A first-of-its-kind accreditation scheme for safeguarding has been launched by the independent Christian safeguarding charity Thirtyone:eight, enabling UK-based churches, charities and organisations to independently verify and evidence their commitment to creating safer places for all.
The Safeguarding Standards Award aims to raise standards across the sector, through an innovative national quality assessment and benchmark that defines what effective safeguarding practice looks like and encourages ongoing development and review.
Award applicants must clearly demonstrate and evidence that they meet the required standards, through a rigorous external and independent process to qualify for the award, which lasts for up to three years.
All qualifying organisations are listed on the charity’s website giving maximum transparency and accountability and must supply evidence against 10 categories to qualify for the award including, governance, culture, policy, recruitment, training, working safely, managing workers, responding to concerns, and working with offenders and those who may pose a risk.
This pioneering Award gives members of the public confidence that an organisation has had its safeguarding arrangements independently verified and offers the highest level of protection possible from the damaging effects of harm and abuse.
Karen Eakins, Head of Safeguarding at Thirtyone:eight says,
“We’re delighted to be launching our Safeguarding Standards Award as part of our mission to raise the standards in safeguarding practice. This provides a visible recognition of the safeguarding standards across charities and organisations, helping to raise confidence in those who use your services. From parents making decisions on activities for their children to people looking for a new church or selecting support services for themselves or loved ones, the award is an easy way to tell whether an organisation is working to the highest safeguarding standards possible. We’ve already seen the positive impact the award can make on organisations that have achieved the award and the trust it brings to the communities they work with. We want to invite others to consider this.”
Kidscape, Award recipients say,
"The Award process has been smooth, insightful and revealing. It's incredibly thorough - but at the same time really enjoyable. Very proud of the entire team for achieving it."
Find out more about the award by visiting https://thirtyoneeight.org/award
