The project
Who built Safe Spaces, the partner organisations, and how this Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership works.
find out moreSetting up safeguarding
Eleven steps. Steps 1 to 6 must be complete before you run any activity involving participants. Steps 7 to 11 follow immediately afterwards.
Expect around six hours of work in total, plus one board meeting. Most organisations spread it over two to four weeks. It is not a two-hour job — but it is finite, and once it is done it stays done.
Your progress
0 of 11 steps complete
1. Work out which tier applies to your organisation.
Which tier is my organisation? · 5 minutes
What done looks like
You know whether you are Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3.
2. Appoint your safeguarding lead and your deputy. At Tier 1 that means a lead and a named external backup. Complete the terms of reference for your tier, and have both appointment letters signed.
DSL Appointment and Terms of Reference (P1) · 30 minutes
What done looks like
Both documents are signed and filed.
3. Make sure your lead understands the role. They should know the seven-step response to a concern before any project begins.
DSL Responsibilities Guide (P2) · 45 minutes
What done looks like
Your lead can describe the seven steps without looking them up.
4. Adapt and adopt your safeguarding policy. Complete every bracketed section, then take it to your board or governing body for approval.
Safeguarding Policy (F1) · 2 hours, plus one board meeting
What done looks like
There is a minute recording the approval.
5. Adopt the Code of Conduct. Everyone who works with participants signs it, and keeps a copy.
Code of Conduct (F2) · 30 minutes, plus time to collect signatures
What done looks like
There is a signed copy on file for every person.
6. Adopt the Do No Harm and Non-Discrimination Statement.
Do No Harm and Non-Discrimination Statement (F3) · 20 minutes
What done looks like
It is published and has been shared with the team.
When you have finished
You have the foundations. You are not finished — you are ready to start.
If your organisation is at Tier 1
Steps 4 and 8 look intimidating when there are three of you. They are still required, and they are still proportionate: your board may be two trustees, and your policy may be four pages. The standard is that the policy is written, approved by whoever governs your organisation, and known by everyone. The standard is not that the policy is long.
