Safeguarding Policy

If you have a safeguarding concern relating to The Daily Mile Foundation, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Designated Safeguarding Lead	Kayleigh Fox
Email	kayleigh.fox@thedailymile.co.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead	Fiona Picken
Email	fiona.picken@thedailymile.co.uk

 

 

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 

Policy Owner: Designated Safeguarding Lead 

Approved by: Board of Trustees 

Approval Date: 14/07/2026 

Review Date: 14/07/2027

 

1. Policy Statement 

The Daily Mile Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child and young person connected to our work. 

We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, be heard and be protected from harm. Safeguarding is central to our values and underpins everything we do. 

The Daily Mile is designed to help children build healthier, happier lives through regular movement. While the programme is primarily delivered by schools and partner organisations, we recognise our responsibility to promote safe practice, support a strong safeguarding culture and ensure appropriate action is taken whenever concerns arise in connection with our people, activities or partnerships. 

We are committed to: 

• putting the welfare of children first in every decision we make  

• creating a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility  

• promoting safe, inclusive and respectful environments for all children  

• ensuring our staff, trustees, volunteers, ambassadors and contractors understand their safeguarding responsibilities  

• working collaboratively with schools, partner organisations and statutory agencies to protect children  

• responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns  

• regularly reviewing our safeguarding arrangements to ensure they remain effective and reflect current legislation and best practice.  

The Daily Mile Foundation expects everyone acting on its behalf to share this commitment and to uphold the highest standards of behaviour when working with or on behalf of children and young people. 

 

2. About The Daily Mile Foundation 

The Daily Mile Foundation is a registered charity whose mission is to inspire children to grow up healthier and happier through daily movement. 

The Daily Mile is a simple, inclusive initiative that encourages children to run, wheel or walk for 15 minutes during the school day. It is designed to be fun, non-competitive and accessible to every child, regardless of age, ability or personal circumstances. 

Unlike many organisations working with children, The Daily Mile Foundation does not routinely deliver activities directly to children. Instead, the programme is implemented through schools and partner organisations across the UK and internationally. 

As a result: 

• schools and partner organisations retain primary responsibility for safeguarding children in their care  

• those organisations are responsible for implementing their own safeguarding and child protection procedures, including responding to disclosures, making referrals and managing child protection concerns  

• The Daily Mile Foundation has a responsibility to ensure safeguarding is embedded within its own governance, people, partnerships, communications and activities.  

This policy reflects that partnership model. 

It sets out how The Daily Mile Foundation fulfils its safeguarding responsibilities while working collaboratively with schools, delivery partners, funders, ambassadors, contractors and other organisations connected with our work. 

Where The Daily Mile Foundation organises or participates in events, school visits, filming, photography, promotional activity or other activities involving children, we will ensure appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place and work alongside host organisations to protect the welfare of every child involved. 

 

3. Purpose of this Policy 

The purpose of this policy is to explain how The Daily Mile Foundation safeguards and promotes the welfare of children and young people across all areas of its work. 

The policy provides a clear framework to: 

• demonstrate the Foundation's commitment to safeguarding and child protection  

• define the safeguarding responsibilities of trustees, staff, volunteers, ambassadors, contractors and others acting on behalf of the Foundation  

• explain how safeguarding concerns should be recognised, reported and managed  

• ensure safeguarding is considered throughout our partnerships, communications, events and activities  

• support consistent safeguarding practice across the organisation  

• ensure compliance with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and charity good practice. 

 

4. Scope 

This policy applies to everyone representing or working on behalf of The Daily Mile Foundation, including: 

• Trustees  

• Employees  

• Consultants and contractors  

• Volunteers  

• Ambassadors and athletes acting on behalf of the Foundation  

• Freelance photographers, videographers and creative agencies commissioned by the Foundation  

• Anyone representing the Foundation at meetings, events, conferences or school visits.  

It also applies to all activities undertaken by or on behalf of The Daily Mile Foundation, including: 

• school visits  

• conferences and events  

• partnership activity  

• filming and photography  

• marketing and communications  

• digital platforms and online engagement  

• fundraising activity  

• international partnerships where the Foundation has oversight or involvement.  

 

This policy recognises that safeguarding responsibilities differ depending on the activity being undertaken. 

