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Safeguarding policy

Investment20/20 Safeguarding Policy

Section One: Introduction to Investment20/20 and our Safeguarding Policy


Investment20/20 has a commitment and responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and keep them safe. This policy applies to anyone working at/on behalf of the Investment Association and Investment20/20, including employees from member firms who are involved in Investment20/20 or related activities. Investment20/20 regularly reviews safeguarding knowledge, policies and procedures.

1.1 About Investment20/20 and who we support

Investment20/20 helps people find out about careers in investment management. We work with schools, colleges, universities and community groups to enable people to find out about careers in investment management and to help them navigate their way to entry level roles.

a. The organisations we support
We work with:

  • Schools, colleges and universities
  • Youth work and community organisations.
  • Our work takes place in a group format, supervised by the teacher/appropriate adult in a school, college, university or other relevant setting.

 

b. The groups we support

  • We work with sixth form students and older in the education settings outlined above.
  • The students are 16-year-olds and older, who are in school, college or university, or are part of a group of young people supported by a youth/community organisation.
  • We rarely work with under 16-year-olds, although may do occasionally, and only in a setting as outlined above.
  • We only work at group level, not individual or one to one level.

 

c. How we support organisations and their groups

  • Delivery of careers workshops in schools, colleges, universities, community venues, and employer venues. The teacher/appropriate responsible adult from the education provider or organisation is always in attendance.
  • Through our longer-term programmes where we engage with people on an ongoing basis, in group work settings. All these people are aged 16 and above. The activities are run via schools, colleges, universities community venues and employer venues. The teacher/appropriate responsible adult from the education provider or organisation is always in attendance.
  • Delivery of workplace visits to our employer member premises, for groups of students in sixth form, and always accompanied and supervised by their teacher/appropriate adult.
  • Delivery of virtual activities such as online sessions and webinars, delivered in partnership with employers and industry speakers. The teacher/appropriate responsible adult from the education provider or organisation is always in attendance.

1.2 The purpose of this policy

This policy:

a. Outlines good practice guidelines.
b. Expresses the commitment of Investment20/20 to safeguarding and child protection.
c. Ensures the commitment to safe recruitment for the Investment20/20 team.
d. Ensures that all adults who work with or alongside Investment20/20 are aware of the structured response procedure for safeguarding concerns.
e. Provides links to relevant sources of information to ensure that all adults who work with Investment20/20 have a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

1.3 Our Safeguarding principles

At the centre of our practice are the following principles:

a. The welfare of the child is paramount.
b. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk and has a role to play in sharing information and identifying concerns.
c. All participants have the right to be safe regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, race, faith, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.
d. Safeguarding concerns must be acted upon promptly.
e. Investment20/20 operates an “it could happen here” approach to safeguarding.

1.4 Legislation

Investment20/20’s safeguarding policy and arrangements are informed by:

a. Children Act 1989
b. Children Act 2004
c. Equality Act 2010
d. Care Act 2014
e. Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
f. Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
g. Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
h. Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025/26 edition)
i. NSPCC safeguarding guidance and good practice resources: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/england.

Section Two: Types of Abuse

2.1 Types of abuse

It is important for any all people involved in working with Investment20/20 to have a good understanding of types of abuse. Everyone has a role in identifying signs of abuse. The types of abuse that may occur are extensive.

The safeguarding policy wraps up all types of abuse as outlined by the NSPCC (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/).

Abuse/Risk

  • Physical Abuse

Deliberately causing physical harm to a child or young person.

  • Emotional Abuse

Persistent emotional maltreatment affecting a child’s emotional development and self-worth.

  • Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing a child to participate in sexual activities, whether or not the child understands what is happening.

  • Neglect

Persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs.

  • Domestic Abuse

Exposure to abusive behaviour between adults within the home or family setting.

  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Abuse where a child is manipulated or coerced into sexual activity in exchange for something.

  • County Lines

Criminal exploitation involving the movement of drugs or money across areas using children.

  • Grooming

Building a relationship with a child to manipulate or abuse them.

  • Online Abuse

Abuse occurring through digital platforms, social media, games or messaging services.

  • Bullying and Cyberbullying

Repeated intentional behaviour causing physical or emotional harm.

