Our Safeguarding Policy

Kitchen Radio is a community radio station run by volunteers. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone involved. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and it applies to all volunteers, guests, and participants.

Purpose

  • Promote the safety and wellbeing of all participants.

  • Protect children and adults at risk from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

  • Provide clear procedures for identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns.

  • Ensure volunteers understand their responsibilities in safeguarding.

This policy applies to all volunteers, presenters, producers, and anyone working on behalf of Kitchen Radio, including those who:

  • Host or co-host radio shows.

  • Supervise or support young volunteers.

  • Deliver outreach or training sessions.

  • Represent the station at public or online events.

Definitions

Safeguarding: Protecting a person's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

Child: Any person under the age of 18.

Adult at Risk: An adult who has needs for care and support, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves.

Abuse includes:

  • Physical

  • Emotional or psychological

  • Sexual

  • Neglect or self-neglect

  • Financial

  • Discriminatory

  • Online/digital abuse

Our Safeguarding Commitments

We will:

  • Prioritise the wellbeing of children and young adults.

  • Ensure safe recruitment and supervision of volunteers, including DBS checks where appropriate.

  • Provide a safeguarding induction and clear codes of conduct.

  • Create an environment where everyone feels able to speak up about concerns.

  • Handle all concerns sensitively, confidentially, and in line with this policy.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Sasha Ritchie

Email: sashritchie@gmail.com

Phone: 07746538787

They are responsible for:

  • Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns.

  • Supporting volunteers with safeguarding issues.

  • Liaising with local safeguarding services when needed.

If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should be reported to Connor Napleton.

Safer Recruitment & Supervision

  • Volunteers working directly with under-18s or adults at risk must undergo a DBS check, depending on their level of contact.

  • All volunteers must agree to follow the station’s Code of Conduct.

  • Under-18s must have parental/guardian consent and appropriate supervision.

  • Online & On-Air Safety

  • Volunteers must avoid sharing personal contact details of under-18s or vulnerable adults on-air or online.

  • On-air content must adhere to our broadcasting guidelines.

Reporting Concerns

Anyone can report a concern by:

  • Speaking directly to the DSL or another senior volunteer.

  • Emailing Sash at sashritchie@gmail.com (this is a private email so the report can be kept confidential as the Kitchen’s email is monitored by multiple people).

  • In an emergency (e.g. someone is at immediate risk of harm), call 999.

Concerns may include:

  • Disclosures of abuse or neglect.

  • Suspicious behaviour by a volunteer or guest.

  • Inappropriate online communication or grooming.

  • Mental health concerns (particularly where there is risk of harm).

Confidentiality & Data Protection

We will:

  • Treat all safeguarding concerns with sensitivity and confidentiality.

  • Only share information with those who need to know to protect the individual.

  • Store safeguarding records securely in line with GDPR.

Training & Awareness

  • All volunteers must complete a basic safeguarding induction.

  • Those in regular contact with young adults will be offered appropriate training (e.g. NSPCC online safeguarding course).

  • Posters/signs with safeguarding contact details will be displayed in the studio.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or serious incidents occur.

Local Safeguarding Contacts

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Samaritans: 116 123

Related Policies & Documents

Approved by: Sash & Connor

Date: 23/10/25