Safeguarding Policy 2026

Safeguarding Policy : Children and Vulnerable Adults  : Version 2 : April 2026

1. Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival and Aims

1. Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival (KFF) CIC was set up in 2023 with three main aims:
   1. To provide an accessible and inclusive arts festival, and associated events, that primarily takes place every September in Kirkcudbright.
   2. To contribute to Kirkcudbright as a community which values and champions arts, culture, ideas and human imagination, and to prioritise diversity, innovation and inclusion – including of local talent and organisations.

• To create cultural job opportunities in Kirkcudbright over time through creating a successful Fringe Festival model and organisation that requires a range of funded posts to sustain and develop it.

2. Summary of Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival (KFF) CIC’s Safeguarding Policy

1. Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival (KFF) CIC programmes events and activities intended to appeal to all parts of the community including children, young people and vulnerable adults.
2. KFF CIC Directors wish to provide and promote an environment that protects children, young people and vulnerable adults.
3. KFF CIC has a responsibility to promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, to keep them safe and to work in a way that protects them.

3. Purpose and Scope
   1. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults who are engaging in the KFF.
   2. It applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of the organisation.
   3. A “child” refers to child or young person under the age of 18.
   4. A “vulnerable adult” refers to someone over the age of 18 who needs care and support; or who is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect as a result of any care and support needs; or is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.

2. Legal and Policy Framework (Scotland)
   This policy is informed by relevant Scottish legislation and guidance, including:

• Children (Scotland) Act 1995
• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (PVG Scheme)
• Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) approach
• National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland

3. Our Commitment
   We are committed to:

• Protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Creating a safe and inclusive environment
• Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns
• Promoting children’s rights, wellbeing, and participation

4. Definitions of Abuse
   Abuse can take several forms, including:

• Physical abuse: causing physical harm
• Emotional abuse: persistent emotional ill-treatment
• Sexual abuse: involving a child in sexual activity
• Neglect: failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs

5. Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Child Protection Officer (DCPO):
  Responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, liaising with statutory agencies, and ensuring compliance.
• Staff and Volunteers:
  Must follow this policy, complete training where it has been identified as necessary, and report concerns immediately.
• Management/Trustees:
  Ensure safe recruitment, adequate training, and policy review.

6. Safe Recruitment
   We will:

• Carry out PVG checks where required
• Obtain references and verify identity
• Ensure role descriptions include safeguarding responsibilities

7. Code of Conduct
   All staff and volunteers must:

• Treat children and vulnerable adults with respect and dignity
• Avoid inappropriate physical or verbal behaviour
• Maintain appropriate boundaries
• Never be alone with a child or vulnerable adult in a closed or unobservable setting unless necessary and authorised
• Use digital communication responsibly

8. Responding to Concerns
   If a child or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk, contact emergency services (999).
   Otherwise:

• Record concerns accurately and promptly
• Report to the DCPO without delay
• Do not promise confidentiality
• Follow local child protection procedures

9. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis in line with data protection laws and safeguarding responsibilities.

The safety of the child is the primary concern.

10. 1 Training and Awareness
    All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role, including induction and regular updates.
11. Managing Allegations Against Staff
    Any concerns about staff or volunteers will be taken seriously and handled in line with national guidance. This may include suspension and referral to relevant authorities.
12. Online Safety
    We will implement measures to safeguard children in digital environments, including appropriate supervision, filtering, and guidance on safe online behaviour.
13. Review of Policy
    This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation or organisational structure.
14. Contacts

• Designated Child Protection Officer: Sandra Mitchell – 07969 755118
• Local Social Work Services: Dumfries and Galloway:    Telephone: 030 33 33 3001 (including out of hours calls)
  Email: accessteam@dumgal.gov.uk
• Police Scotland: 101 (non-emergency) / 999 (emergency)

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Next Review Date: April 2027