Legal Framework England

Some pieces of legislation that relate to safeguarding apply across all of the UK, but much is devolved to regional governments.

Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England, each have their own unique safeguarding set-up and different governing bodies.  There are also international and country specific legislation that organisations working globally will need to consider.

The legislation means your organisation needs to have things in place to prevent harm, such as a safeguarding policy and a safer recruitment processes for workers. If not, you may be breaking the law. 

In addition to the legal requirements, there are several pieces of guidance issued by government that organisations working with vulnerable groups will need to work to.

Legislation

• Children Act 1989
• Children Act 2004
• Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Care Act 2014
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

Guidance:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children - issued by the government for statutory agencies and voluntary organisations (including charities, places of worship, and faith-based organisations) on safeguarding children in England.
• Care and support statutory guidance - GOV.UK