The NSPCC states that everyone has a responsibility to help keep children safe. Organisations working with children and young people must have safeguarding policies and procedures in place and be able to respond to child protection concerns. But recognise that knowing exactly what you need to do can be challenging.

That’s why they’ve produced a range of resources for voluntary and community groups. Whether you’re just starting or you’re reviewing existing processes,  Click below to access the following useful guides;

• New to safeguarding?
  • Take a step-by-step approach with this introductory guide to setting up safeguarding and child protection measures – click here to open
• Read for more details?
  • Use these recommended safeguarding standards and accompanying guidance to help you keep children safe – click here to open
• Check your progress
  • Assess how well your safeguarding arrangements are working with this online self-assessment tool – click here to open

Keeping children safe during the pandemic

Finally, as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions begin to ease around the UK, voluntary and community groups can start working with children face-to-face again.  Activities may happen outdoors or indoors, depending on where you are in the UK.  As everyone adapts to these new circumstances, organisations must think about how to keep children safe.

The voluntary and community sector has always had an important role in supporting children and families and has continued to do so over the last year or so.

If you are part of a new voluntary group set up during the pandemic, you must ensure you’re keeping children safe.

And even if your organisation or group already has robust safeguarding and child protection measures, there will likely be extra considerations during these challenging times.

Your organisation or group might feel like there’s a lot to do at the moment. You might be trying to get to grips with running face-to-face activities safely. You might also be figuring out how to offer a blended face-to-face and online activities approach.

You might be operating with reduced finances and fewer staff and volunteers. You might also be worried about some of the children you work with.

NSPCC have gathered some resources to help everyone in the voluntary and community sector safeguard and protect children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes information about:

• writing and updating safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures
• Make sure your staff and volunteers are safe to work with children
• supporting children and families
• recognising and responding to abuse
• carrying out online activities and events.
• an overview of the relevant guidance on running safe activities.

Click here to read NSPCC’s full guide on Safeguarding during coronavirus: voluntary and community groups