  • Child Trafficking

Recruiting, transporting or harbouring children for exploitation.

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Procedures intentionally altering or injuring female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

  • Non-Recent Abuse

Abuse that occurred in the past but is disclosed later.

2.2 Online Safeguarding

Investment20/20 recognises that abuse can occur online as well as in person. Children and young people may be exposed to risks including online grooming, sexual exploitation, bullying, harassment, exposure to inappropriate content, coercion, and criminal exploitation through digital platforms. To promote online safety, Investment20/20 will:

a. Ensure appropriate supervision of online sessions and events.
b. Never permit responses to one-to-one private messaging between staff/volunteers and young people on any social media platform.
c. Encourage member firms, volunteers and participants to report any online safeguarding concerns immediately.
d. Respond promptly to concerns relating to online abuse, exploitation, harmful content, cyberbullying or inappropriate contact.
e. Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities in online environments.

Any concerns relating to online safety will be managed in accordance with this Safeguarding Policy reporting procedures.

All staff, speakers, ambassadors, speakers and partner organisations must maintain appropriate professional boundaries during a virtual/online session. Investment20/20 has in place clear guidelines and good practice:

a. A member of staff, speaker, ambassador or speaker will never be by themselves without a teacher/alternative member of staff from the education provider or organisation.
b. The Speaker Briefing, which takes place in person, includes best practice on communicating online.
c. The Speaker Code of Conduct (section 11) outlines the do’s, don’t and expectations related to online communication.

Private or personal contact with participants through personal social media accounts, messaging applications or other unauthorised platforms is not permitted as outlined in the Code of Conducts (section 11).

Any online safeguarding concern, suspicious online behaviour, inappropriate communication, image-sharing incident or concern relating to grooming, radicalisation, extremism, AI-generated content or impersonation must be reported immediately in accordance with this policy’s safeguarding reporting procedures. Investment20/20 will take reasonable steps to promote safe online practices, support participants to raise concerns and work with education providers, employers and appropriate agencies where safeguarding concerns are identified. This includes ensuring that online safety is considered as part of the planning and delivery of all virtual activities.

2.3 Safeguarding for the Investment20/20 Alumni and Trainee LinkedIn Group

The Investment20/20 Alumni and Trainee LinkedIn Group is a closed group and by invite only. Individuals need to be accepted into this group by the Investment20/20 team, and it is only for current trainees or alumni. This is not a public group.

All members of this LinkedIn group have a responsibility to contact Investment20/20 should they have concerns for an individual’s safety or welfare based on a comment posted on the LinkedIn group.

If a concern is identified and reported, we will act in accordance with the guidance outlined in this Safeguarding Policy. In addition, we will:

  • Save the comment but remove from public view.
  • Contact the HR department of the person who commented to raise our concerns.
  • Record our concerns in our safeguarding records as outlined in this Safeguarding Policy.

2.4 Building awareness of staff and speakers on abuse types

a. It is the responsibility of each Investment20/20 member of staff to ensure they have completed the NSPCC Introduction to Safeguarding course every three years.
b. All members of staff from a partner firm that may speak at a group session are signposted to the NSPCC website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/ which is also referred to in our Speaker Code of Conduct.

All members of this LinkedIn group have a responsibility to contact Investment20/20 should they have concerns for an individual’s safety or welfare based on a comment posted on the LinkedIn group.

If a concern is identified and reported, we will act in accordance with the guidance outlined in this Safeguarding Policy. In addition, we will:

  • Save the comment but remove from public view.
  • Contact the HR department of the person who commented to raise our concerns.
  • Record our concerns in our safeguarding records as outlined in this Safeguarding Policy.

Section three: Adult safeguarding and vulnerable young adults

Investment20/20 recognises that whilst many safeguarding duties relate specifically to children under the age of 18, some participants aged 18 and over may be vulnerable due to their circumstances, personal experiences, disability, mental health needs, learning difficulties, care experience, exploitation, or other factors that may increase their risk of harm. Investment20/20 is committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing, dignity and welfare of all participants, including young adults who may be vulnerable.

