Safeguarding

It can be a challenging area to get right.  This is not just because effective strategies are dependent on fostering a safe, trusting and supportive culture, but also, the nature of abuse and awareness of it is constantly evolving.

As you would expect, there is a detailed legal framework aimed at protecting both children and vulnerable adults.

The law surrounding the protection of vulnerable adults is wide-ranging. Similarly, the framework for protecting children is equally complex.

Effective safeguarding practice calls for strong leadership, empowered staff who are properly trained and an environment where people feel confident in reporting any concern. To support this, robust procedures are key.

Obviously, these should provide the necessary framework and detailed arrangements to maintain a safe environment. Ensuring that these adequately reflect best practice and are implemented with sufficient vigilance is an essential first-step.

Other key considerations may include:

• Senior managers and trustees leading from the front
• Setting out how children and/or vulnerable adults will be kept safe, usually in the form of a written policy
• Getting specialist help, including the appointment of any designated safeguarding lead
• Identifying critical roles and risk assessment
• Implementing safer recruitment practices
• Providing adequate training
• Monitoring and review your practices
• Keeping appropriate documentation.

For more information about safeguarding, see our guides below.