Better safeguarding for children and young people

On the 13th January 2011 the Lambeth Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) hosted a half day event for the Lambeth voluntary & community sector (VCS) on how to ensure safe environments and safe activities for children and young people. Approximately 100 people attended the event, representing about 70 voluntary and community organisations and groups working with children and young people. Organisations ranged from youth clubs, nurseries and sport clubs to play associations and art clubs

The key objectives of the event were to enable VCS organisations to learn about the local safeguarding agenda and the most up-to-date safeguarding requirements for the voluntary sector; and, to have the opportunity to share their views and expertise on to how to better protect and safeguard children across the borough.

Following a series of safeguarding presentations from VCS groups such as High Trees and Fegans, three interactive workshops were held on how to assess and improve an organisation’s safeguarding arrangements; working together and sharing information to safeguard children; and safer recruitment and managing allegations against professionals working with children and young people.

Issues and challenges that emerged from the workshops included partnership working with statutory organisations, support for staff when making a referral, and the need for clear protocols and procedures. These issues will be reported to the LSCB and agreed interventions will be integrated into the LSCB Voluntary, Community & Faith Programme.

Attendees felt the event made a positive impact on their safeguarding activities such as consulting on their child protection policies with young people, feeling more confident to help children who may have an issue and how better to access information and training. One participant said, “I have learnt a lot and my awareness of safeguarding is now more developed. It was a fantastic event”.

To download all the events presentations and documents or to find out more about the work of the LSCB, please go to www.lambethscb.org.uk  If you would like to make suggestions or to be actively involved in the development and implementation of the LSCB Voluntary, Community & Faith Programme please email Serena Tommasino at stommasino@lambeth.gov.uk.

Permalink: http://www.lambethfirst.org.uk/VCSSafeguarding

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