Date: 15 May 2026

1. Statement of Commitment
   The Funding Network (TFN) is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and rewarding environment for everyone who engages with our work -whether as staff, trustees, volunteers, event participants, speakers, or donors.
   We bring people together to share ideas, experiences, and perspectives, including on complex and sensitive issues. We believe this can only be done well where individuals feel safe, respected, and able to engage openly.
   Safeguarding in this context includes not only physical safety, but also emotional and psychological wellbeing.
   We encourage all those involved in TFN to approach situations with thoughtfulness and a willingness to consider both intent and impact.

2. Safeguarding Framework
   To support a safe environment across all areas of our work, TFN maintains:
   - A risk register to identify and mitigate safeguarding and organisational risks
   - A staff handbook outlining safe working practices and clear routes for raising concerns
   - Proportionate due diligence in the selection of partner organisations, speakers, and grant recipients
   - A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) on the Board, providing a confidential point of contact
   
   

SECTION A: SAFEGUARDING AT EVENTS AND EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES
This section applies to TFN events, programmes, and external-facing activities, including attendees, speakers, donors, and partners.

3. Nature of Activities and Safeguarding Context
   TFN delivers events and activities that may involve:
   - Discussion of challenging or sensitive topics
   - Contributions from individuals with lived experience of complex or traumatic issues
   - Mixed audiences (donors, professionals, community participants, and occasionally young people)
   - Environments where alcohol is served

   
   We recognise that:
   - Some attendees may be vulnerable, including beneficiaries of represented organisations
   - Participants may experience content differently depending on background and lived experience
   - Individuals may feel uncomfortable or out of place in formal or corporate environments
   
   

   Our safeguarding approach is proportionate and grounded in these realities.

   
   

4. Young People and Vulnerable Attendees
   TFN does not provide direct supervision of children or young people.
   
   

   However:
   - Young people may attend events (e.g. through families or schools)
   - Vulnerable individuals, including charity beneficiaries, may be present
   
   

   We will:
   - Maintain an environment appropriate for mixed audiences

   - Provide content warnings where appropriate
   - Encourage informed participation
   
   

   Parents, carers, or responsible adults remain responsible for those in their care.

   
   

5. Speakers, Content, and Representation
   TFN works with speakers, including individuals sharing lived experience.
   We will:
   - Provide guidance on audience context
   - Encourage use of content warnings where appropriate
   - Support respectful and appropriate presentation of material

   
   Use of Images and Case Material
   - Personal material must be used with informed consent
   - Particular care must be taken when representing vulnerable individuals
   - Dignity, privacy, and context must always be respected

   
   

6. Photography and Media at Events
   TFN recognises that events may involve photography and media capture.
   We will:
   - Inform attendees where photography may take place
   - Encourage consent before capturing or sharing identifiable images
   - Take reasonable steps to respect attendee preferences

   
   

7. Donor and Participant Confidentiality
   TFN is committed to protecting personal information.
   We will:
   - Handle data in line with data protection requirements
   - Respect anonymity requests where appropriate
   - Not share identifiable information without consent, unless required for safeguarding or legal reasons

   
   

8. Respectful Dialogue and Conduct
   TFN fosters an environment of open, respectful dialogue.
   We recognise that:
   - Questions may be imperfect but well-intentioned
   - Lived experience affects how contributions are received
   - Misunderstandings may arise
   We aim to:
   - Enable honest, good-faith discussion
   - Ensure contributors feel respected
   - Support inclusive and constructive dialogue
   Where needed:
   - Facilitators may guide or reframe discussions
   - Action may be taken where behaviour becomes inappropriate
   All participants are expected to:
   - Treat others with respect and dignity
   - Be mindful of the impact of their words
   - Respect personal boundaries

   
   

9. Raising Safeguarding Concerns at Events
   Concerns may include:
   - Distress caused by content or interactions
   - Inappropriate or harmful behaviour
   - Situations where someone feels unsafe
   Reporting
   Concerns may be raised with:
   - Event staff or organisers
   - The Designated Safeguarding Lead
   Response
   TFN will:
   - Listen and respond sensitively
   - Take proportionate action
   - Escalate where necessary
   
   

   SECTION B: SAFEGUARDING WITHIN THE ORGANISATION
   This section applies to TFN staff, trustees, and volunteers, and to the internal working environment.

   
   

10. . Internal Safeguarding Commitment
    TFN is committed to a working culture where individuals:
    - Feel safe, respected, and able to speak up
    - Are not subject to harmful, exclusionary, or inappropriate behaviour
    - Can raise concerns without fear of negative consequences

    
    

11. Understanding Safeguarding Risks Internally
    We recognise that risks may arise from:
    - Differences in background, culture, or lived experience
    - Power dynamics (e.g. seniority or influence)
    - Misjudged behaviour or language, even without harmful intent

    
    

12. Our Approach
    We aim to:
    - Promote psychological safety and mutual respect
    - Address concerns early and proportionately
    - Support all individuals involved
    Concerns may be raised through:
    - Line management
    - The Designated Safeguarding Lead
    All concerns will be handled sensitively and fairly.

    
    

13. Safeguarding Concerns (Internal)
    TFN takes all concerns seriously.
    We will:
    - Listen without judgement
    - Respond proportionately
    - Take appropriate action where required

    
    

14. Designated Safeguarding Lead
    A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is appointed from the Board.
    The DSL:
    - Acts as a confidential contact
    - Oversees safeguarding concerns
    - Supports policy implementation and review

    
    

15. Safer Recruitment
    TFN is committed to safer recruitment practices, including where appropriate:
    - Identity verification
    - Employment history and references
    - Right to work checks
    - DBS checks for relevant roles

    
    

16. Serious Incident Reporting
    TFN will report serious incidents to the Charity Commission where required.
    A serious incident includes events that result in or risk:
    - Harm to individuals
    - Loss of funds or assets
    - Damage to the organisation’s work or reputation
    
    

    Potential criminal matters will be reported to appropriate authorities.

17. Review and Monitoring
    TFN will:
    - Review this policy regularly
    - Monitor guidance from Government and the Charity Commission
    - Include safeguarding in onboarding for staff, trustees, and members
    
    

    
    

    Approval
    This policy was approved by the Board of Trustees of The Funding Network:
    Date: 28 April 2026

    Signed: Anja Batista Sonksen (Acting Chair)