Safeguarding – Useful Information

• As organisation safeguarding should be your highest priority and you can follow these steps to ensure you are: 

1. 1. 1. Identify and assess your specific risks based on your charity’s activities, beneficiaries, and operational context
      2. Create a comprehensive policy addressing the key risks for the groups you work with and your activities. Include:
         • A clear reporting procedure outlining how people can raise concerns and how you’ll handle them
         • A code of conduct sets expectations for staff and volunteers
         • A risk register documenting potential safeguarding risks and mitigation strategies
      3. Ensure your policy is easily accessible to all staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries, either online or in print
      4. Implement necessary checks for trustees, volunteers, and staff, including DBS checks where appropriate.
      5. Develop policies on bullying, harassment, and whistleblowing to protect your volunteers and staff
      6. Establish a process for handling and reporting incidents, including secure record-keeping and reporting to relevant agencies
      7. Create a culture that prioritises safeguarding, led by trustees, encouraging open communication and proper investigation of concerns
      8. Regularly review and update your safeguarding policies and procedures, at least annually
      9. Provide ongoing training for staff and volunteers on safeguarding procedures
      10. 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.