top of page

SAFEGUARDING AND CHILD PROTECTION POLICY - BERMUDA

Purpose and Scope

​

AMBIT Youth is committed to promoting the safety, protection, and welfare of all children and young people involved in our programs. This policy outlines the standards and procedures to safeguard children aged 5–16 who participate in AMBIT Youth’s holiday clubs and related activities.

 

This policy applies to:

  • All AMBIT Youth employees, volunteers, and contracted personnel

  • All children and youth engaged in AMBIT Youth programs

  • Parents, caregivers, and external partners interacting with AMBIT Youth in safeguarding matters

 

Legal Framework: Bermuda-Based Obligations

This policy is grounded in the following Bermuda laws and statutory guidance:

  • Children Act 1998 (Bermuda) – Establishes the duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

  • Criminal Code Amendment Act 2021 – Outlines offenses related to child abuse, sexual offenses, and mandatory reporting requirements

  • Child Safeguarding Protocols (Department of Child & Family Services) – Practice guidance for youth-serving agencies

  • Human Rights Act 1981 – Protects against discrimination based on age, gender, race, disability, and more

  • Protection of Children Act 2003 – Addresses child pornography and exploitation

  • Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport Safeguarding Standards – Best practice for recreational youth programs

 

Types of Harm Recognized

AMBIT Youth recognizes the following as potential forms of harm:

  • Neglect or abandonment

  • Physical abuse (e.g., hitting, slapping, burning)

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

  • Sexual abuse or exploitation

  • Financial abuse (e.g., exploitation, theft of possessions)

  • Discriminatory abuse (based on race, gender, disability, etc.)

  • Domestic abuse

  • Exposure to illegal drug or alcohol misuse

  • Modern slavery and trafficking

  • Self-neglect or unsafe living conditions

  • Peer-on-peer abuse, bullying, or harassment

 

Safeguarding Responsibilities

 

Organizational Responsibilities

AMBIT Youth will:

  • Maintain a safe environment for all children

  • Ensure all staff are vetted, trained, and supervised

  • Appoint and publicize Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

  • Follow procedures for disclosures, referrals, and reporting

  • Review and update this policy annually

  • Uphold confidentiality within legal safeguarding limits

 

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Terral Burgess
Email: terral@ambityouth.com
Phone: (441) 505 1528

​

The Service Director is responsible for oversight of safeguarding implementation across all programs.

 

Safe Recruitment & Training

AMBIT Youth will:

  • Conduct application screening, interviews, and reference checks

  • Require up-to-date police vetting (Bermuda Police Service clearance or equivalent for foreign nationals)

  • Require SCARS certification and CPD-certified safeguarding training for all staff

  • Prohibit unsupervised access to children until vetting is complete

  • Require annual safeguarding refresher training

 

Staff & Volunteer Responsibilities

All AMBIT Youth staff and volunteers are required to:

  • Understand and comply with this policy

  • Report any safeguarding concern or disclosure immediately to the DSL

  • Participate in mandatory training

  • Maintain professional boundaries and never promise confidentiality to a child

 

Mobile Phone and Media Policy

  • No personal mobile phones may be used around children

  • All photography must be authorized and done using AMBIT Youth equipment

  • Photos may only be used publicly with written parental consent

  • Devices may be audited at any time by the Service Director

 

Social Media

AMBIT Youth’s monitored social media channels allow limited contact from youth participants during approved hours. Admin access is limited to the Service Director and designated staff.

Instagram:

  • @ambityouth

  • @ambityouthbermuda

 

Reporting a Concern

All staff must:

  1. Report any suspicion or disclosure to the DSL immediately—same day

  2. Complete a Safeguarding Report Form by hand (no electronic storage)

  3. Submit directly to the DSL, who will assess and refer within 48 hours

  4. If there is immediate danger, contact the Bermuda Police Service (911) or the Department of Child & Family Services (DCFS)

 

Referral Contact:

Department of Child & Family Services – (441) 278-9111
Bermuda Police Service – Emergency: 911 | Non-Emergency: (441) 295-0011

 

The DSL will inform relevant agencies and provide updates to the reporting staff member.

 

Allegations Against Staff

If an allegation is made against any AMBIT Youth staff member:

  • The most senior staff present must inform the Service Director immediately

  • The Service Director will conduct a preliminary review

  • Suspension may be initiated to allow a full investigation

  • Referrals will be made to DCFS and/or the Bermuda Police Service as required

  • A written report will be completed and stored securely

 

Confidentiality & Data Protection

  • Safeguarding concerns must not be kept confidential if they involve risk to a child

  • Reports will be kept strictly confidential, securely stored, and accessible only to authorized personnel

  • Information will only be shared with appropriate authorities on a need-to-know basis

 

Review and Maintenance

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Service Director or earlier if:

  • New legislation is passed

  • Regulatory changes affect policy scope

  • Serious safeguarding incidents occur

​

Last Review Date - 7 June 2025

bottom of page