Safeguarding refers to the process of protecting children (and adults) to provide safe and effective care. This includes all procedures designed to prevent harm to a child.
What is child protection?
Child Protection is part of a process to protect children and young people, who are identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes the child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child.
What is abuse?
Child abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm.
For definitions of abuse and the signs of possible abuse, visit our Child abuse in a sports setting guidance or, see our FAQs.
Safeguarding requirements for an organisation
Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2023) states that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Working Together outlines the duties of all organisations that work with children.
The Safeguarding Standards are based on these duties. And while the Working Together guidance is only specific to England, the principles are reflected by guidance and standards in all the UK nations.