Managing Workers

In every organisation open to or likely to have contact with children, young people and adults at risk, all workers, paid and voluntary, should be appropriately managed, supervised and supported.

In all organisations there need to be clear accountability structures and this is particularly so for those working directly with children and young people and/or adults at risk of harm.

All workers should be well supervised by a named individual and good communication between worker and supervisor is essential. 

Team meetings should also be convened on a regular basis.  A leader/supervisor may organise smaller meetings for workers in certain groups with whole-team events included too.  This will promote a mutually supportive working environment.

All organisations, including churches and places of worship, should provide workers with a code of conduct so workers have a shared understanding of what the role involves and what is expected of them.

Workers should also have access to the safeguarding policy and opportunity to discuss it, so they are clear about their own safeguarding responsibilities, the organisation’s commitments and what to do if they have concerns. 

Good management of workers includes effective training in all aspects of their work but especially in safeguarding. Safeguarding training will enable your team to respond with knowledge and confidence to any situation.

Good management of workers is directly linked to having a safe and open culture.