Privacy policy

Data protection principles

Stand Up Fathers is committed to processing data in accordance with its responsibilities under the GDPR.

Article 5 of the GDPR requires that personal data shall be:

processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner in relation to individuals;

collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes.

adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed;

accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date; every reasonable step must be taken to ensure that personal data that are inaccurate, having regard to the purposes for which they are processed, are erased or rectified without delay;

kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed

processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures.

General provisions

This policy applies to all personal data processed by the Charity.

The Responsible Person shall take responsibility for the Charity’s ongoing compliance with this policy.
This policy shall be reviewed annually.
Stand Up Fathers shall register with the Information Commissioner’s Office as an organisation that processes personal data.
Lawful, fair and transparent processing
Individuals have the right to access their personal data and any such requests made to the charity shall be dealt with in a timely manner.
All data processed by the charity must be done on one of the following lawful bases: consent, contract, legal obligation, vital interests, public task or legitimate interests (see ICO guidance for more information).
Where consent is relied upon as a lawful basis for processing data, evidence of opt-in consent shall be kept with the personal data.
Where communications are sent to individuals based on their consent, the option for the individual to revoke their consent should be clearly available and systems should be in place to ensure such revocation is reflected accurately in the Charity’s systems.

Data minimisation

Stand Up Fathers shall ensure that personal data are adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed.
Stand Up Fathers shall take reasonable steps to ensure personal data is accurate.
Where necessary for the lawful basis on which data is processed, steps shall be put in place to ensure that personal data is kept up to date.
To ensure that personal data is kept for no longer than necessary, Stand Up Fathers shall put in place an archiving policy for each area in which personal data is processed and review this process annually.
Access to personal data shall be limited to personnel who need access and appropriate security should be in place to avoid unauthorised sharing of information.
When personal data is deleted this should be done safely such that the data is irrecoverable.
In the event of a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data, the Charity shall promptly assess the risk to people’s rights and freedoms and if appropriate report this breach to the ICO (more information on the ICO website).

Safeguarding Policy for Working with Dads and Young Children

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of all children involved in activities that engage fathers (or male caregivers) and their young children. It outlines the responsibilities of staff, volunteers, and participants to uphold safeguarding standards, create a safe environment, and respond appropriately to concerns.

This policy applies to:

• Staff and volunteers working with dads and children

• Fathers, father figures, and male caregivers attending sessions

• Partner agencies and collaborators involved in program delivery

Policy Statement

We are committed to:

• Promoting the welfare of children and protecting them from harm, regardless of age, culture, gender, religion, disability or race from any abuse

• Supporting safe, positive relationships between dads and their children

• Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all families

• Responding promptly and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns

This service is committed to safeguard the wellbeing and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk by protecting them from, neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Key Principles

• Child-Centred Approach: The best interests of the child are paramount.

• Equality and Inclusion: All fathers and children are treated with respect, regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, disability, or beliefs.

• Safe Participation: Activities are designed to be safe, age-appropriate, and supportive of positive parenting.

• Clear Boundaries: All staff, volunteers, and participants are expected to uphold professional and respectful behaviour at all times.

Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

• Oversees safeguarding within the program

• Ensures staff/volunteers are trained and confident in safeguarding procedures

• Acts as the point of contact for concerns

Staff and Volunteers:

• Attend safeguarding training and understand procedures

• Maintain appropriate boundaries and professional conduct

• Observe and report any concerns or disclosures

• Model positive, respectful interactions

Dads/Participants:

• Expected to engage respectfully with children, staff, and other parents

• Required to follow group rules and guidelines

• Informed of the safeguarding policy at registration or onboarding

Safer Recruitment

We ensure safe recruitment practices by:

• Conducting enhanced DBS checks for all staff and regular volunteers

• Taking up references

• Providing safeguarding induction and training

Safe Practice Guidelines

• Sessions will be run in appropriate venues with risk assessments in place

• Children will remain the responsibility of their accompanying adult unless otherwise stated

• At least two staff/volunteers will be present at all times

• No adult should be left alone with a child who is not their own

• Physical contact should always be child-led and appropriate

• Personal care of children will be done by their own parent/carer only

Responding to Concerns

All concerns, disclosures or allegations must be reported immediately to the DSL.

