Charity safeguarding policy template

How to use this: treat this as a first draft. Complete every [ADD/CHECK] with real names, local contacts and legal specifics, have a competent person review it, and have trustees adopt it. Do not use it unchanged.

Safeguarding policy (starter) — [Charity name]

1. Our commitment
   [Charity name] is committed to keeping [children / adults at risk] safe and
   will act on any concern for their welfare.

2. Who this protects and what safeguarding means for our work
   [Who we work with and the safeguarding this involves.]

3. Roles
   Designated safeguarding lead: [ADD name/role]. Trustees hold ultimate
   responsibility for safeguarding.

4. Safer recruitment and checks
   [DBS level per role; references; ID checks — CHECK this reflects our practice.]

5. Recognising and reporting concerns
   How to raise a concern; report to the safeguarding lead the same day; refer to
   [ADD local authority contact] and the police (999 emergency / 101), and to the
   Charity Commission as a serious incident where relevant.

6. Disclosures, records and confidentiality
   [How we respond to a disclosure; how we record and store information securely.]

7. Training and review
   [Training for staff/volunteers; review at least annually.]

Reviewed by [competent person] on [date]. Adopted by trustees on [date].