Where The Daily Mile is delivered by schools or partner organisations, those organisations remain responsible for the safeguarding and welfare of children in their care. 

Where The Daily Mile Foundation is directly involved in activities involving children, we will ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place, including clear roles and responsibilities, appropriate supervision, safer working practices and effective reporting arrangements. 

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every individual representing The Daily Mile Foundation has a duty to act if they are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child, regardless of where that concern arises. 

5. Our Safeguarding Principles 

Safeguarding is fundamental to The Daily Mile Foundation's mission and values. The following principles underpin all of our work: 

Child-centred 

The welfare of the child is our primary consideration. Every decision we make will prioritise the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children and young people. 

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility 

Everyone representing The Daily Mile Foundation has a responsibility to safeguard children and to act appropriately if they have a concern. Safeguarding is not solely the responsibility of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). 

Partnership working 

The Daily Mile is delivered through schools and partner organisations. We work collaboratively with those organisations, recognising and respecting their statutory safeguarding responsibilities while ensuring our own responsibilities are fulfilled. 

Inclusive practice 

We are committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where every child can participate, regardless of ability, disability, background, identity or personal circumstances. 

Listening to children 

Where concerns arise, children's views, wishes and feelings will be listened to and taken seriously. We recognise that children may communicate concerns in different ways and at different times. 

Safe recruitment and safer working 

We are committed to recruiting and supporting suitable people to represent The Daily Mile Foundation and to promoting professional behaviour and appropriate boundaries at all times. 

Continuous learning 

Safeguarding is an evolving area of practice. We will regularly review our policies, training and procedures to ensure they remain effective and reflect current legislation and best practice. 

 

6. Roles and Responsibilities 

Safeguarding is embedded throughout The Daily Mile Foundation. While schools and delivery partners hold primary safeguarding responsibility for children participating in The Daily Mile, everyone representing the Foundation has a role to play in promoting safe practice and responding appropriately to concerns. 

Board of Trustees 

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for safeguarding governance within The Daily Mile Foundation. The Trustees will: 

• ensure safeguarding remains a strategic priority for the Foundation  

• approve and review this policy annually  

• receive assurance that safeguarding arrangements are effective  

• ensure appropriate resources are available to support safeguarding responsibilities  

• promote a culture where safeguarding is understood, valued and embedded across the organisation.  

Chief Executive 

The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring safeguarding is implemented throughout the organisation by: 

• promoting a strong safeguarding culture  

• ensuring appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place  

• supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead  

• ensuring safeguarding is considered within organisational planning, partnerships and activities.  

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for leading safeguarding across the Foundation. This includes: 

• providing advice and guidance to staff  

• receiving and managing safeguarding concerns relating to the Foundation  

• ensuring appropriate records are maintained  

• liaising with partner organisations and statutory agencies where required  

• ensuring safeguarding training is delivered and kept up to date  

• reviewing safeguarding policies and procedures  

• advising on safeguarding arrangements for events, visits and activities.  

Staff, Volunteers and Representatives 

Everyone representing The Daily Mile Foundation must: 

• complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role  

• read and follow this policy and the Foundation's Code of Conduct  

• maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times  

• act on any safeguarding concern without delay  

• report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or, where appropriate, the safeguarding lead within the host organisation  

• never assume that someone else has reported a concern.  

Partner Organisations 

Schools and partner organisations delivering The Daily Mile retain responsibility for safeguarding children participating in the programme. 

The Foundation expects all delivery partners to: 

• have appropriate safeguarding and child protection policies in place  

• appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead  

• ensure appropriate recruitment and safeguarding arrangements  

• manage safeguarding concerns in accordance with local legislation and statutory guidance  

• work collaboratively with The Daily Mile Foundation where safeguarding concerns relate to our activities or representatives.  

 

7. Safer Recruitment, Training and Professional Standards 

The Daily Mile Foundation is committed to ensuring that everyone representing the organisation is suitable for their role and understands their safeguarding responsibilities. 

Recruitment 

Recruitment processes will be proportionate to the role being undertaken and will include appropriate pre-engagement checks where required. 

Depending on the nature of the role, this may include: 

• identity verification  

• employment history  

• references  

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where the role is eligible and requires one  

• confirmation of safeguarding training where appropriate.  

