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Safeguarding checklist

A free online safeguarding tool

UPDATE: in May 2021, we will be launching a new and updated self-assessment tool on the NSPCC Learning website which will replace this checklist. In the meantime, you can continue to use the checklist below.

It can be challenging to work out whether your organisation is doing enough to keep children safe. We've developed a tool to help you assess what you're already doing well, and what you need to improve to make sure all the children who come into contact with your organisation are protected.

The safeguarding self-assessment tool is designed to be used alongside our Safeguarding standards. It includes a set of simple questions for each standard, as well as resources that you can use to create a safer culture within your organisation.

You should use this tool at least once a year as part of your ongoing child protection work.

Download information packGet our full information pack with everything you need to know

Protecting children >

Areas covered:
  • Safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures
  • Lead responsibility for safeguarding
  • Child protection training for staff and volunteers
  • Behaviour code
  • Promoting safeguarding to all
  • Raising concerns
  • Child protection referrals
  • Allegations against adults
  • Allegations against a child or young person
  • Whistleblowing procedure
  • Auditing safeguarding arrangements
  • 0/11

Safer recruitment >

Areas covered:
  • Safer recruitment policy statement
  • Safer recruitment process
  • Vetting and barring checks
  • Induction and training
  • Ongoing supervision
  • Do you have a system for involving children and young people in the recruitment process?
  • 0/6

Bullying >

Areas covered:
  • Anti-bullying policies and procedures
  • Codes of behaviour
  • Training for staff and volunteers
  • Talking about bullying with young people
  • Do you promote diversity and celebrate difference?
  • Do you include children and young people in your work to prevent bullying?
  • 0/6

Safer activities >

Areas covered:
  • Risk assessments
  • Discussions about why safeguards are in place
  • Parental consent
  • Registration forms
  • Emergency information
  • First aid
  • Reporting accidents
  • Complying with regulations
  • Adult to child ratios
  • Do you make sure children and young people are adequately supervised?
  • 0/10

Sharing information >

Areas covered:
  • Guidelines on sharing information
  • Sharing information with agencies and consent
  • Early help
  • Measuring impact of early help
  • Local services information
  • Links with other organisations
  • Working with children's services
  • 0/7

Recording information >

Areas covered:
  • Policy and procedures for child protection records
  • Access to records
  • Concerns reported on file
  • Do you have a policy for granting children and families access to their records?
  • Do you explain to children, young people and their families that you keep records about them and why?
  • Do you make sure your staff and volunteers understand your expectations around recording and storing information?
  • 0/6