Safeguarding Policy

Seal Research Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We believe everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and protected from harm.

We take safeguarding seriously across all our activities, including research, training, events and public engagement. All trustees, staff, volunteers and partners working with or on behalf of Seal Research Trust are expected to act in line with our safeguarding policies and procedures.

Any safeguarding concerns are handled promptly, sensitively and in accordance with UK safeguarding legislation and best practice.

If you have a safeguarding concern or would like more information, please contact us at: seals@sealresearchtrust.org

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Seal Research Trust, including but not limited to:

  • Research activities

  • Public engagement, education and outreach

  • Training courses, events and talks

  • Online activities, meetings and communications

  • Fieldwork and community engagement

This policy applies to:

  • Trustees

  • Employees

  • Volunteers

  • Freelancers and contractors

  • Partner organisations acting on our behalf

Definitions

  • Child or young person: anyone under the age of 18

  • Adult at risk: a person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, illness, disability, mental health issues or other vulnerability

  • Safeguarding: protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect

Our Safeguarding Principles

Seal Research Trust is guided by the following principles:

  • Everyone has the right to be safe and protected from harm

  • The welfare of children and adults at risk is paramount

  • All concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly

  • Safeguarding responsibilities are shared and clearly communicated

  • We work in line with UK safeguarding legislation and best practice

Types of Abuse and Harm

Safeguarding concerns may relate to, but are not limited to:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

  • Sexual abuse or exploitation

  • Neglect

  • Financial or material abuse

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Online or digital abuse

  • Harassment, bullying or coercion

Roles and Responsibilities

Trustees

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate safeguarding policies, procedures and practices are in place and reviewed regularly.

Safeguarding Lead

Seal Research Trust will appoint a Safeguarding Lead responsible for:

  • Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns

  • Ensuring concerns are recorded and escalated appropriately

  • Liaising with statutory agencies where required

  • Ensuring safeguarding training and awareness

Staff, Volunteers and Partners

All individuals working with or on behalf of Seal Research Trust must:

  • Follow this safeguarding policy and related procedures

  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect

  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately

  • Never assume someone else will report a concern

Safer Working Practices

We are committed to creating safe environments and interactions. This includes:

  • Avoiding situations where individuals are alone with children or adults at risk wherever possible

  • Maintaining professional boundaries at all times

  • Using appropriate, respectful language and behaviour

  • Ensuring online meetings and communications are conducted safely

  • Obtaining consent for photography, filming or recording

  • Risk assessing activities involving the public or vulnerable groups

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or adult at risk:

  1. Act immediately if someone is in danger – call emergency services (999).

  2. Report the concern as soon as possible to the Safeguarding Lead.

  3. Record the concern factually, including dates, times and what was observed or disclosed.

Do not:

  • Investigate the concern yourself

  • Promise confidentiality

  • Delay reporting

All concerns will be handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with data protection legislation.

Responding to Disclosures

If someone discloses abuse or harm to you:

  • Listen calmly and without judgement

  • Reassure them they were right to speak up

  • Do not ask leading questions

  • Explain that you may need to share the information to keep them safe

  • Report the disclosure immediately

Confidentiality and Data Protection

Safeguarding information will be shared only on a need-to-know basis and in line with data protection laws. Confidentiality will never prevent action being taken where there is a risk of harm.

Online Safety

Seal Research Trust recognises the importance of online safeguarding. We take steps to ensure:

  • Safe use of online platforms for meetings and training

  • Appropriate moderation of online spaces

  • Clear guidance on professional digital conduct

  • Prompt action on inappropriate or harmful online behaviour

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Any allegations of harm or inappropriate behaviour by someone working on behalf of Seal Research Trust will be taken seriously and managed promptly, fairly and transparently, with appropriate referrals to external agencies where necessary.

Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed at least every two years, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, guidance or organisational activity.

Contact

If you have safeguarding concerns or questions about this policy, please contact: seals@sealresearchtrust.org