5.4 What are the basic parts of a safeguarding policy?

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There are eight boxes with the following words in each one. Statement. Purpose. Scope. Definitions. Actions. Progress. Sign off. Review.

Safeguarding policies can vary in terms of their length, structure, and content, but there are a number of core components that every policy should include.

These are:

• The policy statement (the organisation’s overall commitment to safeguarding) – this can be hard to phrase, so organisations often leave writing it until the end! As it is a statement on behalf of the organisation, leaders must agree with it and sign it off.
• The purpose of the policy (what it aims to do, and who it will safeguard).
• The scope of the policy (who it applies to – sometimes called the ‘covered persons’).
• Key definitions, including relevant national and international legislation about safeguarding, human rights, and child protection.
• A list of actions the organisation is responsible for (these form the basis of your safeguarding procedures, such as training, working with other organisations, responding to concerns).
• A reference to your organisation’s codes of conduct.
• How progress will be monitored.
• When it was signed off and when it will be reviewed.

Finally, remember that a safeguarding policy doesn’t exist in isolation – it interacts with and complements your sport’s other regulations and policies, particularly those related to events, training, and disciplinary matters.