Safeguarding Team

Are you aware there is a safeguarding team in the region? We wanted to introduce ourselves and let you know what we can do to support you in your guiding role.

Your role in Safeguarding 

Safeguarding is the responsibility of all volunteers and we should all be alert, seek advice and support, and report any allegations, concerns, or disclosures. As a volunteer you can report an allegation, concern or disclosure about an adult or child. 

As a volunteer you have the same safeguarding responsibilities as anyone who works with children in a paid capacity.

If you have a safeguarding concern in the first instance you need to contact the national Safeguarding team on: 020 7834 6242 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday excl. bank holidays) or 07508 032997 (5pm-10pm Monday-Friday; 9am-10pm Saturday/Sunday/ Bank Holidays or by email  -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Where does the region safeguarding team fit in?

Once a report on a safeguarding concern has been made to HQ, the standard procedure is to notify the region safeguarding lead volunteer, county commissioner and region chief commissioner of the case.

What do we do?

• Support the region chief commissioner in making sure we are providing guidance to our local leadership teams.
• Work with the HQ safeguarding team where there are allegations, concerns or disclosures from members.
• Provide support in managing the case, where necessary.
• Support the HQ safeguarding team as they work with external agencies as needed and take any next steps necessary to make sure that all members are protected from any further harm.
• Undertake risk assessments, association agreements and investigations when requested by HQ safeguarding team.
• Work together with you, your commissioner and to keep you safe, if appropriate, and updated, if possible.
• Offer advice where you are not sure there is a safeguarding issue.
• Support and give advice on honest conversations HQ may ask you to have with parents.