3.5 What are the other policies and procedures that play a role in safeguarding?
Let’s think about some of the other organisational policies, systems and processes that play an integral part in safeguarding everyone.
Activity: Identify the existing policies and procedures that contribute to keeping people safe
Think about the following examples of policies and procedures and identify how you think each can contribute to safeguarding. Note that this is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Others that are equally important include compliance and legal policies and procedures.
| Policy and/or procedure | Possible contributions to safeguarding |
|---|---|
| Human Resources (HR) safer recruitment processes | |
| Organisation’s internal or external complaints mechanisms | |
| Disciplinary or ethics processes | |
| Integrity processes |
Comment
| Policy and/or procedure | Possible contributions to safeguarding |
|---|---|
| Human Resources (HR) safer recruitment processes | If recruitment/hiring information refers to the organisation’s stance on safeguarding – and includes police or criminal records checks for eligible roles – it may deter some dangerous individuals. |
| Any information from criminal background checks, or that comes out through the process (e.g. in interviews or in references), must be reviewed and risk-assessed by the Safeguarding Lead. This will help make sure dangerous people are kept out, or that appropriate risk management plans are in place. | |
| Organisation’s internal or external complaints mechanisms | Issues coming to light through internal or external complaints or reporting processes may have safeguarding implications. Once identified, they can be discussed with the Safeguarding Lead to decide on an appropriate response. |
| Disciplinary or ethics processes | Disciplinary and ethics processes provide a clear and |
| Integrity processes | Integrity processes have generally been set up to address sports rule-breaking (usually cheating, betting, corruption, or performance-enhancing doping issues). However, investigation or assessment of cases sometimes reveal concerns that have an implication for safeguarding. If staff involved in the process are supported to recognise these potential safeguarding issues and implications, they can be shared with the Safeguarding Lead to decide on an appropriate response. |
These examples demonstrate how safeguarding relies on much more than a sound safeguarding policy and procedure. No single policy or procedure is sufficient, and staff responsible for different areas need to understand this. Staff also need to understand the need for specific safeguarding sanctions and risk management approaches. These will be different from those used in integrity or other disciplinary processes.
Now let us consider how you might review other policies and procedures.
3.4 The role of other existing organisational policies and procedures