Steps to follow:

• Listen carefully and reassure the child (if applicable)

• Record the concern factually, including date/time and exact words used

• Report to the DSL as soon as possible

• Do not investigate or promise confidentiality

Contact the police and exp

Record-Keeping

• All safeguarding concerns will be recorded and stored securely

• Records are confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis

Code of Conduct

All adults involved in sessions must:

• Respect the dignity and rights of children and other adults

• Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times

• Avoid any behavior that could be misinterpreted or harmful

• Never use physical punishment or verbal abuse

• Maintain appropriate dress and hygiene for working with children

11. Training and Awareness

• All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding training every 2 years

• Regular updates and reflective discussions will support ongoing awareness

• Dads and caregivers will be made aware of group rules and safeguarding expectations

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

Policy Statement

We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of background, identity, or circumstance—is treated with dignity and respect. We believe that all people have the right to feel safe, welcome, and valued within our services and community.

We actively oppose all forms of discrimination and work to ensure fair access, participation, and opportunity for all.

This policy aims to:

• Ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equitably

• Embed inclusive practices into all aspects of our work

• Eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation

• Foster understanding, respect, and inclusion among diverse individuals and communities

This policy applies to:

• All staff, volunteers, trustees, and contractors

• All participants in our programs, including fathers, children, and families

• All settings, activities, and services we deliver

Legal Framework

This policy aligns with the Equality Act 2010 and related legislation. We recognize and support the nine protected characteristics under UK law:

• Age

• Disability

• Gender reassignment

• Marriage and civil partnership

• Pregnancy and maternity

• Race

• Religion or belief

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

Our Commitments

We commit to:

Equal Access and Participation

• Design services to be accessible and relevant to all, including those from marginalised or underrepresented groups

• Identify and remove barriers that prevent individuals from engaging with our work

Inclusive Practice

• Use inclusive language, resources, and activities that reflect the diversity of the people we serve

• Create an environment where all feel safe to be themselves, free from prejudice or exclusion

Diverse Representation

• Promote the involvement of diverse individuals in leadership, planning, and feedback

• Encourage diverse perspectives and lived experiences in shaping our services

Anti-Discriminatory Action

• Challenge discriminatory language, behaviour, or systems

• Take all complaints of discrimination or harassment seriously and act promptly

Responsibilities

Leadership/Board

• Provide strategic oversight and accountability for EDI

• Champion inclusive values across the organisation

Staff and Volunteers

• Uphold this policy in their day-to-day work

• Attend training and reflect on their own biases or assumptions

• Be proactive in creating inclusive and welcoming spaces

Participants (e.g. dads and families)

• Are expected to treat others with respect and follow our Code of Conduct

• Will be supported to engage fully, regardless of background or identity

Implementation and Actions

To embed this policy into practice, we will:

• Provide regular EDI training and development opportunities

• Collect and monitor diversity data (where appropriate and with consent)

• Consult with underrepresented groups to improve service design

• Review materials, language, and images to ensure they reflect our diverse communities

• Ensure venues and communication are accessible to those with additional needs

Responding to Discrimination or Harassment

Discrimination, bullying, or harassment will not be tolerated. Any concerns raised will be:

• Taken seriously and dealt with sensitively

• Investigated in line with our complaints or disciplinary procedures

• Result in appropriate action to ensure a safe and respectful environment

Monitoring and Evaluation

We will monitor and evaluate our progress on EDI by:

• Reviewing this policy annually

• Seeking regular feedback from service users and stakeholders

• Using data and feedback to identify gaps or areas for improvement

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