Check the system before the role
Ask for an accessible policy, named lead, risk assessment and reporting procedure. Screening under local law complements rather than replaces training and supervision.
Understand the code of conduct
Rules should cover contact, private messaging, gifts, transport, favouritism, discipline, images, social media and contact outside activities.
Respect voice and privacy
Explain activities in an age-appropriate way, follow required permissions and never promise secrecy when information indicates risk. Use approved devices and channels only.
Respond to a concern
Stay calm, listen without interrogating, do not confront a suspected person, record relevant facts and report promptly to the designated lead.
Check a role in 6 steps
- 1
Read the policy
Check scope, principles and review date.
- 2
Identify the lead
Know the safeguarding focal point and reporting channels.
- 3
Understand the role
Clarify tasks, location, schedule, supervision and contact.
- 4
Complete training
Practise rules through realistic scenarios.
- 5
Protect data
Use only approved devices, images and channels.
- 6
Report, do not investigate
Pass facts through the stated procedure.
Warning signs
- Immediate access to children without screening or training.
- An isolated role without supervision or presence rules.
- Private messages, gifts or improvised transport.
- Photos requested for a volunteer’s personal accounts.
- Instructions to handle a concern quietly without reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Is a background check enough?
No. Where relevant under local law, it complements policy, references, training, supervision and conduct rules.
Can I share my personal number?
Only when the policy and role explicitly allow it; supervised institutional channels are preferable.
What if a child tells me something?
Listen, do not promise secrecy or ask leading questions, explain that help is needed and report through the procedure.
Can I post a photo with parental permission?
Permission alone does not remove the need to assess the child’s interest, agreement, risk, context and organizational rules.
Official sources
Always verify the date and conditions on the official source.