Elizabeth Biggs: Safeguarding Children Policy

Effective Date: 15 April 2025
Next Review: April 2026
Safeguarding Contact: Elizabeth Biggs (Owner/Photographer)

1. Purpose and Scope

Elizabeth Biggs Photography is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children (under 18) in all photography activities, including family sessions, private events (e.g., birthdays, weddings), public events, commercial/advertising shoots, and educational settings. This policy applies to Elizabeth Biggs, assistants, virtual admin, editors, and client staff working under our direction.

2. Definitions

Child: Any person under 18 (Children Act 1989).

Safeguarding: Protecting children from maltreatment, preventing harm to their health or development, and ensuring safe care.

Harm: Includes physical abuse (e.g., hitting), emotional abuse (e.g., bullying), sexual abuse (e.g., exploitation), and neglect (e.g., inadequate care).

3. Commitment to Safeguarding

We believe:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.

  • All children, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, have equal rights to protection (Equality Act 2010).

  • A safe environment is created through partnership with children, parents, and event organisers.

4. Legal Framework

This policy complies with:

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Children and Young Persons Act 1963 (child performance licensing)

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024

  • UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (DBS checks)

  • NSPCC guidance on photographing children

  • Local authority child performance licensing

5. Key Responsibilities

  • Elizabeth Biggs (owner/photographer) is DBS-checked (Enhanced) and oversees safeguarding, supported by local authority safeguarding teams.

  • Assistants, admin, editors, or client staff are briefed on this policy. Those working directly with children undergo Enhanced DBS checks if required by risk assessment.

  • In educational settings, we follow the school’s safeguarding policy, working alone with their staff present.

  • Safeguarding concerns are reported to local authorities or police (999 for immediate risk).

6. Consent and Model Releases

  • Model releases are digitally signed, stored in a 2FA-protected CRM, and specify image usage.

  • Consent is required for commercial/advertising use, obtained from parents/guardians for children under 16. Children aged 16–18 may consent if competent.

  • Children may decline participation (verbally, in writing, or via discomfort, e.g., withdrawal), which is documented and respected.

  • Parents may withdraw consent within 30 days, triggering image deletion.

  • Photoshoot folders note consent status.

7. Image Storage and Security

  • Images are stored on local drives, encrypted backups, and online servers, accessible only to authorised personnel.

  • Galleries with identifiable children or restricted consent are password-protected.

  • Promotional images exclude identifying information unless consented.

  • Non-consented/sensitive images are deleted or edited within 30 days.

  • Data is retained for 2 years or until deletion request, per UK GDPR.

8. Working with Children

  • Children are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone (e.g., for commercial shoots, per licensing).

  • Interactions are professional, age-appropriate, and respectful. Inappropriate posing/clothing is prohibited.

  • Sessions ensure comfort; children may stop if uneasy.

  • In schools, sessions follow their safeguarding protocols with staff present.

9. Family Photoshoots

  • Child portraits require parent/guardian presence and signed consent.

  • Images are delivered via password-protected galleries; public use requires explicit permission.

10. Private Events (e.g., Birthdays, Weddings)

  • Photographers wear branded clothing/ID and provide contact details.

  • Clients inform guests of photography; guests may request non-consent for children.

  • Verbal parental consent is sought where possible; removal requests are honoured (editing, cropping, or deletion).

  • Group images assume consent for event clients’ use unless stated otherwise.

  • Galleries are password-protected.

11. Public Events

  • Organisers must display “Photography in Progress” signage and designate photography-free zones. If absent, we provide signage.

  • Attendees may request removal via contact point (e.g., email).

  • Discreet images (with consent) may identify non-consenting individuals for exclusion, then deleted.

  • Removal requests are actioned in post-production.

12. Child Performance Licensing

  • For commercial shoots, we obtain child performance licenses, ensuring chaperones, limited hours, and welfare, per local authority rules.

13. Reporting and Managing Concerns

  • Concerns (e.g., abuse, neglect) are recorded in a secure, encrypted log (date, time, details, witnesses).

  • Elizabeth Biggs is notified immediately. If unavailable, contact the local authority safeguarding team or NSPCC (0808 800 5000).

  • Immediate risks are reported to police (999).

  • Records are UK GDPR-compliant, and shared only with authorities.

  • All staff complete annual safeguarding training.

14. Health and Safety

  • Risk assessments ensure safe session environments, per Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

15. Policy Review

Contact: Elizabeth Biggs, info@lizzybiggs.co.uk or 07878437843 for concerns or feedback.