Safe and Sound: Keeping Children and Young People safe in your Voluntary group

Introduction- Why does YOUR group need a Safeguarding Children Policy?

All the children we work with have the right to grow and enjoy themselves    whilst staying safe and sound. Everyone has a duty to keep children and young people safe from any risks or danger. If we work with children, it is important that we know exactly how we will protect them from harm. We should also be aware of what to do if a problem does arise.

Safeguarding Children is not simply about dealing with any problems. It should be about prevention and this should be built into the aims of your group. If you always strive to respect, encourage and listen to all children and young people, you are taking the first steps towards safeguarding.

It is not enough to simply add your organisation’s name to a set of model guidelines. It is vital that everyone within your group is involved in putting your guidelines together. This way, everyone will come to understand how to behave and what to do if they have any worries.

You may not even work with children on a day-to-day basis but may run events or activities that involve them occasionally. However, you should still work towards a set of guidelines that ensure you protect these children and also everyone else involved in your organisation.

You will also find that when you come to apply for funding, the majority of funders will now ask if you have your own set of guidelines on safeguarding children.  Even if you are not applying for funding at the moment, it is useful to have this in place for the future. The Charity Commission now also requires all voluntary groups that wish to register as charities to have safeguarding children policies and procedures in place.          

This pack will take you through the process, step by step, and will encourage you to really think about the way your group deals with keeping all children and young people safe. By following these guidelines, you are well on your way to creating a place where all children can be free to play, learn, express themselves and make their contribution without the threat of harm.