Help, Guides and FAQs

Everyone's top priority should be to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe, happy and healthy. This includes protecting them from harm, both online and offline. This is where safeguarding comes in. It's like a shield for children and vulnerable adults, creating a safe environment where they can thrive.

There are regulations for safeguarding, such as in schools. which require clear safeguarding policies and procedures. For example, the 2004 Children Act ensures children are safe in their environment and helps support them to succeed. It aims to achieve economic stability for their future and make a positive contribution in their lives. Local authorities, the police and health services, are under a duty to ensure they consider the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children when carrying out their functions. Teachers are trained to spot any signs of issues, from bullying to neglect. There needs to be open communication channels where children feel comfortable speaking up if something feels wrong.

But it's not just about schools. Safeguarding goes beyond this. However, what is less well known is outside of schools it's not regulated and there are only guidelines. It's a shared responsibility between families, communities, representing bodies and organisations that work with children to define policies and procedures

This is why Safeguard-Me's mission is to safeguard children & vulnerable adults with enhanced workforce verification​ in all settings.

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Here are some ways safeguarding works in the real world:

• DBS: This is a UK criminal record check, which ensures those who work with children or vulnerable adults go through a thorough vetting process so anyone unsuitable can be identified.
• Identity checks: Verifying someone's identity ensures they're who they say they are and their details match their credentials.
• Qualifications: Some positions of trust requires specific qualifications so it's always good practice to ask for these
• Open communication channels: Making it easy for children to report any concerns, whether to a trusted adult, helpline, or online reporting tool.
• Age-appropriate safety education: Teaching children about body safety, healthy relationships, and how to use technology responsibly.

By working together, we can create a world where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Remember, safeguarding is an ongoing conversation.

In the context of safeguarding children, a position of trust refers to any job or role where an adult has:

• Regular and Direct Contact: They see and interact with children frequently, either one-on-one or in a group setting.
• Power and Influence: They have a level of authority or control over a child's life, well-being, or education.
• A Duty of Care: They are expected to act in the child's best interests and keep them safe.

Here are some common examples of positions of trust:

• Teachers, Tutors, and School Staff
• Social Workers, Care Workers, and Youth Workers
• Doctors, Nurses, and Other Healthcare Professionals
• Sports Coaches, Religious Leaders, and Youth Group Leaders

Safeguarding relies on our ability to identify situations where children might be at risk. While every child is different, there are some common signs that can indicate abuse or neglect. Here's a breakdown of some key areas to consider:

• Physical Signs (unexplained bruises, cuts etc, frequent injuries, inconsistent explanations, poor hygiene or signs of malnutrition)
• Behavioural Signs (Withdrawn or anxious behaviour, changes in mood/personality, difficulty sleeping, self-harming, loss of interest in school or activities)
• Emotional Signs (Low self-esteem, difficulty trusting adults, clingy or overly attached, soiling accidents, difficulty concentrating in school)
• Neglect Signs (Consistent hunger or lack of proper clothing, untreated medical problems, left unsupervised, frequent absences from school, poor living conditions)

It's important to remember:

• These signs can also be caused by other factors like stress or illness.
• The presence of one sign doesn't necessarily mean abuse or neglect is happening.
• However, if you notice a combination of these signs, it's crucial to speak to a trusted adult or report your concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Every organisations should have trained safeguarding professionals who you can report your concerns too. These are often called Designnated Safeguarding Leads and have undertaken important training to help handle safeguarding concerns. Every organisation should also have a "safeguarding policy", which you can refer to.

• Talk to the child in a safe and supportive way (if appropriate).
• Share your concerns with a trusted adult like a teacher, counsellor, or social worker.
• Report suspected abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities in your area.

By being aware of the signs and taking action when needed, we can all play a part in safeguarding children and ensuring their well-being.

NSPCC Reporting Abuse or contact your Local Authority to find out your Designated Officer

Safer recruitment requires organisations to ensure they're hiring individuals who are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. It's a crucial element of safeguarding, aiming to minimize the risk of harm to those under their care.
Here's the key aspects:

• Thorough Vetting: Conducting background checks, verifying references and ensuring applicants have the necessary qualifications and experience. For example, DBS checks and banning orders (if applicants are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults)
• Selection Process: Interviews should be structured and focus on the applicant's skills and suitability for the role. Assessors should be trained to identify any red flags or inconsistencies.
• Probation Period: A probationary period allows for closer monitoring of a new employee's behaviour and interactions with children or vulnerable adults.
• Training: Staff training on safeguarding policies, child abuse and neglect awareness, and recognizing signs of risk is essential.

Safer recruitment goes beyond just ticking boxes. It's about creating a culture of safety within the organisation.

By implementing a robust safer recruitment process, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of unsuitable individuals gaining access to children and vulnerable adults.

Vetting and pre-employment checks are like a security sieve used during the hiring process. They aim to ensure you're bringing in someone trustworthy and qualified, especially when the role involves working with children or vulnerable adults.

• Background Checks: This looks into an applicant's past for criminal records, disqualifications, or financial issues that might raise red flags.
• Reference Verification: Reaching out to previous employers to confirm details like employment dates, job duties, and the applicant's suitability for the role.
• Banning Orders: Verifying if the applicant is barred from working with children or vulnerable adults due to past offenses.