Investment20/20 will:

a. Create a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all participants.
b. Take all concerns, disclosures or allegations of harm seriously, regardless of the age of the individual involved.
c. Act promptly when concerns are raised about abuse, exploitation, neglect, coercion, harassment, bullying, discrimination or inappropriate conduct.
d. Share information with relevant agencies where there is a risk of significant harm and where it is lawful and appropriate to do so.
e. Ensure staff, volunteers, mentors and representatives of member firms understand their responsibilities for safeguarding all participants.
f. Promote online safety and safe professional boundaries during in-person and virtual activities.

3.1 Types of Harm Affecting Young Adults

Investment20/20 recognises that participants aged 18 and over may experience:

a. Emotional or psychological abuse.
b. Physical abuse.
c. Sexual abuse, harassment or exploitation.
d. Coercive or controlling behaviour.
e. Domestic abuse.
f. Online abuse and cyberbullying.
g. Financial exploitation.
h. Criminal exploitation, including county lines activity.
i. Discriminatory abuse.
j. Neglect or self-neglect.
k. Grooming and manipulation.

These harms may occur in educational, workplace, social, family or online environments

Reporting Concerns

Any member of staff, volunteer, mentor, participant or member firm representative who has concerns about the welfare or safety of a participant should report their concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Where there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services should be contacted without delay. Investment20/20 will respond to concerns in a timely, proportionate and person-centred manner, taking account of the individual’s wishes, rights, wellbeing and safety, whilst recognising that safeguarding concerns may require information sharing and escalation to appropriate agencies.

Section 4: Safer Recruitment, DBS Checks and Safeguarding Training

Investment20/20 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. As part of this commitment, appropriate recruitment checks, safeguarding training and ongoing monitoring are undertaken to ensure that all staff are suitable to work within our programmes and activities..

4.1 Recruitment and background checks

As part of the recruitment process, The Investment AssociationInvestment20/20 undertakes the following checks, depending on the nature of the role:

a. Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check, including a Barred List check, for staff in England whose role involves regular or frequent engagement with children and young people.
b. Enhanced DBS Check (without a Barred List check) for staff in England whose role includes occasional engagement or advisory support involving young people.
c. Basic DBS Check for staff in England whose role does not involve direct engagement with young people.
d. Basic Disclosure Scotland Check for staff based in, or recruited through, Scotland.

The level of disclosure required will be determined according to the responsibilities and safeguarding risk associated with the role.

4.2 Renewal of checks

To ensure safeguarding records remain current, staff holding an Enhanced DBS certificate must either:

a. Maintain membership of the DBS Update Service; or
b. Undertake a new Enhanced DBS check every three years.
c. Staff requiring a Basic DBS or Disclosure Scotland check must undertake a new check every three years.

The HR department at The Investment Association maintains a central safeguarding record to monitor the status and renewal dates of all required checks.

4.3 Safeguarding Training

All staff are required to:

a. Read and understand this Safeguarding Policy, updated versions and associated procedures.
b. Confirm their commitment to comply with the policy.
c. Complete the NSPCC Introduction to Safeguarding online training course.
d. Refresh safeguarding training every three years, or sooner where legislative, regulatory or organisational changes require.

Training completion and renewal dates are monitored and recorded centrally.

4.4 Induction Requirements

As part of their induction, all new staff members must:

a. Complete the appropriate DBS or Disclosure Scotland check.
b. Read and confirm compliance with the Safeguarding Policy.
c. Complete mandatory safeguarding training.
d. Familiarise themselves with safeguarding reporting and escalation procedures.

All adults working on behalf of Investment20/20, including employees, contractors, volunteers, mentors and representatives of member firms, are expected to follow the safeguarding principles, responsibilities and good practice standards set out in this policy.

