Safeguarding Policy.

Safeguarding Policy for SoCityUK

Last Updated: 14/03/2025

1. Purpose of the Safeguarding Policy

SoCityUK is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people under our representation. We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for all children, to protect them from harm, and to act in their best interests. This policy outlines the procedures we follow to ensure child safety and well-being in all aspects of our agency's operations.

2. Safeguarding Commitment

SoCityUK will:

  • Take all reasonable steps to ensure that the children we represent are safe from harm and exploitation.

  • Ensure that all employees, agents, and contractors working with children understand and adhere to safeguarding procedures.

  • Comply with all relevant local and national child protection legislation, including employment laws and guidelines regarding children in the entertainment industry.

  • Ensure that all talent, parents, and guardians are informed about our safeguarding procedures and feel empowered to raise concerns if necessary.

3. Recruitment and Training

At SoCityUK, we ensure that all staff members are appropriately vetted to work with children. One of our key team members is a registered social worker, providing professional expertise in safeguarding and child welfare. Additionally, all staff are required to undergo enhanced DBS checks to ensure that they are suitable to work with children. All staff receive ongoing safeguarding training to ensure they remain informed of best practices and legal requirements, including recognising signs of abuse and knowing how to respond appropriately.

4. Code of Conduct for Staff, Parents, and Guardians

To ensure a safe environment, we have established a clear code of conduct for all parties involved, including staff, parents, and guardians:

  • For Staff and Agents: Staff and agents must always behave professionally and respectfully towards children, parents, and guardians. They should never engage in inappropriate physical or verbal behaviour and must maintain a professional distance from children at all times.

  • For Parents/Guardians: Parents and guardians must supervise their child at all times during auditions, photoshoots, and other work-related events. They should ensure that the child is always in a safe and supportive environment.

  • For Children: Children should feel comfortable and confident to voice any concerns about their safety or well-being, and they will always be encouraged to speak up if they are unsure about any situation.

5. Reporting Concerns

  • If anyone within the agency (staff, parents, or guardians) has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, they must immediately report it to a designated Safeguarding Officer at SoCityUK.

  • SoCityUK has a clear procedure in place for handling any safeguarding concerns, which includes:

    • A confidential and supportive environment for reporting concerns.

    • Immediate investigation of any concerns raised.

    • Reporting incidents to appropriate external authorities if necessary, including local child protection services or law enforcement.

6. Health and Safety During Work Engagements

  • SoCityUK ensures that all work environments for child models and talent are safe and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations.

  • For all photoshoots, auditions, and performances, the child’s well-being is paramount, and the parent or guardian must be present or easily reachable. If a child is required to work long hours, proper breaks and rest periods will be arranged.

7. Anti-Bullying Policy

SoCityUK has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying, discrimination, and harassment. We are committed to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect, where all children, staff, and clients are treated fairly and without prejudice. Bullying, in any form, will not be tolerated, and we will take immediate action to address any incidents.

8. Confidentiality and Privacy

SoCityUK is committed to ensuring that all personal information regarding children and their families is treated with the utmost confidentiality. This includes:

  • Storing all personal data securely.

  • Only sharing necessary information with clients and third parties when absolutely required, and with parental/guardian consent where applicable.

  • Ensuring that photographs and videos of children are only used for professional purposes and with explicit consent.

9. Contact Information for Safeguarding Concerns

If you have any safeguarding concerns or wish to report any issue relating to the safety or well-being of a child represented by SoCityUK, please contact our designated Safeguarding Officer:

  • Safeguarding Officer Name: Etell Clarke (Social Worker)

  • Email Address: hello@socity.co.uk

10. Review and Monitoring

This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure it remains effective and in line with current legislation and best practices. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated to all staff, parents, and guardians.

Acknowledgement

By engaging with SoCityUK, all parties involved (staff, parents, guardians, and children) agree to uphold the standards outlined in this Safeguarding Policy. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive and pursue their modelling or talent career with confidence and security.