The Foundation will determine safeguarding checks based on the responsibilities and level of contact each role has with children. 

Safeguarding Training 

All staff and regular representatives of The Daily Mile Foundation will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role. 

Training will include: 

• recognising safeguarding concerns  

• responding to disclosures  

• reporting concerns appropriately  

• professional boundaries  

• safer working practices.  

The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSLs will complete enhanced safeguarding training and maintain their knowledge through regular continuing professional development. 

Training records will be maintained and reviewed regularly. 

Code of Conduct 

Everyone representing The Daily Mile Foundation is expected to model the highest standards of professional behaviour. 

All representatives must: 

• treat every child with dignity and respect  

• maintain appropriate professional boundaries  

• never work alone with a child unless appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place  

• never exchange personal contact details or communicate with children through personal social media accounts  

• report any concerns or breaches of the Code of Conduct immediately  

• behave in a way that upholds the reputation and values of The Daily Mile Foundation.  

 

8. Working with Schools, Partners and Third Parties 

The Daily Mile Foundation works through a wide range of schools, charities, local authorities, sporting organisations, funders and community partners. 

The Foundation recognises that schools and partner organisations retain primary responsibility for safeguarding children taking part in The Daily Mile. Our role is to complement, not replace, those responsibilities. 

When working with partners, The Daily Mile Foundation will: 

• promote safeguarding as a core expectation of partnership  

• undertake appropriate due diligence where required  

• ensure safeguarding arrangements are considered when planning activities involving children  

• agree roles and responsibilities before events or visits take place  

• work collaboratively with host organisations to manage safeguarding concerns  

• share relevant safeguarding information appropriately where concerns relate to our activities or representatives.  

Where concerns arise within a partner setting, The Daily Mile Foundation will normally report concerns to the host organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead and cooperate with any subsequent safeguarding processes. 

Where concerns relate directly to the Foundation, its staff, ambassadors, contractors or activities, the Foundation's Designated Safeguarding Lead will lead the organisational response while working with relevant statutory agencies and partner organisations as appropriate. 

The Foundation also expects third parties working on its behalf, including photographers, videographers, agencies, ambassadors and contractors, to comply with this policy and any safeguarding requirements relevant to their role. 

 

9. Events, School Visits and Activities 

Although The Daily Mile Foundation does not routinely deliver activities directly to children, our staff, trustees, ambassadors, contractors and volunteers may occasionally attend schools, events or other activities where children are present. 

Whenever The Daily Mile Foundation is involved in activities involving children, safeguarding arrangements will be planned in advance and proportionate to the activity. 

This may include: 

• confirming safeguarding responsibilities with the host organisation  

• identifying the host Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)  

• ensuring appropriate supervision arrangements are in place  

• confirming photography and filming permissions where relevant  

• briefing staff, ambassadors, contractors and volunteers on safeguarding expectations  

• completing an event-specific risk assessment where appropriate.  

Professional boundaries 

Everyone representing The Daily Mile Foundation must maintain appropriate professional boundaries when working around children. 

Representatives must: 

• treat every child with dignity and respect  

• behave in a professional and appropriate manner at all times  

• never be left alone with a child unless this has been specifically agreed as part of the activity and appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place  

• avoid unnecessary physical contact with children  

• never exchange personal contact details with children  

• never communicate with children through personal social media accounts or messaging platforms  

• report any safeguarding concerns immediately.  

Athletes, Ambassadors and Guests 

Athletes, ambassadors, celebrity supporters and other guests representing The Daily Mile Foundation play an important role in inspiring children. 

Where they are involved in activities with children, they will: 

• understand the purpose of their role and the expectations placed upon them while representing The Daily Mile Foundation 

• be supervised appropriately during activities  

• understand and follow The Daily Mile Foundation's Code of Conduct  

• never undertake activities with children without appropriate oversight.  

 

10. Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns 

Everyone representing The Daily Mile Foundation has a responsibility to act if they are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child. 

A safeguarding concern may arise through: 

• something a child says or discloses  

• something a member of staff observes  

• information shared by a school or partner organisation  

• behaviour displayed by an adult or another child  

• concerns arising through online activity, communications or events.  

Staff are not expected to investigate concerns or determine whether abuse has occurred. 

Their responsibility is to: 

• recognise that a concern exists  

• respond calmly and appropriately  

• record factual information  

• report the concern without delay.  

