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Community and Voluntary Sector

The Community and Voluntary sector has a vital role to play in the work of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Community and Voluntary agencies, as well as faith organisations, are often the first point of contact for local families, children and young people needing help and support. The voluntary sector, therefore, is extremely well-placed to make early assessments of need, make early interventions and undertake preventative work. Voluntary organisations are also able to play an advocacy role, enabling and supporting families and children to access and understand statutory services.

If you work with children and young people in a local community group or organisation you need to make sure that you have the following things in place for staff and volunteers:

  • Child Protection training;
  • DBS (formerly CRB) checks;
  • Policies and Procedures.
safety_netsqp_qual_assur_yp Safety Net offers support and training for local community groups. They can help you with child protection training, support in developing your policies and procedures and the opportunity to get an accredited quality mark called Simple Quality Protects (SQP). SQP is an evidence based self assessment tool shows commissioners and funders you have a good Quality Assurance Programme in place ensuring good practice and  that the children, young people and families you work with are fully safeguarded. For more information visit:www.safety-net.org.uk

Everyone’s Business, Safeguarding for Trustees‘ has been produced by the Safe Network for trustees, directors, board members, governors and committee members of charities, trusts and associations that work with children, either exclusively or as part of a wider role. The guide clearly lays out a trustee’s responsibilities with regards to protecting and safeguarding children and conveys how these responsibilities can be linked with operational delivery, using the latest statutory guidance.

 

Please refer to the links below to keep in touch with current developments as well as to engage with policy makers and commissioners of services.