Safeguarding Policy

Purpose and scope

This policy applies to everyone who works with or on behalf of Quabit — founders, staff, board members, volunteers, partners and visitors at our activities.

Our principles

• The best interests of the child are the primary consideration.
• Every child and vulnerable adult has the right to protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
• We have zero tolerance for abuse. All concerns are taken seriously.

Legal framework

We follow Indian law, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Under POCSO, anyone who knows or suspects that a sexual offence against a child has been or may be committed must report it to the Special Juvenile Police Unit or the local police.

Designated safeguarding lead

Our designated safeguarding lead is [Name and contact of the designated safeguarding lead].

Safe recruitment

• Identity verification and at least two references for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.
• A signed self-declaration about any relevant criminal record.
• Safeguarding training before starting work with children.

Code of conduct

• At least two adults present during activities with children; no adult alone with a child out of sight of others.
• No private communication with children via phone, messaging apps or social media.
• No physical punishment, humiliating language or inappropriate physical contact.
• No gifts, money or favours to individual children.

Photos, stories and data

• Photos and stories are published only with informed consent — from a parent or guardian for children, together with the child's own agreement.
• We do not publish children's full names, schools, addresses or other identifying details.
• We avoid images that show people in distress or that could cause embarrassment.
• Personal information is stored securely and shared only when necessary to keep someone safe.

How to report a concern

1. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 112. For children, you can also call Childline on 1098.
2. Tell the designated safeguarding lead as soon as possible, or email support@quabit.in with “URGENT: Safeguarding concern” in the subject.
3. Write down what you saw or were told, in the person's own words, with the date and time.

If a child tells you about abuse: listen calmly, reassure them they were right to tell you, do not promise to keep it secret, and do not investigate yourself.

How we respond

Every concern is recorded and acted on promptly, including reporting to the authorities where required by law. A person who is the subject of an allegation may be asked to step back from activities while the concern is addressed. Anyone who raises a concern in good faith will be supported.

Review

This policy will be reviewed at least once a year, and after any serious incident.