1. Safeguarding Commitment

AnimeCon Manchester, organised by Oakham Group Ltd., is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all attendees.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard:

• Children and young people under 18
• Adults with care and support needs (as defined under the Care Act 2014)
• Disabled people
• Individuals requiring reasonable adjustments

We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or unsafe behaviour in any form.

This framework operates in accordance with:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Care Act 2014
• Equality Act 2010
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

 
2. Scope of This Policy

This framework applies to:

• All staff and volunteers
• Contractors and security personnel
• Exhibitors, vendors, guests, performers and panelists
• Cosplayers
• All attendees

It covers all event spaces, including:

• Exhibition halls
• Panel rooms
• Queuing areas
• Outdoor areas controlled by the event
• Official online platforms and event communications

Compliance with this policy is a condition of participation and entry.

3. Core Safeguarding Objectives

AnimeCon Manchester will:

• Proactively safeguard the welfare of all visitors
• Provide clear reporting pathways for concerns or allegations
• Respond promptly and proportionately to safeguarding incidents
• Promote accessibility and inclusion in accordance with the Equality Act 2010
• Maintain effective collaboration with venue management, contractors, emergency services and local authorities
• Record and store safeguarding information securely in line with UK data protection law

4. Key Definitions

Child / Young Person: Any person under 18 years of age.

Adult with Care and Support Needs: An adult who may require additional support due to disability, illness, mental health condition, age, or other circumstances (Care Act 2014).

Disability: As defined under the Equality Act 2010 — a physical or mental impairment with substantial and long-term adverse impact on day-to-day activities.

Safeguarding: Proactive measures to prevent harm, and responsive action where concerns arise.

Harm / Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial, discriminatory abuse, neglect, harassment, grooming, stalking, or exploitation.

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Clive Norgaard Morton – Company Director

The DSL will be present onsite throughout operating hours and contactable via the organisers’ office.

Responsibilities include:

• Receiving safeguarding reports
• Assessing risk and determining action
• Liaising with parents/carers where appropriate
• Referring to statutory agencies when required
• Liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in cases involving staff or volunteers

Where required by law, concerns will be referred to:

• Children’s Services
• Adult Safeguarding Teams
• Police
• LADO

Where roles meet the legal definition of “regulated activity”, appropriate DBS checks will be obtained.

6. Code of Conduct

All attendees, staff, exhibitors, and participants must adhere to the following standards:

Respect & Behaviour

• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• No harassment, bullying, stalking, hate speech, groping, or intimidation.
• Respect personal space, pronouns, and boundaries.
• No discriminatory behaviour based on protected characteristics.

Cosplay & Consent

Cosplay is NOT Consent.

• Always ask before photographing, touching, or hugging anyone.
• No unwanted physical contact.
• No sexualised comments or behaviour.
• Sexualised costumes, performances, or props involving minors are strictly prohibited.

Photography

• Photography must be respectful and non-exploitative.
• Commercial or press photography involving identifiable children requires parental consent.
• Event photographers will be clearly identified.
• Attendees must comply with the event photography policy.

Weapons & Props

• No real weapons permitted.
• Prop weapons must comply with the event’s safety inspection policy.

Breaches may result in:

• Removal from the event without refund.
• Ban from future events.
• Referral to police or statutory authorities.

7. Safeguarding Measures

7.1 Children

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
• Parents and guardians remain responsible for minors unless enrolled in an approved supervised activity.
• A clearly marked Lost Child / Safe Point will be staffed by trained personnel.
• If a parent or guardian cannot be located within a reasonable timeframe, or safeguarding concerns arise, police will be contacted.

7.2 Adults with Care and Support Needs

• Quiet / sensory rooms provided where possible.
• Staff briefed on de-escalation and neurodiversity awareness.
• Clear signage and accessible event information.
• Reasonable adjustments implemented upon request.

7.3 Accessibility & Inclusion

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010:

• Step-free access where available.
• Accessible toilets and facilities.
• Companion / carer ticket schemes.
• Assistance dogs permitted in accordance with UK law.
• Accessible communication formats where reasonably practicable.

8. Reporting Procedures

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately via:

• The Organisers’ Office (DSL)
• Venue Reception
• Security Personnel
• Email: [email protected]
• Anonymous QR reporting form

All reports will:

• Be documented confidentially
• Be assessed by the DSL
• Be escalated where necessary

If a child or adult is at immediate risk, emergency services will be contacted without delay.

Information will be shared strictly on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

Whistleblowing protections apply to individuals reporting concerns in good faith.

9. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

Allegations involving staff, volunteers, or contractors will:

• Be handled by senior management
• Be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required
• Result in suspension pending investigation where appropriate

10. Data Protection & Confidentiality

Safeguarding records will:

• Be securely stored
• Be retained only as long as necessary
• Be processed in compliance with UK GDPR
• Be shared only where legally required or safeguarding risk necessitates

11. Monitoring & Review

This framework will be:

• Reviewed annually
• Updated in line with legislation and best practice
• Revised following significant incidents where necessary

Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Clive Norgaard Morton
Organisers’ Office – AnimeCon Manchester
Email: [email protected]