Managing Group Behaviours

Creating and maintaining a safe environment for group activities is an important part of preventative safeguarding. What we consider to be acceptable behaviour will vary depending on things like our personality, preferences, age, cultural background and many other factors. Having clear expectations for workers and those attending groups enables you to create safe and secure environments.  

Many of these expectations are flexible and can be created with your group to reflect the culture of your organisation, the nature of the activity and the needs of those attending. However, some things are never ok and if these happen it would be a safeguarding concern. 

For example: 

• A person’s behaviour mustn’t cause harm to others. Harm can be physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, discriminatory, exploitative etc. These things should not be tolerated, and concerns must be passed on to your Safeguarding Lead. If behaviours continue, you might need to make the decision that allowing them to continue is unsafe for others. 
• Child-on-child abuse is abuse – if you have concerns that a child’s behaviour is causing physical, emotional or sexual harm to another child, talk to your safeguarding lead. 
• Workers must never smack, hit or use any physical force to ‘discipline’ a child or adult with care and support needs. 

Page last updated: 5 November 2025