Pre-employment Checks:

• Identity Verification: Confirming the applicant's identity using documents like passports. This ensures they are who they say they are and have the legal right to work in your country.
• Qualification Checks: Verifying the applicant's qualifications and certifications are legitimate and relevant to the position.
• Employment History Verification: Checking employment dates and job titles listed on the applicant's resume with previous employers.

Specific checks will vary depending on the role, industry, and legal requirements but are still vital.

These checks aren't just about ticking boxes. They play a crucial role in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. By uncovering any potential risks or inconsistencies, organisations can make informed decisions about who they hire.

It's a two-way street:
Pre-employment checks can also benefit applicants. A thorough and transparent process demonstrates the organisation's commitment to creating a safe environment. This can be particularly attractive to candidates who value safety and professionalism.

Safeguarding encompasses a wide range of measures designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from various forms of harm.

• Physical Abuse Safeguarding:

This focuses on protection from intentional harm that results in physical injury. It includes actions like hitting, kicking, shaking or burning. Safeguarding measures involve staff training to identify signs like unexplained bruises or changes in behaviour.

• Emotional Abuse Safeguarding:

This protects emotional harm that can cause severe distress and long-term issues. It includes actions like humiliation, threats, bullying or isolation. Safeguarding measures involve creating safe spaces for children to express themselves and training staff to recognise signs like low self-esteem.

• Sexual Abuse Safeguarding:

This focuses on protection from any form of sexual activity or exploitation. It includes inappropriate touching, sexual assault, and online grooming. Safeguarding measures involve robust vetting procedures for staff, open communication channels, and age-appropriate sex education.

• Neglect Safeguarding:

This protects from the failure to meet their basic needs. It includes not providing adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Measures involve home visits by social workers and ensuring schools identify children who might be experiencing neglect.

• Online Safety Safeguarding:

This protects children from the dangers of the online world. It includes cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online grooming. Teaching children about online safety, monitoring internet use in schools and homes.

• Exploitation Safeguarding:

This protects from being forced into labour, trafficking, or other forms of exploitation. It often involves vulnerable children who are homeless or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Radicalization Safeguarding:

This protects children from being drawn into extremism or violence. It can involve online or offline influences. Safeguarding measures involve promoting critical thinking skills and identifying signs of radicalisation.

Safeguarding practices are constantly evolving to address emerging threats and by understanding these different types, we can create a more comprehensive approach to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society.

The short answer is both!

Organisations:
Create and manage Safeguard-Me Passports for your entire workforce from one secure platform. No more third-party outsourcing, just effortless collaboration and complete oversight.

Employees self-add documents through the free app (which they’re invited to download when you create their passport), which are synced seamlessly to your online account for verification. Keep track, stay notified, and manage the entire process with confidence.

Instant updates, clear progress indicators, and a complete history of actions keep you informed and empowered. Free mobile app for employees, centralised management for you, peace of mind for everyone.

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Individuals:
If you’re a freelancer/self-employed/gig worker, our secure, reliable verification gives you the edge, ensuring trust and confidence with every new contract.

Forget paperwork and meetings. Subscribe online and get vetted through our app, enabling you to instantly demonstrate your suitability either online or in person.

Our safe recruitment team partners with you for complete peace of mind, guiding you through the verification process via your mobile app for maximum convenience.

Protect your reputation and empower your freelance career with your Safeguard-Me Passport.

Handy Hint: Export your passport and use alongside your CV when applying for jobs, proving you're checked, safe and ready to go!

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If you work or volunteer for an organisation, they will create your passport, generating your unique Passport Reference Number (PRN).

You'll then be sent an invite to download the app on your smartphone and create your account for FREE, using your PRN to identify you. See our guide and how to set up your passport on the app.

They will then work through the verification process with you (Identity, Qualifications, References and Criminal Records Checks), which can be completed via your app.

If you're self employed or require a Safeguard-Me Passport for personal use, you need to follow the individual sign up process on our website.

Once you've subscribed, we'll start your passport, generating your unique Passport Reference Number (PRN).

You'll be sent an invite to download the app on your smartphone and create your account, using your PRN to identify you. This guide takes you through how to complete the process on the app.

Then a member of our safer recruitment team will guide you through the verification process, which can be completed via the app.

Share your Safeguard-Me Passport online or in person, from social media to the interview room. Peace of mind, with effortless control.

Get notified about expiring checks and track your activity easily, with in app notifications and messages, ensuring you stay checked, safe and ready at all times.

Enhance your CV with your Safeguard-Me Passport. Stand out, build trust and secure new opportunities.

Work with vulnerable groups confidently. Showcase your verified credentials upfront, saving time and building bridges from the start.

From LinkedIn to your website, unlock new networks and partnerships. Share your Safeguard-Me Passport, connect with trust, and collaborate with confidence.

Data protection principles underpin everything we do. From the outset, our web and mobile apps have been built following the privacy by design principle, to protect your most sensitive personal data.

Your data is encrypted with AES256 security (think bank level encryption) giving you the peace of mind that data security is our guiding principle.

A full audit trail of activity provides transparency and accountability throughout the process, enabling you to maintain control of your data and who sees it.