4.5 Role of the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

Investment20/20 has a DSO. An Investment20/2- the role of the DSO is to:

a. Lead the review of the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conducts twice a year or whenever needed
b. Lead the review of good practice across all activities
c. Laise with school, college, university and other organisations DSO’s
d. Maintain records of concern
e. Maintain staff training records
f. Liaise with member firms in the event of a disclosure
g. Liaise with statutory agencies and LADO’s in the event of a concern/disclosure

Section five: Safeguarding arrangements for speakers from Investment20/20 member firms

Speakers from Investment20/20 member firms will not take part in a virtual or face to face session without the supervision of an Investment20/20 member of staff and teacher/other professional from the organisation arranging the session.

a. DBS or equivalent
Speakers from Investment20/20 member firms are not subject to DBS checks as they are always supervised by teachers/appropriate adult and a DBS approved, and they do not have any ongoing contact with young people.
b. Speakers Code of Conduct
Any speaker who takes part in an Investment20/20 activity, in any format, must complete a Speaker Code of Conduct (see section 11). The Speaker Code of Conduct is completed once for an academic year and must be re-completed for each academic year.
c. Speakers briefing on safeguarding practice
All speakers are required to attend a briefing in advance of an Investment20/20 session, no matter what format of the activity – virtual, in the education provider or on the employer premises. The briefing includes a review of the Speaker Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy in addition to a Q&A.
d. Reminders of good practice
For each activity, the speaker receives a diary planner and confirmation email which has a link to the Safeguarding Policy and the Speaker Code of Conduct.

Section six: Good practice guidelines for sessions and activities

All adults working with Investment20/20, in whatever capacity including Speakers, should demonstrate exemplary behaviour. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and environment. These examples and guidelines apply to face to face and virtual delivery.

6.1 Always do:

a. Always prioritise the welfare of each young person.
b. Always work in an open environment, avoiding private situations.
c. Always make sure that you are never by yourself on a virtual session. Always ensure there is a member of education provider staff is present.
d. Treat all people with respect and dignity
e. Maintain an appropriate emotional and physical distance from participants.
f. Ensure the participants are in a space with other people around – never be in a room alone with a participant. Keep doors open and blinds up.
g. Be an excellent role model e.g. not smoking/drinking in the company of a participant.
h. Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism.
i. Follow the hosting organisation’s procedure for administering first aid and report in line with the hosting organisation’s/venue’s policy and procedure and inform Investment20/20.
j. Check your social media accounts to ensure that no participants from the event have ‘followed’ you. If they have, delete/remove them and check your social media settings and report to Investment20/20 and your HR representative.
k. Report any incidents (section 11).

6.2 Do not under no circumstances:

a. Engage in rough physical or sexually provocative games.
b. Allow or engage in any form of touching (e.g. consoling arm if the student is upset).
c. Allow participants on Investment20/20 events to use inappropriate language unchallenged.
d. Say or do anything that might be interpreted as aggressive or hostile.
e. Do things of a personal nature for participants at an Investment20/20 event that they can do for themselves.
f. Take a participant in a car or accompany on a journey, e.g., after a careers event.
g. Make sexually suggestive, discriminatory, offensive or violent comments to participants.
h. Never meet participants outside of the specific event.
i. Allow allegations made by participants during Investment20/20 events to go unchallenged, unrecorded or not acted upon.
j. Attempt to engage with a young person personally outside of the event.
k. Fail to report to Investment20/20 anything inappropriate that a participant does or says.
l. Communicate with any participant that has been at an Investment20/20 event (unless it is through the organisation official HR channel).
m. Connect with participants on any social media platform or accept connection request on social media platforms, including LinkedIn. If you have received a connection request from someone who you believe to be a participant from the event, please delete/decline the request and inform Investment20/20 and your HR representative.

6.3 Best practice guidelines for face-to-face events on the premises of an education provider/other organisation

a. Visits to education providers/other organisations are part of the Investment20/20 outreach strategy. These activities often occur in two forms, but are not restricted to just these:

  • A careers exhibition. The role of Investment20/20 is to talk to students who approach the stand about careers in investment management.
  • Delivering a workshop. This will be in a classroom style setting. The role of Investment20/20 is to deliver a talk about careers in investment management.

 

b. These types of activities are managed and supervised by the hosting organisation (education provider/other organisation). The hosting organisation is responsible for student welfare and safeguarding as the activities take place on their premises, but the Investment20/20 safeguarding policy also applies to all Investment20/20 staff and employees supporting from Investment20/20 member firms. The hosting organisation must always ensure there is a member of their staff in the room with the Investment20/20 representative.
c. These sessions fall under the safeguarding policy of the education provider/other organisation. This is made clear to the education provider/other organisation at the point of booking the session. The education provider/other organisation must agree to the terms outlined in the Investment20/20 Outreach Code of Conduct for Education Providers (section 11 ).
d. Speakers who attend these activities with Investment20/20 must complete a Speaker Code of Conduct.

