What is safeguarding?

In UK legislation, safeguarding relates to protecting vulnerable adults and children from abuse, neglect and harm. However, organisations working in international development and UK charities are expanding that definition to address abuse and harm which might take place in their organisations. According to the UK Charity Commission this means ensuring that, "no one who comes into contact with their charity suffers distress or harm."

Identifying & addressing safeguarding risks

Much like the concept of duty of care, there is no one thing which must be done to address all safeguarding risks. Establishing a safeguarding 'function' or hiring a 'Head of Safeguarding' are good steps toward identifying and addressing safeguarding risks but - like duty of care and security - safeguarding must be inclusive and integrated in many of the functions and roles in the organisation. Like the oft quoted saying that, 'everyone is responsible for security' in the same way, 'everyone' must be responsible for safeguarding.

learning

It's more than training.

We help people master the skills necessary to be safe and effective. Learn more about our expertise, approach and courses.

risk advisory

Enabling organisations to successfully manage their duty of care in a complex world through security advice, structures, policies and practice.

resources

Safety and security are in our DNA. Read, watch, listen and contribute to the conversation with leaders in the safety and security sector.

Getting ahead

of your

safeguarding risks

Components of safeguarding

There are a variety of components organisations need to consider when strengthening their safeguarding practice to address safeguarding risks including these below. Each are critical in safeguarding practice:

Investigations

External guidance

Awareness

behaviours

Training

Contracts

governance

POLICIES

welfare

Where to begin?

Research and learning

investigations course

Safer Edge offers a 2-day investigation course which can be run in-house or staff can attend one of our 'open' session. Next course is in London 23-24 May

course details

consultancy

Enabling organisations to successfully manage their duty of care in a complex world through security advice, structures, policies and practice.

professional investigation

Safety and security are in our DNA. Read, watch, listen and contribute to the conversation with leaders in the safety and security sector.

UK Charity Commission

Safeguarding is a key governance priority for all charities, says charity regulator

Charity Commission announces suite of steps on safeguarding

Strategy for dealing with safeguarding issues in charities (2013)

Strategy for dealing with safeguarding issues in charities (2017 update)

How to report a serious incident in your charity

Safeguarding alert following a number of serious incidents reported to the Charity Commission

a free seminar

for international development organisations

Thursday, 03 May 2018

9.30 - 11.00am

The Foundry

17 Oval Way | London | SE11 5RR

Speakers & Format

The seminar will be led by Safer Edge’s Investigations Expert, Andrew Thomson and will include the opportunity to ask questions both anonymously beforehand and in person. Safer Edge, CEO, Kelsey Hoppe will be hosting the seminar and addressing questions related to security practice in safeguarding risk. Christine Williamson, Director and Founder of Duty of Care International will also be present to support questions related to duty of care. Attendees will be able to share thoughts and experience under Chatham House rules as well as have the opportunity to network with others responsible for safeguarding afterwards.

Andrew has nearly 20 years experience running successful global investigations in the UK and overseas. He has worked with international organisations and the EU and UN on investigative techniques and strategic change in security. A recognised expert in his field, Andrew has given briefings and conferences in Europe, North America, SE Asia, East Asia and S. America.

Kelsey is an organisational security specialist who helps organisations understand their risk and mitigate their risks in ways that are congruent with their vision, mission and culture. She has worked in internationally for over 20 years and including leading and coordinating in humanitarian responses in Darfur, Sudan, South Sudan, Pakistan, Indonesia and Ukraine.

Future Events

Safer Edge will be holding a two-day, intensive investigations course in London at the end of May and attendees will be given more details. If you are not able to attend but would like more information on the course, please email: operations@saferedge.com.

Register Now

Space is limited and will be designated on a first come, first serve basis. Registration closes on 30 April 2018.