Effective Date: April 1st 2025 Review Date:April 1st 2026
1. Introduction Creative Portal is committed to providing a safe and supportive online environment where creative individuals—especially young people and emerging talent—can build portfolios, explore career opportunities, and connect with industry professionals. Safeguarding is central to our mission, and this policy outlines how we protect all users, with a specific focus on children and vulnerable adults. We believe every user has the right to participate in a safe, respectful, and inclusive community. This policy is guided by relevant UK laws, industry codes, and safeguarding best practices.
2. Legal Framework This policy is guided by the following legislation and official guidance: Children Act 1989 & Children Act 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) Data Protection Act 2018 The Children’s Code (Age Appropriate Design Code) – ICO Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
We also align with the standards and best practices set by organisations such as: NSPCC CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection) UK Safer Internet Centre
3. Policy Scope This policy applies to: All users of www.creativeportal.co.uk Creative Portal staff, moderators, contractors, and volunteers. Partners and third-party service providers. All content uploaded, shared, or communicated on the platform.
4. Safeguarding Objectives Our safeguarding aims are to: Protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm Promote awareness of safeguarding risks in online environments Prevent abusive, exploitative, or inappropriate behaviour Empower users to report concerns and access support Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities
5. Age Restrictions and Consent • Children under 13: Are not permitted to create a profile or portfolio on the Creative Portal. Access to the platform requires verifiable parental or guardian consent, in accordance with the UK GDPR and the Children’s Code. • Users aged 13–17: May access and use the platform independently. However, we implement additional safeguards, such as default privacy settings, content moderation, and limited access to certain features where applicable. • All users: Must confirm their age during registration and may be required to provide proof of age when necessary.
6. Registration, Privacy and Data Protection We collect and process personal data in accordance with: UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, Children’s Code, which mandates high privacy settings by default for users under 18 Only minimal personal information is collected. Underage accounts are flagged for additional moderation and privacy protections. For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
7. Moderation and Monitoring To ensure a safe digital environment, we operate a tiered moderation approach: Human Moderation- Trained moderators review flagged content, user reports, and monitor community behaviour. Proactive review of high-risk content areas
Community Reporting All users can report: Inappropriate content, Suspicious messages, Bullying or harassment, Fake accounts or impersonation, Reports are handled confidentially and in accordance with data protection law. Urgent concerns are prioritised and escalated as needed.
8. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Creative Portal appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for: Responding to safeguarding concerns and escalations, Coordinating with moderators and staff, Liaising with external safeguarding agencies or authorities, Overseeing staff training and safeguarding compliance Contact Email: safeguarding@creativeportal.co.uk
9. Staff and Moderator Training All staff and volunteers at Creative Portal receive regular safeguarding training, including: Online safety and digital safeguarding risks, Recognising signs of abuse, exploitation, or distress, How to respond to disclosures and reports, Prevent duty awareness and responsibilities
10. User Guidance and Education We provide our users with accessible information and guidance to promote digital safety: Online Safety Resource Hub: With links to Childline, CEOP, and other support services. Tips for safe content sharing and communication. Clear explanations of reporting tools and privacy settings. Age-appropriate onboarding walkthroughs. We encourage young users to involve a parent, teacher, or guardian when creating an account.
11. Preventing Abuse, Bullying, and Exploitation Creative Portal has zero tolerance for: Bullying, harassment, or cyberbullying, Grooming or exploitation, Inappropriate messaging or content, Discriminatory or hateful behaviour, Any user found to be engaging in such behaviour may face:
Immediate suspension or removal from the platform, Referral to external safeguarding agencies or law enforcement where appropriate
12. Escalation and External Reporting When necessary, concerns may be escalated to the appropriate authorities, including:
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) NSPCC Helpline Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs) Police and emergency services We are committed to working with law enforcement and child protection services to ensure the safety of our users.
13. Policy Review and Accountability This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed: Annually, or In response to legislative updates or platform changes, or Following a serious incident or safeguarding breach. The review will be led by the DSL, with input from safeguarding advisors and user feedback.
14. Contact and Further Information For any safeguarding queries, reports, or support needs: Designated Safeguarding Lead: Email: safeguarding@creativeportal.co.uk
15. Linked Policies and Resources
Privacy Policy Terms of Use Community Guidelines Online Safety for Young Users External Support Links (CEOP, NSPCC, Childline, Samaritans)
