1. Statement of Commitment
Manara-Centola is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, safety, and
well-being of all children, young people, and adults who engage with our activities. We believe
that everyone has the right to participate in cultural, educational, and community activities in
an environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and free from harm, abuse, or exploitation.
Safeguarding is a core responsibility of our organization. We take all concerns
seriously and act promptly and appropriately to protect those at risk.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all individuals involved with or representing the organization, including
but not limited to:
- Staff, volunteers, freelancers, and interns
- Trustees, directors, and advisors
- Visiting artists, facilitators, educators, and residency participants
- Contractors and external partners
- Participants, visitors, and audience members
The policy applies to all organizational activities, whether on-site or off-site,
including workshops, educational programs, residencies, events, trips, and online or digital
interactions.
3. Definitions
- Child / Young Person: Any person under the age of 18.
- Adult at Risk: An adult who may be vulnerable due to age,
disability, illness, mental health needs, dependency, or social circumstances.
- Safeguarding: The action taken to promote the welfare of
children and adults at risk and protect them from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Child Protection: A component of safeguarding focused
specifically on protecting children from abuse or neglect.
4. Safeguarding Principles
Our safeguarding practice is guided by the following principles:
- The welfare of the child is paramount
- All individuals have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness
- Abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harassment are never acceptable
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
- Concerns must be reported and addressed without delay
- Confidentiality will be respected but cannot override safeguarding duties
5. Responsibilities
5.1 Organizational
Responsibilities
The organization will:
- Appoint a designated Safeguarding Lead with overall responsibility for
safeguarding and child protection
- Ensure this policy is publicly available and communicated clearly
- Take reasonable steps to ensure safe recruitment and engagement practices
- Provide safeguarding guidance and training where appropriate
- Respond promptly, sensitively, and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns
- Review this policy regularly and update it in line with best practice and legal requirements
5.2 Responsibilities of
Staff, Volunteers, and Representatives
All individuals working with or for the organization must:
- Read, understand, and comply with this policy and Code of Conduct
- Act in a way that prioritizes safety and well-being
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Report safeguarding concerns immediately
- Cooperate fully with safeguarding procedures
6. Code of Conduct
All individuals representing the organization are expected to adhere to the following standards
of behavior:
6.1 Professional
Boundaries
- Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with children and adults at risk
at all times
- Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible; ensure activities
are observable and accountable
- Never engage in sexual, exploitative, or abusive behavior
- Avoid favoritism, inappropriate gifts, or relationships that could be misinterpreted
6.2 Respect and
Equality
- Treat everyone with respect, fairness, and courtesy
- Value diversity and cultural differences
- Do not tolerate bullying, discrimination, harassment, or intimidation
- Use inclusive, non-discriminatory, and non-violent language
6.3 Physical
Contact
- Ensure any physical contact is appropriate, necessary, and based on the needs of the
activity
- Obtain consent where possible and respect personal boundaries
- Never use physical punishment, intimidation, or restraint except where necessary to
prevent immediate harm
6.4 Communication and
Online Safety
- Communicate with children and young people in a transparent and professional manner
- Avoid private or secret communication with children, including via social media or
messaging apps
- Do not share images, videos, or personal information without informed consent from a
parent or guardian where required
- Follow the organization’s digital and social media guidelines
7. Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures
7.1 Recognizing Abuse and Harm: Abuse may
take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, or
bullying. Concerns may arise through direct disclosure, observation, or information from a third
party.
7.2 Reporting Concerns:
- Any safeguarding or child protection concern must be reported immediately to the
Safeguarding Lead
- If a child or adult is in immediate danger, emergency services must be contacted without
delay
- All concerns should be recorded factually and confidentially
The organization will assess concerns and, where necessary, refer
them to appropriate statutory authorities or support services.
Reporting Concerns & Contact
If you have any concerns about the safety or well-being of a child during our
activities, please contact our Safeguarding Lead immediately or speak to a member of staff.
Safeguarding Lead
Manal Morcos
Email
Contact.ManaraCentola@gmail.com
Phone
+39 3925526811
