Safeguarding

What is it?

Safeguarding means working to prevent abuse and neglect and to protect every individual’s fundamental right to live with dignity, in safety and free from harm.

What does this mean for your organisation? 

Organisations should have a culture of safeguarding and create a safe and welcoming environment, where everyone is respected and valued. It’s about making sure your organisation is run in a way that actively prevents harm, harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect. ​

Safeguarding is also about being ready to respond safely and well, if there is a problem. Everyone in your organisation has a role to play in safeguarding and it should become part of your day to day activities.​

Every organisation that delivers charitable activities has a duty to safeguard volunteers, staff members, service users, beneficiaries and donors. The Charity Commission has guidance that outlines the safeguarding responsibilities of charities and trustees. 

Safeguarding Resources

Connected Voice

Connected Voice can support your organisation to understand your safeguarding responsibilities and how to create a culture of safeguarding.

  • We can review VCSE organisations’ safeguarding policies free of charge.
  • The Elements eLearning portal has two introductory courses: one focused on children safeguarding and the other on adults safeguarding, both of which can be accessed at any time for free.
  • We run a free online introduction to safeguarding course. Details of any upcoming training sessions can be found in our programme.
  • We can write a new safeguarding policy for a VCSE organisation tailored specifically to their needs. This is a charged for service, with prices provided on request.

We also have a range of free safeguarding resource sheets which can be accessed below:

Our Advocacy team advocates for individuals who are at risk of harm or abuse and has extensive safeguarding experience, with a representative on Newcastle and Gateshead Safeguarding Adult Boards and involvement in research. Find out more about advocacy and their tailored training.

Newcastle 

Newcastle City Council also offers multi-agency safeguarding training that is open to VCSE organisations. Training is delivered through a variety of in person, online, and eLearning courses. 

To keep up to date with safeguarding news in Newcastle you can sign up to receive the NSAB and NSCP Newsletters through the links below:

Gateshead

Gateshead Council offers a range of resources on their safeguarding in Gateshead website. This includes links to training, including their dedicated VCSE safeguarding training. 

To keep up to date with safeguarding news in Gateshead you can sign up to their weekly digest newsletter here: Weekly Digest - Safeguarding in Gateshead.

DBS checks

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) has dedicated Regional Outreach Safeguarding Advisor. You can find the contact for the Regional Outreach Advisor here: The DBS Regional Outreach service - GOV.UK.