There are simple actions you can take to help the preventative aspect of safeguarding.
And the good news is these aren’t particularly complicated actions, and they won’t even cost you much!
Good Onboarding
Preventative safeguarding can be something as simple as considering your welcome and induction process for new members or participants.
Think about the following:
- What information are you making available to those who join your organisation or activity?
- How do you communicate your organisation or club values? How do you let people know about key contacts and your expectations around conduct?
- Are you open about welcoming feedback and views from your members?
- How do you demonstrate how you value the people who are part of your club or organisation?
- Do you share information about developments you’ve made based on listening to those who take part?
- Does your website provide lots of information about your venue, such as facilities, session times, descriptions of activities, and photos and contact details of key people?
Beyond Policies and Procedures
Your safeguarding policies and procedures remain crucial. But these simple things can help create an environment where all individuals feel informed and welcomed. They can also help your members feel safer and more valued, while giving them the confidence to share any concerns they might have. It’s putting prevention into practice!
It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about preventative safeguarding, but creating a welcoming and open environment where all voices and views are valued plays a big part in keeping everyone safe. And as an added bonus, you may be more likely to retain your members and participants for longer too!
Is It Time To Refresh Your Induction Process For New Members?
If you already have a process for introducing new members, is it time to review and refresh it?
Things to consider:
- Are contact details, photos, information up to date and current?
- Are they on your website?
- Does the information come across as welcoming or officious?
- Is it person centred, or organisation centred?
- Does it reflect what your members need to know? Have you asked them what they think?
- Does it include helpful information about your activity or club?
- Does it make everyone feel welcomed and able to be themselves?
- Are policies and procedures clear and easy to find?
- How do you communicate and share information about your code of conducts?
Also ask yourself if you’re presenting information in a way that people want to receive it. For example: some people may prefer to watch short videos to find out the information they need to know.
Have You Got an Effective Induction Process?
If you don’t have anything in place already, try to and set aside some time to start planning and implementing it.
Also consider what you could implement straight away. For example, some people struggle to pluck up the courage to join a new group. It’s not nice to feel like you’re on your own, with no idea of how things work. So maybe you could ask for a few volunteers to take on the role of greeting new members and showing them around.
You could also check if your website is up to date, and let new members know where they can find key information.
Remember, while you’re working on your induction process, try to seek the views of your members, as it is important to incorporate their insight in the process!
Staff and Volunteers Safeguarding Induction Checklist
Including safeguarding in your induction process can help ensure that all new staff and volunteers understand your club’s commitment to creating a safer culture. This is also an opportunity to let everyone know the role they have to play in keeping people safe.
Read our brief introduction to safeguarding adults induction checklists.