13 national umbrella bodies and organisations join forces to help facilitate safeguarding improvement.
The National Lottery Community Fund awarded £570,000 to the Safer Social Sector Partnership. This award will fund the creation of a comprehensive suite of free safeguarding tools and advice for the voluntary sector.
The Safer Social Sector Partnership is coordinated by the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). It involves 13 national umbrella bodies and organisations. They share their skills, knowledge and experience so that all voluntary organisations can be a safe place for beneficiaries, volunteers and staff.
The funding has been awarded by the National Lottery Community Fund as part of a joint £1.2m Safeguarding Training Fund with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This will allow for the development of a suite of accessible and relevant safeguarding resources, tailored to meet the needs of the full spectrum of the voluntary sector, from small community groups as well as the largest organisations.
Unprecedented Level of Expertise
The full list of partners involved:
- NSPCC
- Ann Craft Trust
- UK Youth
- PROTECT
- Children England
- National Adult Safeguarding Network
- Third Sector Safeguarding Network
- National Youth Safeguarding Forum
- Charity HR Network
- The Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI)
- National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)
- Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE)
- Neontribe
The initial plan is to undertake an in-depth user engagement process. This will inform the design, prototype and delivery of a new “safeguarding gateway” on the NCVO KnowHow website.
After this, the plan is to develop and update resources that meet identified needs or gaps in provision. Podcasts, videos, and other media will make these resources accessible to as many people as possible.
An Exciting Opportunity
Deborah Kitson, Ann Craft Trust CEO, said this about the partnership:
The Ann Craft Trust is delighted to have the opportunity to work in this collaborative partnership. These safeguarding resources will ensure that all organisations, whatever their size and purpose, will be able to access information and guidance that suits their specific needs.