  • They complete this once annually to cover all events that they attend with Investment20/20.
  • For each event that a speaker attends, they are sent an Outlook Diary Booking and a Confirmation Email, both of which has the Speaker Code of Conduct included, and confirmation email for each event.

6.4 Best practice guidelines for face-to-face events not on the premises of schools, colleges, universities, or other organisations (e.g., workplace visits)

a. Investment20/20 will only run events when organised in conjunction with the education provider/other organisation. A representative from the education provider/other organisation must always accompany participants.
b. The education provider/other organisation is responsible for informing Investment20/20 what they need to be in place regarding health and safety, dietary requirements and access requirements for young people.
c. The participants remain in the duty of care of the education provider/other organisation for the entire event. The education provider/other representative must take full responsibility for their participants safeguarding and welfare for the entire duration of the activity and follow their own organisation’s safeguarding policy, in addition to Investment20/20’s safeguarding policy. Investment20/20 accepts no responsibility for students at the events.
d. Activities that take place outside of the premises of an education provider/other organisation fall under the safeguarding policy of the education provider/other organisation.
e. The education provider and the hosting employer both complete a Workplace Visit Code of Conduct (section 11).
e. Speakers who attend these activities with Investment20/20 must complete a Speaker Code of Conduct.

  • They complete this once annually to cover all events that they attend with Investment20/20.
  • For each event that a speaker attends, they are sent an Outlook Diary Booking and a Confirmation Email, both of which has the Code of Conduct included, and confirmation email for each event

6.5 Best practice guidelines for virtually delivery, delivered in conjunction with an education provider/other organisation.

a. These sessions fall under the safeguarding policy of the education provider/other organisation. This is made clear to the education provider/other organisation at the point of booking the session. The education provider/other organisation must complete the Outreach Code of Conduct for Education Providers (section 11 ).
b. These are always group-based sessions. Investment20/20 and any employer speakers from Investment20/20 member firms join via an online platform and never join the session without a representative of the education provider/other organisation being present online.
c. These types of activities are managed and supervised by the hosting organisation (education provider/other organisation). The hosting organisation is responsible for student welfare and safeguarding as the activities take place, but the Investment20/20 safeguarding policy also applies to all Investment20/20 staff and employees supporting from Investment20/20 member firms. The hosting organisation must always ensure there is a member of their on the virtual session with the Investment20/20 representative.
d. These sessions will not be recorded, unless recorded by the education provider/other organisation.
e. Speakers who attend these activities with Investment20/20 must complete a Speaker Code of Conduct.

  • They complete this once annually to cover all events that they attend with Investment20/20.
  • For each event that a speaker attends, they are sent an Outlook Diary Booking and a Confirmation Email, both of which has the Speaker Code of Conduct included, and confirmation email for each event

Section seven: Good practice guidelines for communication methods

Investment20/20 remain committed to ensure safeguarding good practice takes across all communication including those on the telephone, email and social media.

7.1 Telephone

Any adult representing Investment20/20 must ensure that all communication is transparent and open to scrutiny. Investment20/20 staff must not make any phone call from any device to an individual participant.

7.2 Social media

Any adult representing Investment20/20 individuals (including staff, speakers from Investment20/20 member firms etc.) must not communicate with any participant following an event (unless it is through official HR communication systems) or connect with them on any social media platform, including LinkedIn.

a. LinkedIn – Investment20/20 staff
Investment20/20 staff must not seek nor accept a connection request on any social media platform, including LinkedIn from any participant resulting from an event. Investment20/20 staff contact details on LinkedIn must be hidden. If a connection request is received, it must be reported to the Investment20/20 Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately. The connection request must be ignored/deleted/declined.

b. LinkedIn – speakers from Investment20/20 firms
Speakers from Investment20/20 member firms must not seek contact with a participant connected with an Investment20/20 event nor accept a request to connect on any social media platform, including LinkedIn. If a connection request is received, it must be reported to the Investment20/20 Designated Safeguarding Officer immediately, and to the HR contact at the member firm. The connection request must be ignored/deleted/declined.

