Safegarding
Safeguarding is the process of protecting individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, from harm, abuse, and neglect. It involves creating a safe environment, promoting well-being, and ensuring appropriate policies and procedures. Everyone is responsible for recognising and reporting any concerns to help keep people safe.
Template policy:
Download the template policy here
Useful information:
- Free Safeguarding template to download in words format
- Charity Excellence Foundation offers a free sample UK charity safeguarding policy template suitable for small charities and community groups. https://www.charityexcellence.co.uk/free-safeguarding-policy-template/
- Ann Craft Trust provides multiple safeguarding adults policy and procedures templates https://www.anncrafttrust.org/resources/safeguarding-adults-policy-procedures-templates/
- As organisation safeguarding should be your highest priority and you can follow these steps to ensure you are
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- Identify and assess your specific risks based on your charity’s activities, beneficiaries, and operational context
- Create a comprehensive policy addressing the key risks for the groups you work with and your activities. Include:
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- A clear reporting procedure outlining how people can raise concerns and how you’ll handle them
- A code of conduct setting expectations for staff and volunteers
- A risk register documenting potential safeguarding risks and mitigation strategies
- Ensure your policy is easily accessible to all staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, either online or in print
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- Implement necessary checks for trustees, volunteers, and staff, including DBS checks where appropriate.
- Develop policies on bullying, harassment, and whistleblowing to protect your volunteers and staff.
- Establish a process for handling and reporting incidents, including secure record-keeping and reporting to relevant agencies.
- Create a culture that prioritises safeguarding, led by trustees, encouraging open communication and proper investigation of concerns.
- Regularly review and update your safeguarding policies and procedures at least annually.
- Provide ongoing training for staff and volunteers on safeguarding procedures.
- Allocate appropriate resources for safeguarding and establish clear lines of accountability
Remember, safeguarding is an ongoing process. Continuously reflect on and improve your charity’s safeguarding arrangements to ensure they remain effective and up to date
The following website links will have more information for you to refer too.
- https://www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-guidance/safeguarding/steps-safer-organisation/policies-and-procedures/
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-for-charities-and-trustees
- https://www.charityconnect.co.uk/post/safeguarding-policies/2888
- Help us to stop adult abuse: pdf
- Guidance on developing safeguarding adults policy Safeguarding Adults – Guidance on developing a Policy
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act-2014-statutory-guidance-for-implementation
- NSPCC Model policy and guidance
Writing safeguarding policies and procedures | NSPCC Learning
NSPCC Resources | NSPCC Learning
- Working together to safeguard Children
Working together to safeguard children – GOV.UK
- 8 steps to safeguarding and child protection
8 steps to safeguarding and child protection | NSPCC Learning
- Are you worried about a child? Use this page to find out what to do if you are worried about a child.
Are you worried about a child | ISCP
Safeguarding Training:
To access these resources, organisations can contact the respective providers or visit their websites for more information on available courses and registration procedures.
Islington Safeguarding Children Partnership https://www.islingtonscp.org.uk/training
- Offers free training courses for those working or volunteering with children, young people, and families in Islington
- Provides single and multi-agency safeguarding training
Islington Safeguarding Adults Board (ISAB):
https://www.islingtonsab.org.uk/training
- Offers a comprehensive training programme including topics like home fire safety visits, modern slavery, basic safeguarding adults awareness, and mental capacity courses
- National webinars-During National Safeguarding Week, various online sessions are offered, covering topics like “What’s My Role in Safeguarding Adults?” and “Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach to Safeguarding Adults”
Child Safeguarding Toolkit:
https://www.childsafeguardingtoolkit.org.uk/training-resources.php
- Provides free e-learning modules, animated videos, and bite-sized training modules
- Offers case scenarios and exercises based on real-life experiences
- Islington Council
https://www.childsafeguardingtoolkit.org.uk/training-resources.php
- Provides safeguarding training for education staff through the Safeguarding Children in Education Training and Development Officer
Islington adult learning