If a child makes a disclosure 

If a child tells you something that causes concern: 

• stay calm and listen carefully  

• allow the child to speak freely  

• do not ask leading questions  

• do not promise to keep the information secret  

• reassure the child they have done the right thing by speaking to you  

• explain that you will need to share the information with people who can help keep them safe  

• make a factual written record as soon as possible  

• report the concern immediately in line with this policy.  

Children may disclose concerns in different ways and at different times. Some children, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), may require additional support to communicate their experiences. 

 

11. Reporting and Managing Safeguarding Concerns 

Safeguarding concerns must always be taken seriously. 

Where a concern arises during activity delivered by a school or partner organisation, the concern should be reported immediately to the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). 

The Daily Mile Foundation Designated Safeguarding Lead should also be informed where: 

• the concern relates to a member of The Daily Mile Foundation staff, trustee, volunteer, ambassador or contractor  

• the concern arises during an activity organised or led by the Foundation  

• the concern may affect the Foundation's reputation or ongoing involvement  

• advice or support is required.  

Immediate danger 

If a child is believed to be at immediate risk of harm: 

• contact the emergency services by calling 999  

• inform the host organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (where applicable)  

• inform The Daily Mile Foundation Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.  

Recording concerns 

Safeguarding concerns should be recorded as soon as possible after the concern arises. 

Records should include: 

• the date and time  

• the factual details of what was seen, heard or disclosed  

• the names of those involved  

• any immediate action taken.  

Records should: 

• be factual and objective  

• avoid opinion or speculation  

• be stored securely  

• only be shared with those who need to know.  

Information sharing 

The Daily Mile Foundation recognises that appropriate information sharing is an essential part of safeguarding. 

Information will only be shared: 

• where it is necessary to safeguard a child  

• with relevant professionals and organisations  

• in accordance with data protection legislation and safeguarding guidance.  

 

12. Managing Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers and Representatives 

The Daily Mile Foundation takes all allegations and concerns relating to the conduct of its staff, trustees, volunteers, ambassadors, contractors and others acting on its behalf seriously. 

An allegation may relate to behaviour that has: 

• harmed, or may have harmed, a child  

• potentially committed a criminal offence involving a child  

• behaved in a way that indicates they may pose a risk to children  

• behaved in a way that may make them unsuitable to work with children.  

Responding to allegations 

Anyone who becomes aware of an allegation must report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

The Foundation will: 

• ensure the immediate safety and wellbeing of any child involved  

• make an accurate record of the concern  

• avoid investigating the matter internally before seeking appropriate advice  

• seek advice from the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or equivalent authority where appropriate  

• cooperate fully with statutory agencies and partner organisations.  

Where an allegation relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, concerns should be reported directly to the Global Director. 

The Daily Mile Foundation will ensure that all allegations are managed fairly, appropriately and confidentially, while always placing the welfare of children first. 

Where required, referrals will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), statutory agencies or professional bodies in accordance with legal requirements. 

 

13. Photography, Filming and Communications 

The Daily Mile Foundation regularly captures and shares stories, photography and video to celebrate children's participation, demonstrate impact and promote the Foundation's work. 

We recognise that this activity brings additional safeguarding responsibilities and are committed to ensuring all images, films and stories involving children are captured and used safely, appropriately and with the necessary permissions. 

When arranging photography or filming, The Daily Mile Foundation will: 

• obtain confirmation that appropriate consent has been secured by the host organisation before any filming or photography takes place  

• ensure photographers, videographers and media representatives are appropriately briefed on safeguarding expectations and the Foundation's Code of Conduct  

• avoid identifying children by full name unless there is a clear and appropriate reason to do so and consent has been obtained  

• ensure images are respectful, appropriate and reflect the inclusive values of The Daily Mile Foundation  

• store and use images securely and in accordance with data protection legislation.  

All staff, contractors and third parties acting on behalf of the Foundation must follow the Foundation's Photography and Filming Guidance. 

 

14. Online Safety and Digital Communications 

The Daily Mile Foundation recognises the importance of promoting safe and responsible use of digital platforms. 

Although children do not generally interact directly with the Foundation online, safeguarding considerations apply across our digital communications, website, social media channels and online resources. 

