Yes, absolutely. Every voluntary sector organisation, especially charities or those regularly engaging with children or adults at risk, must maintain and adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures to effectively manage safeguarding. These documents outline the organisation’s commitment, and it is crucial for all individuals, regardless of their roles, to comprehend and incorporate these documents into daily operations.

Safeguarding policies should address any risks associated with the groups and the activities involved. The level of detail and frequency of policy reviews depends on the organisation’s nature, location, target demographic, and associated risks. Ensuring awareness and accessibility, whether online or in print, is essential for everyone involved, including staff, volunteers, and service users.

All charities bear the responsibility of preventing harm to individuals associated with them. Trustees, especially in charities working with children or adults at risk, hold additional responsibilities. Even when delegating safeguarding activities, trustees retain overall responsibility.

The primary purpose of safeguarding policies is to prevent harm and protect individuals from abuse, neglect, or any form of exploitation.

To build a strong safeguarding culture within your organisation:

Establish Policies and Practices

Implement clear and detailed safeguarding policies and procedures for everyone to understand, emphasising how to:

• Recognise the signs of abuse and neglect,
• Respond appropriately to concerns about abuse and neglect,
• Record information accurately and appropriately,
• Report concerns to the appropriate authorities,
• Review safeguarding practices regularly to ensure they are effective.

Conduct Necessary Checks:

Ensure suitability of trustees, volunteers, and staff through relevant checks, including work history, references, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable.

Protect Volunteers, Service Users and Staff:

Provide insurance coverage and access training, have a designated safeguard lead, and enforce policies on bullying, harassment, and whistleblowing.

Identify and Manage Risks:

Recognise and mitigate any potential safeguarding risks associated with those within your organisation, location, online or face-to-face activities and collaborations.

Legislation and Guidance

For guidance from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Board please refer to Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Safeguarding Partnership Board (safeguardingcambspeterborough.org.uk)

For further reading regarding legislation and guidance to protect children please refer to Child Protection System for England | NSPCC Learning

For further reading regarding legislation and guidance to protect adults please refer to https://www.anncrafttrust.org/resources/safeguarding-adults-legislation/

If you would like to speak to a Hunts Forum development team member regarding your safeguarding policy please contact us via:

Office: 01480 420601

E-mail: sallyann@huntsforum.org.uk or kathy@huntsforum.org.uk