Safeguarding Policy for Single Parents Friendship and Community UK CIC

Designated Safeguarding Lead (Community Contact):

• Krystal Edwards
• Email; spfcuk@outlook.com
• For urgent safeguarding concerns contact emergency services on 999

1. Introduction

Single Parents Friendship and Community UK is an online support group providing connection, friendship and peer support for single parents. Safeguarding the well being of our members especially children and vulnerable adults is central to our purpose and values.

This policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment both online and during in-person events.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

- All online members

- Group admins 

- Anyone participating in events, discussions or activities under the group name (online or offline)

3. Our Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to:

- Promoting a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.

- Protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse or exploitation.

- Taking safeguarding concerns seriously and responding appropriately.

4. Code of Conduct

All members must:

- Treat others with respect, kindness and understanding.

- Avoid sharing graphic, abusive or triggering content.

- Never post sexually explicit, harmful or exploitative content.

- Never arrange or encourage harmful, abusive or illegal activities.

- Respect privacy: Do not share other members’ personal information without consent.

- Avoid giving medical, legal or safeguarding advice unless qualified.

- Group admins reserve the right to remove any content or member that breaches this code.

5. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

If you are concerned that someone is at risk of harm online or at an event report it immediately to a group admin. All reports will be handled with sensitivity and where appropriate escalated to authorities.

Examples of concerns to report:

- Disclosure or suspicion of abuse or neglect.

- Inappropriate behaviour toward children or vulnerable adults.

- Harassment, threats or intimidation.

- Self-harm or suicidal posts.

- Unsafe or inappropriate behaviour at in person events.

Admins will:

- Take concerns seriously.

- Respond quickly and proportionately.

- Escalate to emergency services or safeguarding authorities if needed.

6. Safeguarding at Family Events and Meetups

We recognise the importance of community and connection and will organise and promote events where children are present.

All members attending events are required to complete our safe guarding form ( https://form.jotform.com/253084058842056 ) before attending. The information provided will be stored securely in line with GDPR and will only be used if needed for safeguarding or emergency purposes.

Responsibilities of Parents/Carers:

- Parents/carers remain responsible for their own children at all times.

- Children must not be left unattended or placed in the care of other attendees unless prior mutual consent is clearly given.

- Parents should ensure their children behave safely and respectfully to others.

Any concerns about another attendee’s behaviour must be reported to the event organiser or a group admin immediately.

Responsibilities of Event Organisers if children are present:

- Ensure the event venue is appropriate and safe for families.

- Remind parents that they are fully responsible for their children’s safety.

- Maintain a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour.

- Be prepared to ask attendees to leave if their behaviour jeopardises others’ safety or well being.

Prohibited Conduct at Events:

- Any form of abuse, bullying or harassment.

- Use of inappropriate or sexually explicit language.

- Consumption of drugs or alcohol in a way that endangers others.

- Leaving children in the care of another adult without their consent.

Events are designed to build safe supportive friendships. We ask all attendees to help create a warm, respectful and safe space for each other and our children.

7. Online Group Safety

SPFC offers optional online community spaces through third party platforms such as Facebook, Teams and Whatsapp to help members to connect and build friendships. These spaces are designed to be supportive and respectful but members should be aware that SPFC cannot monitor private conversations or control interactions that take place outside of admin managed spaces.

When joining Whatsapp group chats members should be aware that their phone number, name and profile photo may be visible to others within that chat. Participation in these spaces is always voluntary.

Members are encouraged to:

• Only share personal information that they feel comfortable sharing 
• Avoid moving conversations to private messages unless they feel safe to do so
• Report and concerns, inappropriate behaviour or safeguarding concerns to the admin team immediately.

SPFC is committed to creating safe spaces but cannot be responsible for the actions of individuals.

8. Support and Signposting

We are a peer support group and not a crisis service. For safeguarding emergencies or professional support please contact:

NSPCC (Child Protection) – 0808 800 5000

Childline (for young people) – 0800 1111

Samaritans (Mental health support) – 116 123

Police or Emergency Services – 999

9. Public Liability Insurance

Single Parents Friendship and Commmunity UK CIC holds a £5m Public Liability Insurance and appropriate cover for volunteers at events

10. Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as the group grows.

Last updated: 21/01/2026