Understanding the Importance of Safeguarding Policies

What Are Safeguarding Policies and Why Do They Matter?

Safeguarding policies are vital to protect young people and ensure their well-being and safety. These policies set out guidelines and procedures that organizations and individuals must follow to safeguard young people from harm or abuse.

Types of Safeguarding Policies

Safeguarding policies can include child protection policies, anti-bullying policies, health and safety policies, and more.

Implementing Safeguarding Policies

All members of an organization must be trained and educated on safeguarding policies to ensure they are properly implemented and followed.

Reporting and Dealing with Incidents

Safeguarding policies should include a clear procedure for reporting any incidents or concerns about potential harm or abuse, and outline how to handle these situations.

Why Safeguarding Policies Are Important

Safeguarding policies protect the rights and well-being of young people, who are vulnerable and depend on adults to keep them safe.

Child Protection & Code of Conduct

How we create safe spaces and the standards we expect from staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors.

Read the summary / Download policy

Reporting a Concern

Worried about a child or about the behaviour of an adult? This shows what to do now, including DSL details and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) route.

Report it / Flowchart (PDF)

Safer Recruitment & DBS

Our checks for staff and volunteers, induction, supervision, and renewal cycles.

See our process

Online Safety & Social Media

Ground rules for WhatsApp groups, live streams, photos, and messaging between adults and young people.

Guidance for families

Photography, Filming & Data

Ground rules for WhatsApp groups, live streams, photos, Consent at sign-in, how we store images, and how to withdraw consent.

Photo consent form / Privacy notice

Health & Safety and First Aid

We check every venue before sessions and record issues. A named First Aider is on duty. Kits are stocked and visible. We keep an accident log and inform parents/guardians when needed.
Our standards:
- Venue check: fire exits clear; toilets open; floors dry; cables taped; equipment fit for use; doors supervised.
- Ratios: ages 13–18 → 1 adult : 10 young people (minimum 2 adults present). Under-13s at mixed events → 1:8.
- First aid: kit at reception point; ice packs; PPE; incident forms; AED location noted if on site.
- Emergency plan: stop activity, make safe, call 999 if required, contact DSL and parents/guardians, complete incident form within 24 hours.

Venue checklist (PDF) | Accident/incident form (PDF) | Risk assessment (PDF)

Have any questions?

Questions about safeguarding?
We’re happy to talk.
Email Daniel Matthews at info@myec.org.uk or call 07308621318 (office hours).
If you need to report a concern, use our Report a Concern page for clear next steps.
Urgent risk? Call 999.
You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 or your Local Authority Children’s Services.

We review our safeguarding policy every 12 months. Last review: August 2025