Our Policies

Safeguarding, Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults Policy

CONNECT OUTDOORS
Isle of Man Registered Charity No. 1384 | Company Limited by Guarantee
Registered with the Attorney General’s Chambers, Isle of Man | Date of Registration: 9th February 2026

Policy Version: 1.0
Date: 25th August 2026
Review Date: 25th August 2027

Key Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Kate Bergquist | kate@connectoutdoors.im

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
David Brodie | david@connectoutdoors.im

Designated Safeguarding Trustee
Kim Evans | kim@connectoutdoors.im

Governance Responsibility
Board of Trustees | Policy reviewed annually

IOM Safeguarding Contact – Children
Children and Families Division, DHSC | Tel: 01624 686179 (office hours) | Out of hours: 01624 631212 (Police)

IOM Safeguarding Contact – Adults
Adult Social Care, DHSC | Tel: 01624 686179 (office hours) | Out of hours: 01624 631212 (Police)

Mental Health Crisis
Manx Care Mental Health Services | Tel: 01624 642860 (office hours) | Emergency: 999 or IOM Constabulary: 01624 631212

Isle of Man Constabulary
Non-emergency: 01624 631212 | Emergency: 999

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY. ALL STAFF, TRUSTEES AND VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO SPEAK UP IF THEY HAVE ANY CONCERN. CERTAINTY IS NOT REQUIRED BEFORE SPEAKING UP. IF IN DOUBT, SPEAK TO THE DSL OR ANY NAMED CONTACT IMMEDIATELY.

Table of Contents

1. Statement
2. Statutory and Legal Framework (Isle of Man)
3. Aims of this Policy
4. Policies this Document Should Be Read Alongside
5. Our Commitment to Delivery
6. Key Roles
7. Reporting

Appendix 1 – Safeguarding Training
Appendix 2 – Connect Outdoors Safeguarding Framework
Appendix 3 – Reporting Flowchart
Appendix 4 – Safeguarding Incident Form
Appendix 5 – Guidelines for Staff and Volunteers
Appendix 6 – Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Appendix 7 – Advice and Support (Isle of Man)

1. Statement

Connect Outdoors (IOM Registered Charity No. 1384, registered with the Attorney General’s Chambers, Isle of Man) is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee on the Isle of Man. We are committed to safeguarding all staff, volunteers, Trustees, and members of the public who use our services, programmes and facilities. We are committed to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from abuse and harm, and consider safeguarding to be everyone’s responsibility.

Our policy is:

• To protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who use any of the services and facilities provided by Connect Outdoors.
• To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
• To ensure full commitment to the principle that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is everyone’s responsibility.

2. Statutory and Legal Framework (Isle of Man)

Connect Outdoors operates in accordance with Isle of Man legislation and statutory guidance. Our approach to safeguarding and child protection has been developed in line with the Isle of Man Children and Young Persons Act 2001, section 17 of the Safeguarding Act 2018 and the Inter-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures 2018–2020. Our approach is also informed by the Isle of Man Safeguarding Board Multi-Agency Safeguarding Procedures (www.safeguardingboard.im).

Children and Young People

• Children and Young Persons Act 2001 (Isle of Man)
• Children Act 2001 (Isle of Man)
• Safeguarding Act 2018 (Isle of Man) – primary IoM legislation covering both children and vulnerable adults
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991
• Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Isle of Man) – as amended by IoM legislation
• Isle of Man Safeguarding Together 2019: Guidance for collective working to safeguard children and vulnerable adults in the Isle of Man
• Information sharing guidance for professionals working with children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect (IoM)

Vulnerable Adults

• Safeguarding Act 2018 (Isle of Man) – section 17 covers adult safeguarding
• Inter-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures 2018–2020 (Isle of Man)
• Mental Health Act 1998 (Isle of Man) – as amended
• Mental Capacity Act 2016 (Isle of Man)

Data Protection

• Data Protection Act 2018 (Isle of Man) – the IoM has its own DPA 2018, broadly equivalent to UK GDPR but administered by the IoM Information Commissioner (not the UK ICO)
• All data sharing and recording under this policy must comply with IoM DPA 2018

Equality and Human Rights

• Equality Act 2017 (Isle of Man)
• Human Rights Act 2001 (Isle of Man)

