Safeguarding:
The Safeguarding Self-Audit Tool
North Bank Forum explored the possibility of assisting member organisations with a tool to identify for themselves how they are doing in terms of their safeguarding practice. There were some national models which highlighted those areas of practice which would benefit from scrutiny and the North Bank Model was inspired by a particular model which has been adapted for local use.
The tool allows organisations to complete a self-scoring document which covers areas such as:
- Basic safeguarding awareness (of both Children’s safeguarding and those areas affecting Safeguarding Vulnerable adults)
- Relevant legislation and best practice guidance
- Safeguarding policies and procedures
- Safe recruitment of staff and volunteers
- Having codes of behaviour and whistle-blowing policies
The tool works on a number of levels. It allows for organisations and community groups to become aware of some of the key influences regarding good safeguarding practice as well as allowing them to gauge where they are positioned in terms of employing those practices.
The self-scoring is only important to the organisation undertaking the exercise. It offers clues about where the organisation might require further information or training and will highlight for them where policies may need to be developed or updated.
Pilot
North Bank Forum is currently undertaking a pilot of Voluntary and Community Groups using the tool, to learn if it is effective and meets the needs of the VCS. Some organisations have been seen individually and others have chosen to meet in a small working group.
On the 4th August 2011, North Bank Forum held a brief workshop for member organisations. The group was offered the chance to go through the document in order to ensure it was clear. Participants were able to request follow-up materials such as links to a policy template or national guidance documents.
Over-all, it was regarded as a helpful exercise and the tool would be used to reinforce their own awareness of how their organisation is currently performing in relation to Safeguarding.
The pilot is currently underway and member organisations are being offered the opportunity to attend similar workshops or be seen individually if they prefer.
If your organisation or other groups you are aware of, would like to attend a workshop or have a visit by North Bank Forum to go through the Safeguarding Self-Audit Tool, please contact us at North Bank Forum, 94, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull. HU1 2AN.
Contacts for more information and to arrange an appointment:
Wendy Bennett: wendy@nbforum.co.uk; Tel 01482 499037
Tracy Dearing: tracy@nbforum.co.uk; Tel 01482 499042
Chris Snell: chris@nbforum.co.uk; Tel 01482 499051
Posted 12th August