Safeguarding responsibilities for organisations

safeguarding, responsibilities, for, organisations

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Safeguarding: “The context in which institutions and systems were built matter. Too often we are asking children and young people, at their most vulnerable, to trust institutions that they see as replicating the power structures that have hurt them” (Research in Practice). What is a ‘universal child’? Our training will question whether there is such a thing as a universal child, and provide space for reflection so that we can get comfortable with the uncomfortable. We will explore adultification and the concept of where notions of innocence and vulnerability are not afforded to all children and young people and whether the systems young people engage with can confidently say they reflect their “layered, nuanced and intersecting identities”. The framing of language has a significant impact on our safeguarding interventions. During the training we will draw upon the work by Kimberly Crenshaw regarding ‘intersectionality’. Equality, diversity and inclusion shouldn’t be something we tag on at the end, but instead, should be a key foundation stage on which we base our safeguarding practice and make life changing decisions.

The Safeguarding Role of Trustees: whether you’re a faith or charity organisation there is a legal safeguarding duty placed on all trustees, who play a key role in your leadership team. Our training will go through your legal requirements, including meeting your statutory and regulatory responsibilities. We will explore the tension between providing a welcoming and protective environment, whilst ensuring your safeguarding policies and practice are clear and led by someone with expertise in this area of work. This training looks beyond the moral duty to ensuring due diligence to the children and adults you serve or work with.

The Dynamics of Decision Making and Understanding Risk and Need: did you know that your thinking is inherently biased? We constantly use heuristics as a way of reducing the complexity of decision making, which can lead to significant biases. Our training will take you through four key areas; 1. Framing the problem 2. How we use information 3. Problems of judgement and 4. Post-decision making. We will explore why we need to engage with a wider perspective and systems to reach well considered and holistic understanding. AND so importantly we will unpack exactly what is ‘need’ and what is ‘risk’ and how to differentiate between the two. We recognise that decision making can be emotive causing staff to worry  more about ‘what if’, which in turn can lead to risk avoidance. Well understood decision making and well-grounded understanding of need and risk can make all the difference in creating confident teams and positive outcomes for the children and families we work with.

Safeguarding in the Community and on Mission Work: for faith organisations this area of safeguarding is of particular importance. Our training will focus on safeguarding preparation for mission work; roles and responsibility of mission leaders and your designated safeguarding officer; your legal responsibilities regarding notification of safeguarding incidents; how to manage any safeguarding issues to support the emotional well-being of workers whilst ensuring any evidence required for investigation isn’t contaminated and how international safeguarding procedures are not universally the same.