Charity Governance

• Charities Registration and Regulation Act 2019 (Isle of Man)
• Charities Regulations 2020 (Isle of Man)
• Charities Tribunal Rules 2020 (Isle of Man)
• Charitable Collections (Regulations) Act 1939 (Isle of Man)
• Recreational Charities (Isle of Man) Act 1960
• Trustee Act 2001 (Isle of Man)
• Companies Acts 1931–2004 (Isle of Man) – company limited by guarantee obligations
• Connect Outdoors is registered with the Attorney General’s Chambers, Belgravia House, Circular Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 1AE (the registrar and regulator of IoM charities). Charity No. 1384.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect any changes in IoM legislation or statutory guidance. All staff and volunteers will be informed of any changes.

3. Aims of this Policy

Leadership and Governance

• Support the health, development and protection of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in ways that will foster security and confidence.
• Ensure that Connect Outdoors contributes to assessments of need which includes referral to early intervention services if specialist support is required.
• Ensure Connect Outdoors has robust systems in place for ensuring that true and accurate records of events are kept and appropriately stored, and that any such records clearly differentiate between fact and opinion.
• Develop and promote effective working relationships with other agencies, including the Isle of Man Constabulary and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers have been checked as to their suitability, including verification of identity.

Environment and Culture

• Provide an environment in which all children, young people and vulnerable adults feel safe, secure, valued and respected, and feel confident and enabled to approach adults if they are in difficulty, believing they will be effectively listened to regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief.
• Emphasise the need for, and promote, good levels of communication between all members of staff.

Learning and Development

• Raise the awareness of all staff of the need to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults, and ensure everyone has a clear understanding of how their responsibilities should be carried out.
• Raise awareness through ongoing training, information sharing, and ensuring staff are aware of the indicators of abuse and the action to take if abuse is suspected.

4. Policies this Document Should Be Read Alongside

• Complaints Handling Policy
• Data Protection and Privacy Policy
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
• Health and Safety Statement

5. Our Commitment to Delivery

Leadership and Governance

• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Deputy DSL(s) and a Designated Safeguarding Trustee.
• Establishing a Safeguarding Action Team (SAT) with DSL and DDSL(s) to undertake case management, reflective learning and reporting to the Board.
• Adopting and applying protection and safeguarding practices through robust procedures and a Code of Conduct for staff and volunteers.
• Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance.
• Recording and storing all information securely and in compliance with the IoM Data Protection Act 2018.
• Abiding by our legal responsibility under IoM law to report safeguarding concerns to the appropriate authority.
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding all incidents, ensuring information is shared only with the DSL, DDSL(s), Designated Safeguarding Trustee, and relevant external IoM agencies.

Learning and Development

• Training all staff, volunteers and Trustees to an appropriate level and maintaining training records.
• Sharing safeguarding guidance through regular updates, training and one-to-ones.
• Developing a robust system of continuous learning through reflective practice and collaboration with external IoM agencies.

6. Key Roles

All adults working with or on behalf of young people and vulnerable adults have a responsibility to protect them and to provide a safe environment. Connect Outdoors appoints a primary DSL and one or more DDSLs. Details are provided on the cover page of this policy.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All who come into contact with our participants have a role to play, and training is in place for everyone.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is responsible for:

• Ensuring that effective safeguarding policies and procedures are in place, with a Code of Conduct applicable to all staff and volunteers, in accordance with IoM charity law and the guidance of the Attorney General’s Chambers as regulator.
• Ensuring the governing instrument is reviewed at least annually and that any changes to it are made only with the prior written consent of the Attorney General, as required under the Charities Registration and Regulation Act 2019.
• Notifying the Attorney General’s Chambers within one month of any changes to Trustees or their particulars, as required under section 23 of the Charities Registration and Regulation Act 2019.
• Approving all new and reviewed policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, including a review of the effectiveness of procedures and their implementation.
• Approving amendments to safeguarding arrangements in response to changing IoM legislation and recommended best practice.
• Ensuring the DSL and DDSL(s) have sufficient time, funding, supervision, training and support to carry out their duties.
• Ensuring that policies, procedures and training are effective and comply with IoM law at all times.
• Ensuring Connect Outdoors contributes to inter-agency working in line with IoM statutory guidance.
• Ensuring that all staff and volunteers who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults undergo safeguarding training at induction and receive regular updates, at least annually.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL (DDSL)

The DSL takes lead responsibility for managing child and vulnerable adult protection referrals, safeguarding training and raising awareness of all safeguarding policies. They ensure that timely referrals are made to the relevant IoM authority (Children and Families Division or Adult Social Care, DHSC) in accordance with current IoM procedures.