7.3 Email communication

a. Emails – Investment20/20 staff
There must not be any email communication that takes place on personal email accounts with any participant from any Investment20/20 event. A work email account must always be used. Teams and other messaging platforms must not be used. Participants must only be given the [email protected].

b. Emails – Speakers from Investment20/20 member firms
If an email is received from a participant connected to an Investment20/20 event, the speaker must not respond. Instead, the speaker must forward the email to their HR department and ask them to respond on behalf of your organisation. They should also inform Investment20/20 Designated Safeguarding Officer.

Section eight: Photography and film

Investment20/20 will take photos and films of speakers from Investment20/20 member firms at events. We will not take pictures of participants at the events.

Teachers/other representatives from education providers who are attending events with participants are asked to take group pictures and share over email with Investment20/20 if that complies with their own safeguarding policy and conduct.

The teacher/other representative from the education provider must complete the Investment20/20 Photo and Film Permission Form when they share photos or film with Investment20/20 following an activity. Photos or film should only be shared where this complies with the education provider’s own safeguarding policy, consent arrangements and conduct requirements.

Photos and film shared with Investment20/20 will only be used in line with the permissions confirmed in the completed Photo and Film Permission Form, including use on Investment20/20’s website, social media channels, newsletters or other communications where permission has been confirmed in advance. Investment20/20 will not tag, name or otherwise identify individual students unless explicit permission has been provided.

Photos and film shared by teachers/education provider representatives, where the completed Photo and Film Permission Form confirms permission, will be stored on the IA shared drive.

Section nine: Reporting concerns and allegations

Safeguarding concerns can arise in a variety of ways. They may be:

  • Reported directly by a participant.
  • Reported by someone else about a participant.
  • Something you see or hear about a participant.
  • Something you are told, see or hear about an adult.

 

An allegation would usually apply to concerns about an adult. If you think a child is in immediate danger, do not delay. Call the Police on 999 or the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 immediately. When concerns are reported, all adults working with Investment20/20 should follow the ‘Four Rs of Reporting’:

9.1. Recognise: Recognise signs, behaviours, disclosures or incidents that may indicate a safeguarding concern.

  • You must report any incidents including, but not limited to, the following:
  • You hurt, or you witness someone else hurting a person during an event, even if unintentionally.
  • You witness any inappropriate behaviour from anyone during an event.
  •  You witness, notice or are informed that a participant:

o seems distressed;
o mentions they are in danger;
o mentions they want to harm themselves or others;
o appears to be physically attracted to you or another adult;
o misunderstands or misinterprets something you have done;
o has not attended or has a lack of engagement which causes concern; or
o makes suggestive or inappropriate comments, either in person, online or using any other form of communication.

  • You become aware after an event that any of the above occurred or is a concern.
  • A participant attempts to connect with you on social media.

 

When a complaint is made about an individual involved in a participant’s work shadowing or work experience placement, Investment20/20 staff will speak with their key contact from the organisation concerned to review the evidence. The shadowing or placement must stop until the outcome is determined.

9.2 Respond

If a participant, employee, volunteer or any other individual shares a concern or disclosure with you:

  • For the person receiving the disclosure
    o Listen carefully and:
  • Give your full attention to the person and keep your body language open and encouraging.
  • Be compassionate, understanding and reassure them that their feelings are important.
  • Phrases such as “You’ve shown such courage today” can be helpful.

 

o Take your time and slow down:

  • Respect pauses and do not interrupt.
  • Allow the person to share information at their own pace.
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to their body language.
  • Remember that it may take several conversations for them to share what has happened.

 

o Show you understand and reflect back:

  • Make it clear that you are listening and interested in what they are telling you.
  • Reflect back what they have said to check your understanding.
  • Use their language to show it is their experience.

 

o You should also:

  • Not ask leading questions.
  • Be clear that you cannot guarantee confidentiality.
  • Explain that information will only be shared with people who need to know to help ensure their safety and wellbeing.
  • Inform the Investment20/20 immediately.

9.3 Record

All safeguarding concerns must be recorded accurately and promptly. You should:

  • Record the concern in writing using the exact words the person has used.
  • Record relevant details including:

o names;

o dates;

o times; and

o locations.

