CCTV Review Policy

At Handcrafted, we aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for staff, volunteers, and the people we work with. We recognise that the use of CCTV can contribute to safety and safeguarding, but also has implications for privacy and trust.

This policy sets out our approach to the placement and use of CCTV, how and when footage may be reviewed, and who is responsible for oversight. It is designed to ensure that CCTV is used in a way that is proportionate, minimally intrusive, and consistent with our commitment to safeguarding and respect for individual dignity.

This policy will be reviewed as required and at least annually by the group or individual responsible for review and authorised by the Trustees as below:

Group or individual responsible for review	The Safeguarding Steering Group
Last review and approval	07/05/2025

Principles

CCTV must only be used where necessary to support the safety, safeguarding, and wellbeing of those who engage with our services.
Placement must be proportionate to the level of risk, and efforts should be made to minimise intrusiveness.
CCTV will not be used to monitor private spaces or as a general tool for supervision or discipline.
We recognise that some individuals may have negative associations with surveillance due to past trauma or experiences of state control; this will be considered in decisions about placement and ongoing use.

Locations and Usage

CCTV is currently in use at key locations, including main entrances and shared communal areas such as the café.
Some of our houses have doorbell cameras that enable us to identify unauthorised visitors to our properties who may pose a risk to our residents.
The purpose of CCTV at these locations is to support general safety and safeguarding, not to monitor behaviour unless there is a clear and proportionate justification.
Footage will be viewed only when there is a safeguarding, health and safety, or other concern requiring investigation.

Oversight and Accountability

Whenever CCTV footage is reviewed by staff, this must be indicated in the relevant Airtable contact note by assigning the "CCTV Review" label to the note and including the reason for viewing the footage.
CCTV use and placement will be reviewed regularly by the relevant Service Manager and their supervisor (e.g. Registered Manager and line manager), and more frequently if concerns arise.
Reviews should consider:
- Where CCTV is in use and whether it remains proportionate to the current level of risk
- Whether any new or more intrusive placement is being considered
- Any concerns or incidents raised by individuals using the service
Reviews can be documented in supervision notes or team meeting minutes.

Storage of Footage

CCTV footage will be stored securely and only retained for as long as is necessary for safeguarding, legal, or operational purposes.
Access to stored footage will be restricted to designated staff.

Data Protection and Linked Policies

The use and review of CCTV must be in line with our Data Privacy Notice, Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding Children Policy and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy. We will ensure that any use of CCTV complies with UK data protection legislation and the principles of fairness, lawfulness, and transparency.

Ethical Considerations

We are committed to minimising the impact of surveillance on the emotional wellbeing of those we support. Where CCTV has been identified as a trigger or concern for individuals, staff will work with them to address those concerns sensitively and therapeutically.