Safeguarding

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is all about having the knowledge and awareness to understand various types of abuse and neglect, being able to identify the signs and what to look for; knowing what steps to take if you suspect abuse is happening and knowing what to do if a child or an adult discloses abuse.

Understanding the Safeguarding agenda will also help ensure your organisation works responsibly and safely, without putting staff in vulnerable positions. A relationship between an adult and child, young person or vulnerable adult is not a relationship between equals.

It is vital for all those in positions of trust to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they must exercise because of this relationship. A relationship of trust applies to staff or volunteers who are, as a result of their knowledge, position and/or the authority invested in their role, in a position of power or influence over a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

The Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) is in just such a position and therefore must be equipped to deal with a situation in which this relationship of trust is abused. Safeguarding policies are put in place to help.

Safeguarding means:

All agencies working with children, young people and their families taking all reasonable measures to ensure that the risks of harm to children’s welfare are minimised; and

Where there are concerns about children and young people’s welfare, all agencies taking appropriate actions to address those concerns, working to agreed local policies and procedures in full partnership with other local agencies.

In relation to adults safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

Who does Safeguarding protect?

Safeguarding protects vulnerable people falling under the following headings:

Early Years
Children
Children with Disabilities
Young People
Adults at Risk

How does safeguarding protect my organisation?

Understanding the Safeguarding agenda will also help ensure your organisation works responsibly and safely, without putting staff in vulnerable positions.

What should your organisation be doing?

A safe organisation: Ensures that its governing body, all its employees, commissioned or contracted agents and volunteers or adult participants are aware of their responsibilities to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. Your organisation should have policies and procedures regarding Safeguarding, particularly if you work closely with children or vulnerable adults.

If you are working directly with vulnerable persons, all individuals within your organisation should be able to recognise the different types of abuse, identify the signs and where to go for help. The most important aspect your organisation should be ensuring is that all staff members keep accurate records.