Our commitment
MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to creating safe, inclusive and respectful environments across our work.
We listen to young people, take their views and concerns seriously, and place their safety and wellbeing at the centre of our decisions. We also respond appropriately where concerns about an adult at risk arise in connection with our work.
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone working for or on behalf of MCR Pathways.
Safeguarding across our programmes
Our safeguarding arrangements cover mentoring, group work / preparing to mentor work, Talent Tasters / Young People Opportunities, events and digital activity across schools, colleges and community settings in England and Scotland.
These arrangements include:
- Safer recruitment and appropriate safeguarding checks.
- Safeguarding induction, regular training and ongoing support for staff and volunteer mentors.
- Clear professional boundaries and codes of conduct.
- Risk assessments and safe arrangements for programme activities and digital communication.
- Agreed procedures for recognising, recording, reporting and escalating concerns.
MCR Pathways has zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, prejudice and hate related behaviour. These are recognised as safeguarding concerns and addressed in accordance with our policy.
Working with partners
We work with schools, colleges, community organisations and statutory agencies to support effective safeguarding.
Before delivery begins, we agree safeguarding contacts, reporting routes and information sharing arrangements with each partner setting. Staff and volunteer mentors follow these arrangements alongside MCR Pathways’ policy.
Partner settings retain their own safeguarding responsibilities, while MCR Pathways remains responsible for safeguarding within its organisation and activities.
Oversight and continuous improvement
The Board of Trustees provides safeguarding oversight, supported by the Chief Executive, Designated Safeguarding Leads and Safeguarding Committee.
We monitor safeguarding practice, training and risks, and use learning from concerns, incidents and reviews to strengthen our approach. Our policy is reviewed at least annually.
Safeguarding concerns connected with MCR Pathways
Concerns relating to an MCR Pathways programme, activity or someone acting on our behalf should be reported promptly through the relevant safeguarding route.
Staff and volunteer mentors should follow the reporting arrangements explained during their induction. The policy below sets out these arrangements, escalation routes and contact details for MCR Pathways’ Designated Safeguarding Leads.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Our safeguarding policy
Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, incorporating Adult Safeguarding, explains our responsibilities and procedures across England and Scotland.
Download the MCR Pathways Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
Approved September 2026. Next scheduled review September 2027.