The DDSL(s) are trained to the same standard as the DSL and will cover all DSL responsibilities in their absence.

The DSL and DDSL(s) are responsible for:

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers are briefed on the relevant content of IoM statutory guidance and procedures, including at induction.
• Receiving reports of alleged or suspected abuse and taking appropriate action.
• Sharing responsibility for ensuring appropriate availability to discuss safeguarding concerns during all operating hours.
• Following up safeguarding incidents and concerns, including producing lessons-learned reporting.
• Supporting a culture of safety throughout Connect Outdoors.

All Staff and Volunteers

All staff are aware of types of abuse and safeguarding issues. If they have any concerns about welfare they must speak with the DSL or DDSL immediately.

All staff are responsible for:

• Sharing safeguarding information and contributing to a culture of safety.
• Attending SAT meetings where relevant and communicating updates across teams.
• Being aware of Connect Outdoors’s policies and key contacts for reporting concerns.

7. Reporting

ALL suspected incidents and/or concerns, regardless of their apparent significance, must be reported to and investigated by the DSL, or a DDSL in the absence of the DSL. There is no requirement for certainty when concerned about a safeguarding issue. Speaking up promptly is always the priority.

7a. Situations Requiring Immediate Action

In the event of a life-threatening situation where someone is at immediate risk of harm, contact the Isle of Man Constabulary immediately by calling 999.

7b. Safeguarding Concerns Requiring Urgent Response (not life-threatening)

Share your concern with the DSL or DDSL at the earliest opportunity and within 4 hours. If none of the DSL or DDSL(s) are available, email your concern to the Connect Outdoors main email address with the subject line: FAO DSL URGENT SAFEGUARDING CONCERN.

7c. Safeguarding Concerns Not Requiring Immediate Emergency Response

Report to the DSL or DDSL at the earliest opportunity. Complete a Safeguarding Incident Form (Appendix 4) and submit it securely to the DSL.

Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers or Contracted Staff

An allegation covers any concern that a member of staff, volunteer or contractor may have:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed, or poses a risk of harm to, a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
• Behaved in a way that indicates unsuitability to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults.

The DSL will contact the relevant IoM authority as soon as possible and within 24 hours. It is not the responsibility of Connect Outdoors to investigate allegations against staff or volunteers – the relevant IoM statutory authority will investigate and report back.

Appendix 1 – Safeguarding Training

The following training requirements apply to all Connect Outdoors staff, volunteers and Trustees:

• All those with DSL and DDSL responsibility will undertake Level 3 safeguarding training (mandatory, every 3 years).
• Those with governance responsibility (Board Safeguarding Lead, Charity Director, Designated Safeguarding Trustee) will undertake Level 2 safeguarding training as a minimum (every 3 years), plus leadership-specific safeguarding training.
• All staff, freelancers and volunteers will undertake Level 1 safeguarding training (minimum annually).

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL(s): Level 3 — Every 3 years
Board of Trustees (Safeguarding Lead), Charity Director and Designated Safeguarding Trustee: Level 2 — Every 3 years
All staff, freelancers and volunteers: Level 1 — Every year (minimum)

Appendix 2 – Connect Outdoors Safeguarding Framework

The Connect Outdoors safeguarding framework operates across three integrated areas:

• Leadership and Governance: Board oversight, DSL/DDSL appointment, policy approval, quarterly reporting.
• Environment and Culture: safe recruitment, DBS checks, code of conduct, physical safety, culture of openness.
• Learning and Development: tiered training, annual updates, reflective practice, external agency collaboration.

The Safeguarding Action Team (SAT) sits at the centre of this framework, ensuring all three areas are actively maintained and that safeguarding is embedded across all Connect Outdoors activities.

