What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is all about keeping people safe from harm, abuse, or neglect—whether they’re children, young people, or adults at risk. If your voluntary group works with or supports people, safeguarding should be at the heart of what you do.

Even if your organisation isn’t directly responsible for safeguarding, it’s important to be aware of the role you play in keeping people safe.

Good safeguarding means having the right policies, procedures, and checks in place to make sure your volunteers, staff, and the people you support are protected. This includes:

Safer Recruitment – Making sure the people you bring into your organisation are suitable for the role and understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

DBS Checks – Ensuring that anyone working with vulnerable groups has the right background checks in place.

Safeguarding Policies – Clear guidelines on what to do if there are concerns about someone’s safety, and how to respond effectively.

By taking safeguarding seriously, you’re creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone involved in your organisation.

Next Topic: Why Is Safeguarding Important?