Child Protection Policy Statement
Young Ambassadors acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and requirements.
The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all children
- have a positive and enjoyable experience of sport in a safe and child centred environment
- are protected from abuse whilst participating in activities provided by our organisation.
Young Ambassadors acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
As part of our safeguarding policy, Young Ambassadors will
- promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
- ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people
- ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
- ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
- prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
- ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation.
Entry Training on the Child Protection Policy (CPP)
All staff members, volunteers, interns, and external collaborators involved in activities with children and young people are required to receive mandatory entry training on the Child Protection Policy (CPP) prior to the start of their engagement.
The training includes an overview of safeguarding principles, roles and responsibilities, acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, reporting and referral procedures, data protection and informed consent, and online safety.
Participation in the entry training is documented, and refresher trainings are organised periodically or when policy updates occur.
The policy and procedures will be widely promoted and are mandatory for everyone involved at Young Ambassadors, either as a member of permanent staff, an associate or volunteer. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.
Code of Conduct – Unacceptable Behaviours When Working with Children
The consortium applies a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate behaviour towards children and young people. The following behaviours are strictly prohibited when working with children:
- Any form of physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect
- Sexualised language, gestures, jokes, or comments
- One-to-one interactions in isolated or unobservable settings
- Use of alcohol or drugs during activities involving children
- Providing gifts, money, or favours directly to children
- Discriminatory, humiliating, intimidating, or degrading behaviour
- Sharing personal contact details or communicating through private, unmonitored channels
- Taking or sharing photos, videos, or personal data without prior informed consent
All staff and representatives are required to sign the Code of Conduct before engaging in project activities.
Safe Recruitment Procedures
Safe recruitment procedures are applied for all positions involving contact with children and young people. These procedures include:
- Clear role descriptions with safeguarding responsibilities
- Screening of applications and structured interviews, including safeguarding-related questions
- Verification of references, including suitability to work with children
- Criminal record checks or equivalent vetting in accordance with national legislation, where applicable
- Mandatory signing of the Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct prior to engagement
Recruitment decisions and vetting documentation are recorded and stored securely.
Data Protection, Privacy and Informed Consent
All personal data related to children and young people are processed in line with GDPR and relevant national data protection legislation.
The consortium ensures that:
- Only the minimum necessary personal data is collected
- Data is stored securely and accessed strictly on a need-to-know basis
- Youth-friendly information is provided on how data will be used
- Informed consent is obtained from children and/or parents or legal guardians prior to participation, data collection, photography, video recording, or publication of materials
- Consent can be withdrawn at any time without negative consequences
Reporting Procedures
All staff, volunteers, and representatives have a duty to report immediately any suspicion, concern, disclosure, or allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child.
Reports must be made to the designated Child Protection Responsible (DSL) within the partner organisation. In cases of immediate risk, reports are escalated without delay to relevant child protection authorities, in line with national legislation.
Confidentiality is respected, but safeguarding concerns override confidentiality obligations.
Complaint and Feedback Mechanism
Children, young people, parents, staff, and partners have access to a safe and confidential complaint mechanism.
Complaints or concerns related to child safety or inappropriate behaviour can be submitted verbally or in writing to the designated Child Protection Responsible or through organisational contact channels.
All complaints are handled seriously, promptly, and impartially, with appropriate follow-up actions taken and documented, while ensuring protection from retaliation.
Monitoring
The policy will be reviewed a year after development and then every three years, or in the following circumstances:
- changes in legislation and/or government guidance
- as a result of any other significant change or event.
Last reviewed January 2026, Nis, Serbia
