If you run a voluntary organisation, it is very important that you are able to identify signs of abuse and mistreatment and know which procedures to follow. 

Inducting staff and volunteers on safeguarding training courses increases the level of professionalism and awareness around safeguarding within the organisation.

Training should be updated regularly to ensure all team members can recognise the signs of abuse and know how to report them. 

Safeguarding children: the DBS procedure

Children and young people are especially vulnerable to abuse. In the UK it is law that any organisation providing services to children such as childcare or after school activities must carry out full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on employees and volunteers, or any person who works unsupervised with children. 

The DBS checks are required for all paid and voluntary positions. Applications are made via the UK Disclosure and Barring Service which can be reached on the UK Government’s website. There are different levels of DBS check that can be obtained, ranging from basic to standard and enhanced checks. 

The Disclosure Service charges a fee for each DBS application which is subject to the level of the DBS application. 

Find out more about DBS fees and how to apply at GOV.UK. 

Members of NCVO can get up to 40 per cent discount on DBS application fees. See the contact details on their website to find out if you can apply for membership. 

Safeguarding vulnerable adults 

 Organisations providing services to vulnerable groups of adults by law must comply with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Bill, ensuring that staff and volunteers have passed the appropriate level of DBS check. 

To find out more please contact: Camden’s Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board Manager, Patricia Cox patricia.cox@camden.gov.uk

Safeguarding Actions

What you can do now to improve safeguarding arrangements in your organisation to help make staff, volunteers, children, and young people feel safe:

• Review / update your safeguarding policy annually.
• Make sure staff are familiar with the policy and know what to do in the event of a disclosure.
• Carry out safeguarding training for all new and existing staff and volunteers annually.
• Ensure volunteers understand your policy and procedures of reporting.
• Make your safeguarding policy visible to the public

Reporting Abuse:

If you think abuse or maltreatment is being carried out and you are worried about a child or young person, get in touch with a child protection agency using the following numbers or call the police on 999.

• Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) 020 7974 3317  https://cscp.org.uk/
• NSPCC Helpline: 10am–8pm Monday to Friday: 0808 800 5000;   https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
• Childline (for children): 0800 1111; https://www.childline.org.uk/