– LEGAL
Safeguarding Policy
Last updated: 5 March 2026.
Our Commitment
TwentyThree Studios Limited is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all children, young people and vulnerable adults who participate in or attend our projects, workshops, screenings and events. This policy applies to all staff, freelancers, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of TwentyThree Studios.
Scope
This policy applies to participation workshops and projects, screenings and public events, online activities, and any other activity where TwentyThree Studios staff interact with children, young people or vulnerable adults. A child or young person is anyone under 18; a vulnerable adult is anyone 18 or over at risk due to mental health, disability, age or other circumstances.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Name: Gary JJ Spate
Email: Contact Us
Post: TwentyThree Studios, 36 Brookfield Avenue, Dover, Kent, CT16 2AH
Our Principles
- Places the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults first
- Respects the rights, wishes and feelings of all participants
- Promotes the welfare of all people we work with within a relationship of trust
- Ensures best health and safety practice at all times
- Treats all participants with dignity and respect regardless of background
- Maintains appropriate boundaries between participants and staff at all times
Safer Recruitment
We request and verify references, require enhanced DBS checks for relevant roles, ensure appropriate safeguarding induction and training, and make clear the standards of behaviour expected of staff and volunteers.
Behaviour and Conduct
Staff and volunteers are expected to work in an open environment avoiding private or unobserved situations, maintain professional boundaries, never engage in inappropriate physical contact or comments, never share personal contact details or communicate via personal social media, never take photographs without explicit consent, and report any concerns immediately.
Photography and Filming
We always seek explicit written consent (and parental consent for under-18s) before taking or using photographs or footage, explain how images will be used, store images securely, and respect any withdrawal of consent. We will never publish footage that could identify a child in a way that puts them at risk.
Recognising and Responding to Concerns
If you have a concern, listen carefully, remain calm, do not promise confidentiality, do not investigate or ask leading questions, record what you have observed accurately, and report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.
If you believe a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, call 999 without delay.
Reporting Concerns Externally
In Kent: Kent Children’s Social Care 03000 41 11 11 (office hours) / 03000 41 91 91 (out of hours); Kent Police 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency); NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000.
Complaints
If you have a concern about how we have handled a safeguarding matter, contact us in the first instance.