Everyone has the right to feel safe.

Purpose

Sahara Studio is a welcoming community space focused on spirituality, dance, fitness, holistic transformation, wellness and personal growth. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all participants. Our community is primarily adults but open to all demographics of the population, including children and young people (under 18) who may attend with appropriate supervision or in family-friendly activities.

This Safeguarding Policy outlines our commitment to protecting everyone — especially adults at risk, children and vulnerable individuals — from harm, abuse or neglect. It ensures we respond effectively to any concerns and comply with Scottish and UK law.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, facilitators, volunteers and contractors at Sahara Studio.
• All community members, participants, visitors and anyone involved in our classes, workshops, mentoring sessions, events or online activities.
• Activities both in-person at the studio, outreach at other venues and online.

Key principles

• Safety first. Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected.
• Respect and consent. We honour personal boundaries, diversity and consent in all interactions.
• Least restrictive and beneficial. Any action we take to protect someone will aim to benefit them while being the least intrusive option.
• Confidentiality. We handle concerns sensitively and share information only when necessary for protection.
• Accountability. All concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Legal framework (Scotland)

This policy is guided by key Scottish and UK legislation, including:

• Human Rights Act 1998. Protects fundamental rights and freedoms for everyone. It underpins our approach to safeguarding by promoting dignity, respect, equality, and protection from harm or degrading treatment.
• Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007. Protects “adults at risk” (aged 16+). An adult at risk is someone who:
  • Is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or interests.
  • Is at risk of harm (physical, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect or other).
  • Is more vulnerable due to disability, mental disorder, illness or physical/mental infirmity.
  Local councils have a duty to investigate and protect if needed.
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000. Supports adults who lack capacity to make decisions due to mental disorder or inability to communicate.
• Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Ensures people unsuitable to work with children or protected adults are barred from regulated roles. Relevant staff/facilitators may need PVG scheme membership.
• Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (and related child protection laws). Safeguards children and young people (under 18). We promote their rights, well-being and protection from harm.

We also align with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and broader equality and human rights laws.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse or harm and promoting their well-being. Types of harm or abuse include:

• Physical — e.g. hitting, restraint.
• Sexual — e.g. unwanted contact or behaviour.
• Psychological or emotional — e.g. bullying, gossiping, intimidation, coercion.
• Financial — e.g. exploitation or theft.
• Neglect — e.g. failing to provide care or support.
• Discrimination or harassment — based on protected characteristics.

Our commitments

• We promote a culture of respect, as outlined in our Community Code of Conduct.
• We ensure appropriate recruitment, training and background checks (e.g. PVG) for those in roles involving children or adults at risk.
• We provide clear reporting procedures and support for anyone raising concerns.
• We review this policy regularly (at least annually) and train staff and volunteers on it.

Recognising & reporting concerns

If you have a concern about yourself or someone else — a child, adult at risk or anyone:

• Act quickly but calmly.
• Speak to a staff member immediately, in person or via info@sahara.studio. For urgent or safety issues, contact emergency services (999).
• Report details factually: what happened, who was involved, when and where, and any witnesses.
• Confidential options are available — anonymous reports can be submitted if needed.

Staff & facilitators must

• Listen without judgment.
• Record concerns accurately and confidentially.
• Report to the designated Safeguarding Lead (or deputy) without delay.
• Cooperate with any investigations by authorities.

We will not ignore concerns, even if they seem minor. We may need to share information with social services, police or other agencies to protect someone.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Safeguarding Lead is responsible for overseeing this policy and is your point of contact for any concern.

Responding to concerns

• We will support the person at risk and investigate fairly.
• For adults at risk, we may refer to the local council’s Adult Protection team.
• For children and young people, we follow child protection procedures.
• Serious issues may lead to warnings, suspension, exclusion or referral to police, as set out in our Code of Conduct.

Support & prevention

• We encourage open communication and boundary-setting.
• Training on safeguarding is provided to relevant team members.
• We promote well-being through our programs.

Policy review

This policy is reviewed annually, or after any significant incident or legal change.