Pageanz Worldwide is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all children and vulnerable persons involved in our activities.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm in any form. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and is fundamental to everything we do.

This policy applies to all Pageanz Worldwide activities, including:

• Pageants, competitions, and live events

• Rehearsals, workshops, and training sessions

• Office operations

• Community outreach and advocacy projects

• Travel and accommodation related to Pageanz activities

• Digital and online engagements where children or vulnerable persons are involved

This policy applies to:

• Staff

• Contractors

• Volunteers

• Judges

• Coaches and trainers

• Partners and affiliates

• Participants, contestants, and attendees

Child

A child is any person under the age of 18 years.

Vulnerable Person

A vulnerable person may include an individual who:

• Has a disability (physical, intellectual, or sensory)

• Has mental health challenges

• Is experiencing trauma or distress

• Is dependent on others for care or support

• Is in a situation of reduced capacity to protect themselves

Pageanz Worldwide is committed to:

• Protecting children and vulnerable persons from harm

• Providing safe physical, emotional, and cultural environments

• Promoting dignity, respect, and empowerment

• Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns

• Complying with applicable child protection and safeguarding laws in all jurisdictions

Pageanz Worldwide

Pageanz Worldwide will:

• Embed safeguarding into planning and delivery of all activities

• Conduct risk assessments where children or vulnerable persons are involved

• Provide clear expectations and guidance on appropriate behaviour

• Act immediately on safeguarding concerns

• Work with authorities and partner agencies where required

Staff, Contractors & Volunteers

All staff, contractors, and volunteers must:

• Act in the best interests of children and vulnerable persons at all times

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Follow this safeguarding policy and related procedures

• Report any concerns, disclosures, or suspicions immediately

• Never ignore, dismiss, or minimise safeguarding concerns

Appropriate Behaviour

• Treat all children and vulnerable persons with respect and dignity

• Communicate in an age-appropriate, inclusive, and respectful manner

• Ensure interactions are open, observable, and transparent

• Obtain appropriate consent where required

• Respect cultural values, identities, and boundaries

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours are strictly prohibited:

• Any form of physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse

• Inappropriate touching or contact

• Sexualised language, jokes, or behaviour

• One-on-one situations without appropriate visibility or approval

• Grooming behaviour of any kind

• Bullying, harassment, or intimidation

• Discrimination or exploitation

Pageanz Worldwide will ensure:

• Appropriate supervision ratios at events and activities

• Safe environments, including changing areas and rehearsal spaces

• Clear boundaries for backstage, dressing rooms, and private spaces

• Safeguarding considerations in travel and accommodation arrangements

• Additional protections for overnight or off-site activities

• Photography or filming of children and vulnerable persons will only occur with appropriate consent

• Images will be used respectfully and responsibly

• No unauthorised recording is permitted

• Children and vulnerable persons will never be sexualised or exploited in imagery or media

For digital and online engagement:

• Appropriate conduct standards apply at all times

• Private messaging with children or vulnerable persons is prohibited unless authorised and monitored

• Safeguarding concerns arising online will be treated with the same seriousness as in-person concerns

Mandatory Reporting

Any person who:

• Witnesses inappropriate behaviour

• Receives a disclosure

• Suspects abuse or harm

must report the concern immediately to Pageanz Worldwide management.

Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

Pageanz Worldwide will:

• Take all concerns seriously

• Ensure the immediate safety of the individual

• Record and assess the concern

• Notify appropriate authorities where required by law

• Cooperate fully with investigations

All safeguarding concerns will be handled:

• Confidentially

• Respectfully

• On a need-to-know basis

Information will only be shared where necessary to protect individuals or comply with legal obligations.

Any breach of this policy may result in:

• Immediate removal from activities or events

• Suspension or termination of engagement

• Referral to authorities where appropriate

• Further legal or disciplinary action

This policy will be reviewed:

• Annually

• Following any safeguarding incident

• In response to legislative or operational changes

This policy will be reviewed:

• Annually

• Following any safeguarding incident

• In response to legislative or operational changes

By participating in, working with, or representing Pageanz Worldwide, all individuals acknowledge their responsibility to comply with this Child & Vulnerable Persons Safeguarding Policy.