Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy for Volunteers Working with Children and Young Adults

Introduction

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We believe that all children have the right to be protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. Volunteers working with children have an important role to play in creating a safe and positive environment for them. This policy sets out the standards and procedures that all volunteers working with children and young adults must adhere to.

Scope

This policy applies to all volunteers who work directly with children as part of our organisation’s activities. It covers all activities that involve contact with children, that take place on our premises.

Safeguarding Responsibilities

All volunteers working with children have a responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare. This includes:

1. Treating children with respect and dignity.
2. Being aware of the signs of abuse and neglect and reporting any concerns to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL).
3. Following our organisation’s code of conduct and behaving appropriately at all times.
4. Ensuring that activities are planned and delivered in a safe and age-appropriate manner.
5. Ensuring that any concerns or disclosures made by children are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
6. Keeping personal information confidential and only sharing it with those who have a need to know.

Recruitment and Training

We are committed to recruiting volunteers who are suitable to work with children and young adults. 

All volunteers working with children will receive appropriate training on safeguarding and child protection. This will include:

1. Recognising the signs of abuse and neglect.
2. Responding to concerns or disclosures made by children and young adults.
3. Following our organisation’s policies and procedures.
4. Understanding the legal framework around safeguarding and child protection.
5. Supervision and Support
6. Volunteers are reminded at each briefing every day of the Safeguarding issues.

Volunteers working with children will receive appropriate supervision and support. This will include:

1. Regular check-ins with the DSL or other designated person, when required.
2. Access to debriefing and support if they have concerns about a child or young adult.
3. Opportunities for training and development.
4. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

All volunteers working with children must report any concerns they have about a child to the DSL or other designated person. This includes concerns about abuse, neglect, or poor practice by other volunteers or staff.

If a volunteer receives a disclosure from a child, they should:

1. Listen carefully and calmly to what the child is saying.
2. Reassure the child that they have done the right thing by telling someone.
3. Make a note of what was said as soon as possible, using the child’s own words where possible.
4. Report the disclosure to the DSL or other designated person as soon as possible.

The DSL or other designated person will take appropriate action in response to any concerns or disclosures. This may include making a referral to the relevant authorities.

Conclusion

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all volunteers working with children and to adhere to this policy and to act in the best interests of the children and they work with. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of the volunteer’s involvement with our organisation.

Jeanette Owen: Secretary & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ian Finch; Safeguarding co-ordinator

Maelor Owen; Chairman

10 May 2023