Keeping people safe with effective safeguarding

Safeguarding isn’t just the concern of social services, local authorities, or schools; it’s crucial for every organisation, including those in the creative, cultural, and heritage sectors.

Integrating safeguarding into these sectors can significantly enhance creativity, access to arts, culture, and heritage, and inclusion for marginalised groups. Safeguarding is sometimes conflated with child protection. While both are equally important, there are subtle differences. 

Child protection is part of the safeguarding process and involves action for specific children experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect. Safeguarding is a broader term that applies to all children and adults at risk of harm. As the NHS defines it,safeguarding means ​“protecting a citizen’s health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect”. It involves creating safe and supportive environments, preventing abuse and harm, and providing necessary support when problems arise. 

Effective safeguarding doesn’t just protect people; it supports creative potential and ensures that this can be met by everyone. By removing barriers that prevent marginalised groups from participating in cultural activities, we can create a safe and supportive environment that allows people to explore their creativity freely. When people feel secure, they are more likely to take risks, try new things, and express themselves without fear, further supporting wellbeing outcomes. 

It is crucial to consider equality and diversity and how they impact safeguarding. Many individuals face additional risks and safeguarding challenges due to factors like race, disability, or socio-economic status. Robust safeguarding practices send a clear message: everyone is welcome, and everyone will be protected. 

Proactively identifying and addressing safeguarding and equality and diversity not only fulfils legal obligations, but it makes the arts accessible to everyone, enriching the cultural diversity of our communities. At the heart of safeguarding is the commitment to ensuring the best outcomes for all children and young people. This naturally aligns with the goals of equality and diversity. Effective safeguarding means recognising and addressing inequalities, ensuring no child or young person is disadvantaged because of their background or circumstances. For instance, children from global majority backgrounds may face additional cultural barriers or discrimination. 

A safeguarding approach that is culturally sensitive and inclusive can help break down these barriers. Understanding the unique challenges faced by different groups and equipping your organisation to support them can help to break down these barriers. Additionally, addressing unconscious bias within safeguarding practices can further enhance inclusivity and ensure fair treatment for all. 

Strategies for Enhancing Safeguarding Practices:

• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand what safeguarding and equality and diversity are, why they are important, and what their responsibilities are. Regular training sessions help keep this knowledge current and relevant. Use this free tool to test your safeguarding understanding.
• Develop and implement clear safeguarding policies. Ensure everyone knows what to do if they have a concern about a child or young person. This includes having a designated safeguarding lead.
• Conduct necessary checks, including DBS checks, when recruiting staff and volunteers. Assess their values and attitudes towards children and young people.
• Ensure your physical spaces are safe and welcoming. This might involve ensuring accessibility for children with disabilities or having clear procedures for managing visitors and events.
• Listen to people. Ensure they know their voices are valued and that they have a say in what happens in your organisation.

• Work with other organisations, such as local schools and social services, to share knowledge and resources.

By prioritising safeguarding, we’re not only protecting the most vulnerable but also enriching our entire community. We ensure that the arts and culture are accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. 

If you’re looking to improve your safeguarding practices and create a safer environment for everyone, consider joining one of our safeguarding courses. These comprehensive courses cover essential topics such as safeguarding policies, categories and forms of abuse, and managing disclosures.