Safeguarding conference sends clear message of 'Stronger Together'

With the revised Charities Act and regulations, charities will be expected to adopt robust safeguarding practices, including safer recruitment and vetting procedures, mandatory safeguarding training for staff and volunteers, clear processes for managing allegations, a safeguarding code of conduct or handbook, and provisions to exclude individuals deemed unsuitable to work with children.

The Care Agency’s CEO, Carlos Banderas, says these measures will help build public confidence and ensure every organisation working with vulnerable people has the tools and accountability it needs.

The statement was made at ‘Stronger Together’, a conference on safeguarding, which brought together professionals from the Care Agency, Education, the GHA, the RGP, Youth Services, the voluntary sector, and community organisations.

Opened by the Minister for Health and Care, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, it emphasised that “safeguarding must be everyone’s business,” highlighting the importance of moving from “strategy to safety” by embedding policy into practice and ensuring all agencies work together to protect children and vulnerable adults.

In her address, Minister Arias-Vasquez outlined the Government’s progress in strengthening governance structures, including placing the Safeguarding Adults Board on a statutory footing and rolling out Safeguarding Adult Lead Manager (SALM) training across agencies. She also referenced positive trends in safeguarding data, such as increased referrals and alerts that reflect greater awareness and confidence to report concerns.

For his part, Mr Banderas, says the event highlighted that protection is not about structures or meetings but about people. He added it’s about the child whose voice may otherwise go unheard or the adult who may finally feel safe enough to ask for help.  He emphasised the need for a cross-agency approach, working together – not just in principle, but in practice.