Safeguarding at AGD Conglomerate CIC

Every child who takes part in AGD's work has the right to be safe. Children's welfare comes before our programmes, events and targets. We take every concern seriously.

This statement applies to everyone who works with children on AGD's behalf: directors, staff, volunteers, trainers, coordinators and partners. It covers our work in the UK and in Nigeria (AGD Nigeria), online and in person.

We check who will be working with children before they start.

• UK: we decide what level of DBS check is right for the actual role (what they will do, how often, and how closely they work with children). We do not ask for a higher or lower check than the law allows for that role.

• Nigeria: we ask for a local police record check, plus identity and references.

• Everyone is also asked for references, takes part in an induction on this statement, and is supervised while they are new.

• A check is one part of keeping children safe. It does not replace good judgement and good practice.

• Adults do not spend time alone with a child in private, in person or online. Sessions are held in open or group settings.

• No private messaging with children on personal social media. We use AGD-approved channels only.

• No secret relationships, gifts, loans, lifts or meetings with children outside AGD activities.

• We never promise a child that we will keep a worry secret.

• We do not record children's sessions without permission.

If you are worried about a child, tell us. This applies to children, parents and carers, volunteers, staff and members of the public.

• If a child is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services first. In the UK, call 999.

• Otherwise, contact our Safeguarding Lead, Lara Oshodi, at info@agdconglomerate.co.uk. You can also reach our Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Officer, Victoria Rosiji, on +44 7309 738929.

• If your concern is about the Safeguarding Lead (Lara Oshodi), report it to our Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Officer, Victoria Rosiji, on +44 7309 738929.

• If a concern is about Victoria Rosiji, or about both of them, report it directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) of the London borough where the activity takes place, or to the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111.

• In Nigeria, our safeguarding contact is Mrs Olabisi Agbaje, on +234 811 720 4676. If a child is in immediate danger, contact the police or emergency services. Concerns can also be reported to the Cece Yara Foundation child helpline on 0800 800 8001 (free, 24 hours).

• You do not need proof. Tell us what you saw or heard. Please do not investigate yourself.

1. We listen, write down the facts in the person's own words, and keep the record private.

2. The safeguarding lead looks at it quickly and decides what is needed to keep the child safe.

3. Where a child may be at risk of harm, we refer it to the right authority without delay: in the UK, local children's services or the police; in Nigeria, the police or the relevant child protection authority.

4. We tell parents or carers when it is safe to do so, and not where telling them could put the child at greater risk.

5. We share information only with people who need it to protect the child.

6. Nobody is penalised for raising a concern in good faith.

Safeguarding records are kept securely for at least 7 years after our last contact with the child and family. Records of serious concerns may be kept longer, in line with legal advice.

They are never shared on social media, in group chats or on this website. We handle them in line with UK data protection law and our privacy notice.

Our Patron receives a yearly safeguarding report.

We review this statement at least once a year, and sooner after any serious concern or if our activities, locations or the law change.

Last reviewed: 31 December 2025. Next review due: 31 December 2026. Approved by: Victoria Rosiji.

Safeguarding Lead: Lara Oshodi. Contact: info@agdconglomerate.co.uk.

Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Safeguarding Officer: Victoria Rosiji. Contact: +44 7309 738929.