always sign in and out at reception and wear identifiable Everything Audio N.E. ID badges.

We will follow all safeguarding policies and procedures set by the school.

Staff will never be left alone with students or enter restricted areas unless supervised by school staff.

We will act professionally and discreetly at all times to avoid disruption to learning.

7. Escalation of Safeguarding Issues

If safeguarding concerns are not addressed adequately by the school, we will escalate the matter through local safeguarding boards or relevant authorities, ensuring the safety of the child or vulnerable person involved.

8. Policy Review & Updates

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with changes in legislation, best practices, or organisational requirements.

Date of Last Review: 03/01/2025 

Policy Lead: Nathan Fooks - nathan@eaudione.co.uk 01325 605013

Next Review Date: 03/01/2026

For further information on safeguarding, please contact Everything Audio N.E. or refer to government safeguarding guidance at www.gov.uk.