Unit 6: Learning and implementation

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6.6 How to implement a safeguarding policy and procedures

By now, you have thought about how the existing organisational safeguarding policy and procedures can be improved on or where one did not exist, you have started developing it.

Having an implementation plan on how that policy is going to be rolled-out across the organisation is important otherwise it will just sit on a shelf and be brought out when donors want to have a look, which is not the idea.

Your organisation may consider having a ‘Safeguarding Working Group’ dedicated to monitoring the implementation across the entire organisation made up of the heads or focal points of each department so that each department is clear on their role and responsibilities. The plan should also include an induction and training schedule in creating a safe and healthy culture.

Every organisation should have a Designated Safeguarding Lead/officer at senior management level and Designated Safeguarding Board member at governance level. The Board members can monitor safeguarding, and safeguarding should become a standing item on the board agenda since it is a governance issue as all Board members can be held responsible for the actions of the workforce and associated personnel.

The next activity will help you explore how to develop an implementation plan.

Activity 6.7 A plan for implementing safeguarding good practice

Use the template below to develop a plan for implementing good safeguarding practice in your organisation.

Here is a downloadable version of this table.

The activities included are only suggestions and can be removed and new ones added. Remember supporting the organisation to implement safeguarding culture, policies and procedures is a joint responsibility of everyone so it’s important to try and find allies within the organisation and in other agencies to work with you and others on this plan.

This is a table detailing how to develop an implementation plan. There is an accessible PDF version of this table available in the downloads area.

© Adapted from “Developing a Safeguarding Policy: Process Template by Scotland’s International Development Alliance”


Safeguarding is a journey for individuals and organisations. Reflect on what you have learnt on this course. Consider some of the basics you need to think about when trying to improve safeguarding within your own organisation or professional practice.