Safeguarding Policy

Updated November 2025

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Purpose of this Policy

Highlands Innovation CIC is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults who may engage with our projects, services or activities. This Policy outlines our approach to preventing harm, promoting safety and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

Our Commitment

We believe that everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and supported. We aim to create environments where people are protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm. We act in accordance with relevant UK safeguarding legislation, guidance and good practice.

Who This Policy Applies To

This Policy applies to:

• staff, volunteers, contractors and trustees working with or on behalf of Highlands Innovation CIC;
• partners delivering joint activities where we have influence over safeguarding arrangements;
• children, young people and vulnerable adults participating in our projects or services.

Types of Harm

Safeguarding concerns may relate to a range of harms, including:

• physical abuse;
• emotional or psychological abuse;
• sexual abuse or exploitation;
• neglect or failure to meet basic needs;
• financial or material exploitation;
• discrimination or harassment;
• online abuse or harmful digital behaviour.

Prevention and Good Practice

We aim to prevent harm by adopting the following practices:

• recruiting staff and volunteers responsibly, including relevant background checks where appropriate;
• providing safeguarding awareness and guidance for those working directly with vulnerable groups;
• ensuring activities are risk assessed and planned with safety in mind;
• encouraging a culture where concerns can be raised openly and without fear.

Recognising and Reporting Concerns

Everyone involved in our work shares a responsibility for safeguarding. If a safeguarding concern arises:

• it must be taken seriously and not ignored;
• an accurate record should be made as soon as possible using the individual’s own words where appropriate;
• the concern should be reported promptly through the procedure set out internally within Highlands Innovation CIC;
• where necessary, concerns may be escalated to appropriate statutory services or the police.

Confidentiality

Safeguarding information is handled sensitively and shared only with individuals or agencies who need to know in order to protect the person at risk. We comply with UK data protection law when recording or sharing safeguarding information.

Partnership Working

Where we collaborate with external organisations, we expect partners to have appropriate safeguarding arrangements in place. We may request to review their policies or agree shared approaches where activities involve children or vulnerable adults.

Monitoring and Review

We will review this Policy periodically to ensure it remains effective, proportionate and aligned with best practice. Updates will be shown by the “Updated” date at the top of this page.