The Safe Network up and running
Thursday 15 October 2009
In January 2009 Children England and the NSPCC
were awarded the contract under the government's Staying Safe
Action Plan to set up a national safeguarding unit for the third
sector. The official launch of the Safe Network on 5 June marked
the culmination of five months of hard work and determination from
colleagues across the NSPCC and Children England.
The Safe Network's momentum is set to continue over the coming
months as it works with the Department for Children, Schools and
Families, and partners, to use their influence and networks to
reach a wide range of third sector organisations, including those
offering unregulated sports and activities, to encourage and help
them to introduce effective and sensible safeguards. As one of the
unit's delivery partners, NCB will be supporting the dissemination
of the Safe Network materials and activities across our third
sector members and specialist networks, councils and forums.
The Safe Network will offer information, training, high quality
materials and tailored advice that volunteers, parents and
organisations need to provide safe environments for children and
young people to learn, play and have a great time. A priority will
be to support organisations to implement the new vetting and
barring arrangements to be introduced in 2010.
Community organisations and groups that work with children can
order a free pack of publications to raise awareness of safety
issues and keep young people safe.
More from NCB:
According to English law and government guidance, safeguarding
means:
- Protecting children from maltreatment
- Preventing impairment of children's health or development
- Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances
consistent with the provision of safe and effective care
The Safe Network will run primarily online via the Safe Network
website http://www.safenetwork.org.uk/
and a telephone helpline: 0116 234 7217