The Charity Commission has updated its guidance on safeguarding. It continues to emphasise that safeguarding 'should be a key governance priority for all charities, not just those working with children or groups traditionally considered at risk, regardless of size or resources'. Trustees are required to take reasonable steps to safeguard and protect all beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, those connected with activities of the charity and who come into contact with the charity, from abuse and maltreatment of any kind. It is important to note that whilst 'actions' may be delegated, responsibility remains with the trustees, so it is indisputably the trustees who must take responsibility for this area.
The Commission's injunction, that 'all' charities must treat safeguarding as a key governance priority, is however somewhat misleading in its simplicity. There are charities which have no contact with children, no employees and only the trustees as volunteers: safeguarding will have limited impact for such a charity. Nevertheless, the emphasis on safeguarding for charities is clear and all trustees must address this in whatever detail may be appropriate for their circumstances. Regular reviews of policies, risk management, practical steps, continual awareness and monitoring, and reporting are therefore now an absolute necessity.
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