The Foundation will: 

• maintain appropriate security measures across its digital platforms  

• promote safe and responsible online engagement  

• ensure staff use Foundation communication channels appropriately  

• never communicate directly with children through personal social media or messaging platforms  

• respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns identified through digital activity  

• comply with UK GDPR and data protection legislation when handling personal information.  

Any safeguarding concerns identified through online activity should be reported in accordance with this policy. 

 

15. Working Internationally 

The Daily Mile is delivered in schools and education settings across a number of countries. 

While safeguarding legislation and reporting arrangements differ internationally, The Daily Mile Foundation expects all organisations delivering The Daily Mile to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and to comply with the safeguarding requirements applicable within their own jurisdiction. 

Where The Daily Mile Foundation is directly involved in international activity, we will: 

• consider safeguarding as part of planning and risk assessment  

• undertake appropriate due diligence on partner organisations  

• agree safeguarding responsibilities before activities take place  

• ensure staff and representatives understand local safeguarding arrangements  

• respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns in collaboration with local partners and relevant authorities.  

 

16. Monitoring, Review and Governance 

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for ensuring that safeguarding remains a core part of The Daily Mile Foundation's governance. 

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if: 

• legislation or statutory guidance changes  

• organisational changes require it  

• a safeguarding incident identifies the need for review  

• best practice develops.  

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for monitoring the implementation of this policy and recommending any updates. 

The Foundation is committed to creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Safeguarding arrangements will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective, proportionate and aligned with current legislation and best practice. 

 

Legal Framework 

This policy has been developed with reference to relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including but not limited to: 

• Children Act 1989  

• Children Act 2004  

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest edition)  

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest edition)  

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006  

• Data Protection Act 2018  

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)  

• Human Rights Act 1998  

• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  

The Foundation will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains aligned with current legislation and guidance. 

 

Appendix A – Recognising Safeguarding Concerns 

Staff are not expected to be safeguarding experts. However, everyone representing The Daily Mile Foundation should be aware that abuse and neglect can take many forms. 

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to: 

• Physical abuse  

• Emotional abuse  

• Sexual abuse  

• Neglect  

• Child-on-child abuse  

• Child sexual exploitation (CSE)  

• Child criminal exploitation (CCE), including County Lines  

• Domestic abuse  

• Online abuse  

• Grooming  

• Radicalisation and extremism  

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)  

• Forced marriage  

• Honour-based abuse  

• Modern slavery and trafficking  

• Serious violence  

• Mental health concerns where there is a safeguarding risk.  

Further guidance on recognising these concerns can be found within current safeguarding guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education. 

 

Appendix B – Reporting Flowchart 

Are you worried about a child? 

⬇ 

Is the child in immediate danger? 

Yes 

➡ Call 999 

➡ Inform the host organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (if applicable) 

➡ Inform The Daily Mile Foundation Designated Safeguarding Lead 

No 

⬇ 

Record your concern factually 

⬇ 

Report it immediately to: 

• the host organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (where appropriate)  

• The Daily Mile Foundation Designated Safeguarding Lead  

⬇ 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will determine the appropriate next steps, working with partner organisations and statutory agencies where required. 

 

Appendix C – Code of Conduct  

Everyone representing The Daily Mile Foundation must: 

• put the welfare of children first  

• treat every child with dignity and respect  

• maintain professional boundaries at all times  

• act as a positive role model  

• follow safeguarding procedures  

• report concerns immediately  

• never communicate with children through personal social media or messaging platforms  

• never exchange personal contact details with children  

• never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when representing the Foundation  

• follow instructions provided by the host organisation's safeguarding lead during visits and events.  

 

Appendix D – Key Contacts 

Designated Safeguarding Lead 

Name: Kayleigh Fox 

Role: Marketing and Communications Manager 

Email: kayleigh.fox@thedailymile.co.uk 

 

 

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead 

Name: Fiona Picken 

Role: UK and Ireland Partnerships Manager 

Email: fiona.picken@thedailymile.co.uk 

 

Emergency 

Police / Ambulance: 999 

 

NSPCC Helpline 

0808 800 5000 

 

Childline 

0800 1111 

 

Relevant Local Authority / MASH 

Where concerns arise within a school or partner setting, staff should report concerns to the host organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead and follow local safeguarding procedures.