CarFest Safeguarding Policy

CarFest is a family-friendly festival with thousands of children, young people, and families attending. As a volunteer, you play a key role in helping to keep everyone safe, especially those who are more vulnerable.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — even if your role doesn’t directly involve working with children or vulnerable adults.

Who we’re protecting:

  • Children – Anyone under 18

  • Vulnerable adults – Anyone over 18 who might struggle to protect themselves from harm due to age, illness, disability, or mental health challenges

What is safeguarding?

“Safeguarding is protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect.” This includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Your responsibilities as a volunteer

Even if you're not working directly with children, you still need to:

  • Be alert to anything that doesn’t seem right.

  • Treat everyone with respect and professionalism.

  • Report any concern, no matter how small.

If your role does involve direct contact with children:

  • You may need to provide an enhanced DBS certificate in advance.

  • You must never be alone with a child.

  • Always follow CarFest’s code of conduct and instructions from your supervisor.

Things to watch for

Look out for:

  • A child or vulnerable adult who seems lost, scared, hurt, or upset.

  • Inappropriate behaviour from other adults (including volunteers or staff).

  • A child saying something that raises concern.

What to do if you are concerned

  • Stay calm and approachable

    • If a child/vulnerable adult speaks to you, listen carefully

  • Don’t promise confidentiality

    • You must report what you hear, even if they ask you not to

  • Report it ASAP

    • Speak to your Team Leader or any member of Event Control

    • Ask someone with a radio to contact the Safeguarding Team

  • Write it down

    • As soon as you can, write down what happened

    • Include: date/time, what you saw/heard, who was involved, location (What3Words if possible), and any witnesses

Safeguarding Team - onsite contacts

Designated Safeguarding Leads:

Or: Ask a Security staff member or Event Organiser to radio the Safeguarding Team or Event Control (Channel 1).

The Safeguarding Team is available throughout the event, including overnight Friday–Sunday.

Safeguarding Scenarios

Scenario one, lost child: A 10-year-old tells you they’ve lost their mum.

  • Stay with them in a safe area

  • Don’t leave them alone or take them anywhere alone

  • Radio for help or find Security/Event Control

  • Note what they’re wearing and where they were last seen

Scenario two, serious concern: A parent reports their teenager was assaulted.

  • Stay calm and supportive

  • Ensure the person is safe

  • Get help from Event Control/Safeguarding immediately

  • Don’t investigate – your job is to report, not prove

Final reminders:

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s job — better to report and be wrong than stay silent

  • Never be alone with a child

  • Don’t take photos of children or vulnerable adults without permission

  • If unsure, ask your supervisor or radio for advice

Thank You for Volunteering. Your presence helps create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.