Minimum Requirements for Safeguarding Policies

Young Ealing Foundation RGB 01

Minimum requirements for a safeguarding policy.

The safeguarding policy statement should contain the following elements:

  • Statement of commitment
  • Purpose of policy
  • Scope of the policy/who it applies to – staff, trustees, volunteers, etc
  • Definitions of safeguarding and child protection
  • Legislative framework – eg, children act 1989 and 2004 etc
  • Underlying principles – eg. welfare of the child is paramount, information sharing etc.
  • Details of the NSP and Deputy NSP – name, job title, contact details
  • Date adopted and review date

    • Sports organisations or any organisation with a ‘governing body’ should adopt their policy/procedure guidance.

    The safeguarding policy statement will need to be linked to a set of more detailed procedures/policies which can explain the steps adults within the org must take to keep children safe.

    The policy statement should include a list of these:

  • how staff and volunteers should respond to concerns about a child’s wellbeing
  • how the organisation will respond to allegations of abuse made against a child
  • how the organisation will respond to allegations of abuse made about an adult who works or volunteers for your organisation
  • how it will make sure it can recruit the right people to work and volunteer with children
  • how it will make sure it has enough adults to supervise children effectively
  • a code of conduct for all staff and volunteers
  • how the organisation will prevent and respond to bullying
  • how the organisation will respond to concerns about online abuse
  • how the organisation will make sure photographs and images of children are taken, stored and shared appropriately
  • how the organisation will store child protection records
  • how the organisation will prevent children from being radicalised
  • whistleblowing

    • Ideally, the policy should be accessible to everyone’s needs (language, etc).

    In addition to the above, organisations should also have arrangements in place that reflect the importance of safeguarding children and promoting their welfare which include appropriate supervision and training for staff.