Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy statement is to detail our commitment to child safeguarding by ensuring that children and young people attending Outdoor Explorers Yorkshire environments or participating in our activities are protected from harm.
Scope
This policy applies to all colleagues at Outdoor Explorers Yorkshire (“OEY”), including temporary staff, agency workers, consultants, self‑employed contractors, and volunteers. At OEY, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and safe environment where everyone can thrive and feel welcome, and ensure any individual connected with OEY is treated with respect, positivity, and compassion.
Legal Framework
This policy has been based on legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from the NSPCC website.
Definition
A child or young person is defined as anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. Child protection guidance points out that even if a child has reached 16 years of age and is:
- living independently
- in further education
- a member of the armed forces
- in hospital; or
- in custody in the secure estate
They are still legally children and should be given the same protection and entitlements as any other child. (Department for Education, 2023).
Our Beliefs
- Children and young people must never experience abuse.
- Their rights are paramount and guide all our decisions.
- We have a duty to protect them and ensure they feel safe.
- Some children are more vulnerable due to past experiences, dependency, or communication needs, and may require additional safeguards.
- Effective safeguarding relies on partnership with children, families, carers, and relevant agencies.
Our Actions to Keep Children Safe
- Value and respect children’s rights, ensuring their voices are heard.
- Foster a culture of respect and inclusion across the organisation.
- Embed safeguarding through strong leadership, governance, and robust policies.
- Maintain safer recruitment practices and equip staff with the skills to protect children.
- Provide safe environments, adequate resources, and clear safeguarding information.
- Encourage responsibility and confidence in raising concerns.
- Work collaboratively with families and stakeholders to support safety.
- Uphold the Safeguarding Children Policy and comply with health, safety, and data protection standards.
Respecting Children’s Decision-Making
- Assess capacity to consent based on age, maturity, and understanding.
- Ensure children grasp the risks, implications, and alternatives before making decisions.
- Recognise that consent is invalid if influenced or pressured.
- Consider factors such as stress or mental health that may affect capacity.
- Where competence is unclear, seek consent from parents or carers.
If we don’t think a child is competent to make decisions or there are inconsistencies in their understanding, we will seek consent from their parents/guardians before proceeding.
Please note that this policy relates to all of Outdoor Explores Yorkshire activities.
Responsibility and Key Contacts
Outdoor Explorers Yorkshire Owner
Associated Policies
Safeguarding Responding to and Managing Allegations
Participant Code of Conduct Policy
Issue Date
November 2025
Date of Next Update
November 2026
This policy is next due for a general review on the above date. It may however be reviewed and updated earlier, in the event of a change in requirements, or relevant legislation.
