Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and this has not changed in the response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Community Services Prioritisation Plan, The COVID 2020 Act, COVID 19 Changes to the Care Act 2014 and the variety of COVID 19 Guidance are all indicating that safeguarding children and adults is as critical during COVID as it is statutory at other times.
This page will give you information, links and resources to enable you to do all you can to ensure the safety of your staff, volunteers and clients, and to make sure you comply with the law and follow good practice.
If you need any advice email us or call 01223 464696
You do not need to be put off providing services because of concerns about safeguarding. Much like Health and Safety there are many myths and the press love the horror stories about when things go wrong. However many voluntary organisations work with vulnerable adults and children on a daily basis providing advice, activities and support that enriches life and makes a real difference. As long as you take your responsibilities seriously and ensure that you are keeping up to date with the law and good practice it is not difficult to work in a safe and supportive way.
Find out what the Charity Commission has to say about trustees roles and responsibilities with regard to safeguarding here along with more guidance on Safeguarding children and young people here.
New Safeguarding Portal: Guidance on handling safeguarding allegations in a charity
This new portal has been set up to help charities in dealing with safeguarding issues. It provides step by step guidance to help community organisations to handle their safeguarding concerns, contact the right people and agencies with the right information and access other resources and advice.
The site also has links to other information and websites offering useful resources and advice.
You can access the portal here
There is a discussion-based tool to support organisations to understand what a positive safeguarding culture looks like
Online Training
The Cambridgeshire Safeguarding Board has developed some free on line training. This includes:
Safeguarding for Community Volunteers
Introduction to Safeguarding Children (Part 1)
Safeguarding Children Part 2 – Recognise and Respond
Safeguarding Children from Online Abuse
Recognising Abuse in Adults at Risk- Part 1
Safeguarding Adults from Online Abuse e-course
Domestic Abuse, Safeguarding and Covid-19
Click on the buttons to find more detailed information
Page last updated 19 June 2015