Appendix 3 – Reporting Flowchart

1. Concern identified: Staff/volunteer identifies a safeguarding concern — All staff & volunteers.
2. Immediate danger? If immediate risk of harm – call 999 immediately — Any witness.
3. Report to DSL: Contact DSL or DDSL as soon as possible and within 4 hours for urgent concerns — All staff & volunteers.
4. DSL unavailable? Email urgent concern to Connect Outdoors main email address, marked FAO DSL URGENT SAFEGUARDING — Staff/volunteer.
5. Complete form: Complete Safeguarding Incident Form (Appendix 4). Do not delay reporting while waiting to complete form — Staff/volunteer & DSL.
6. DSL investigates: DSL categorises and investigates concern. Notifies relevant IoM authorities as required — DSL / DDSL.

Appendix 4 – Safeguarding Incident Form

Only complete this form when a safeguarding concern or incident is NOT a life-threatening situation requiring immediate action or reporting to the police.

The completed form must be submitted securely to the DSL. It must be password protected when sent by email, with the password shared in a separate email.

• Name of person raising concern
• Name of child, young person or vulnerable adult subject of concern
• Nature of concern (facts only – note if opinion)
• Date, time and location of incident or disclosure
• When was it first disclosed and to whom?
• Name and details of any witnesses
• Name of staff member (if concern is about a staff member)
• Supporting evidence (describe any physical signs, messages, clothing etc.)

Body Map: If physical abuse is suspected, please mark injuries on a body map diagram. A body map template is available from the DSL.

Signed: ______________________________ Print name: __________________________ Date: ________________________________

Appendix 5 – Guidelines for Staff and Volunteers Relating to Safeguarding

Staff and volunteers are required to report any incident of abuse or cause for concern arising in the course of their work. The following principles must be acknowledged and adhered to:

• Children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection.
• Everyone working in contact with children and vulnerable adults has a responsibility for their protection.
• Responsibility relating to concern for safety must be shared – do not act alone.
• Child protection depends on all staff/volunteers and all agencies working together.
• Child protection and safeguarding overrides confidentiality, family relationships and organisational hierarchy.
• Safeguarding is always the top priority. If a concern arises during programme delivery, it must be addressed immediately.
• If unsure, seek guidance from the DSL without delay.
• Do not delay referral to the appropriate IoM authority when this is the right course of action.

Induction

All newly appointed staff and volunteers will receive an induction that includes familiarisation with safeguarding procedures, child protection procedures, safeguarding responsibilities, boundaries of appropriate behaviour. All staff and volunteers will undertake at a minimum online Level 1 safeguarding training before or at the point of induction.

Photography and Consent

No photographs of participants may be taken without express permission from the adult, or from the responsible adult(s) in the case of children or young people.

Appendix 6 – Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Connect Outdoors is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all sensitive information, sharing it only with express consent and in accordance with the Isle of Man Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable guidance from the IoM Information Commissioner.

• Base information sharing decisions on considerations of the safety and wellbeing of the person and others who may be affected.
• Ensure information shared is necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely and secure.
• Keep a record of concerns, decisions made, what was shared, with whom and for what purpose.

Appendix 7 – Advice and Support (Isle of Man)

Children and Families Division, DHSC
Tel: 01624 686179 (office hours) | Out of hours: 01624 631212 | Childcarereferrals.DHSC@gov.im

Adult Social Care, DHSC
Tel: 01624 686179 (office hours) | Out of hours: 01624 631212

Adult Protection Team, Manx Care
Tel: 01624 685969

Isle of Man Constabulary
Non-emergency: 01624 631212 | Emergency: 999

Manx Care Mental Health Services
Tel: 01624 642860 | Emergency: 999

Noble’s Hospital (out of hours adult social worker)
Tel: +44 1624 650000

Douglas Police Station (out of hours child referral)
Tel: +44 1624 631212

IoM Safeguarding Board
safeguardingboard.co@gov.im | 01624 687365 | www.safeguardingboard.im

IoM Information Commissioner
www.inforights.im

IoM Government / DHSC
www.gov.im/dhsc

Recommended Adult-to-Child Ratios

• 1 adult to 3 children — 0–2 years
• 1 adult to 4 children — 2–3 years
• 1 adult to 6 children — 4–8 years
• 1 adult to 8 children — 9–12 years

These ratios are recommended minimums. Higher staffing ratios may be required depending on the nature of the activity, the environment, and the needs of the participants. Connect Outdoors will always assess the appropriate ratio for each programme.

Connect Outdoors Ltd | Registered Charity No. 1384 | Isle of Man Policy Version: 1.0 | Last Reviewed: 25 August 2026 | Next Review Due: 25 August 2027