  • Record what was seen, heard or disclosed as factually as possible.
  • Avoid assumptions, opinions or interpretations.

9.3.1 Record keeping

Investment20/20 will keep a clear and comprehensive summary of any allegations made, details of how they were followed up, and details of any action taken and decisions reached. This information will be recorded on the Safeguarding Spreadsheet. All correspondence, including notes from phone calls and conversations, will be saved in the Safeguarding folder on the Investment20/20 shared drive. Investment20/20 will share safeguarding information with other agencies where appropriate and will seek consent to do so unless this would place the individual at greater risk. In all circumstances, the safety and welfare of the person concerned is paramount.

9.4 Report

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures, allegations and incidents must be reported immediately. Report to the Investment20/20 Safeguarding Lead Concerns should be reported to:

 

The disclosure should be reported as soon as possible. The following information should be provided:

  • The person’s details (name, age and address, where known).
  • What the person said or did that gave you cause for concern.
  • If a verbal disclosure was made, the individual’s exact words.
  • Any information the individual has provided about the alleged abuser.

9.4.1 Following a report

The Investment20/20 Safeguarding Lead:

  • Will review the information.
  • Will always pass concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Officer at the relevant education provider or partner organisation.
  • If the person is not connected to an education provider or partner organisation, Investment20/20 will notify the appropriate Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and/or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
  • Will record the disclosure on the Safeguarding Spreadsheet.
  • Will save all related correspondence within the Safeguarding folder.
  • Will record the last key action taken and identify who is responsible for continuing the investigation.

 

The education provider or partner organisation Safeguarding Lead:

  • Is responsible for taking appropriate action to address the concern.
  • Will determine whether referral to MASH and/or the Local Authority Designated Officer is required.
  • Will liaise with parents, carers or others where appropriate.
    If a participant sustains a physical injury during an event, work shadowing activity or work placement, run by Investment20/20, parents or carers should be informed immediately.
  • Depending on the person making the disclosure, it may also be necessary to notify:
  • The education provider’s Safeguarding Officer.
  • An employee’s manager or HR representative.
  • A speaker’s manager or HR representative.

 

Investment20/20’s role is to follow through on any agreed actions and provide assistance to external investigators where required.

9.5 Outcome of investigation

Investment20/20 will follow NSPCC guidance on managing allegations of abuse: NSPCC Managing Allegations Guidance.
If an allegation is substantiated:

  • Participation in Investment20/20 programme activities may be terminated.
  • Further action may be pursued by the relevant authorities.
  • The Investment Association will make any notifications required by law.
  • Where a criminal offence may have been committed, the Police and any other relevant bodies will be informed.

 

If an allegation is determined to be unfounded or malicious:

  • The Investment Association will notify the appropriate individuals or external bodies.
  • In the rare event that an allegation is found to have been deliberately invented or malicious, the Investment Association may ask the Police to consider whether further action is appropriate.

9.6 Disciplinary procedures

  • Investment20/20 Staff
    Where disciplinary action is taken against an Investment20/20 employee, it will be managed in accordance with The Investment Association’s Disciplinary Policy.
  • Representatives from Investment20/20 Member Firms
    Where the individual concerned is not an Investment20/20 employee, for example an employee of a member firm, responsibility for disciplinary action rests with their employer and will be managed in accordance with their own policies and procedures.

Section ten: External safeguarding contacts

  • NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000
  • Childline – 0800 1111
  • Police emergency: 999
  • Police non-emergency: 101

Section eleven: Additional Safeguarding Documents

In addition to its Safeguarding Policy, Investment20/20 has established several policies, procedures and codes of conduct to support the safe and effective delivery of its careers outreach activities. These documents set out the responsibilities, expectations and standards of behaviour for all individuals and organisations involved. They include the below.

  • Careers Outreach Code of Conduct for Education Providers
  • Speaker Code of Conduct
  • Workplace Visit: Education Provider Agreement
  • Workplace Visit: Employer Agreement
  • Work Experience (WEX) Code of Conduct for Education Providers
  • Work Experience (WEX) Code of Conduct for Employers

 

Please contact [email protected] for further information.

Section twelve: Investment20/20 contact

[email protected]