Support to help employers keep children and young people safe
There are more ways than ever for children and young people to get involved in the workplace. Whether taking their first steps at work through T-levels, apprenticeships, university placements or graduate schemes, or exploring their options through work experience, it can be an exciting time for all.
However, while employers have a duty of care to all staff and volunteers, there are some extra considerations when employing young apprentices and workers.
Find out what steps you need to take to keep children and young people safe at work.
How to safeguard children and young people in the workplace
Young people offer fresh perspectives, bringing energy and enthusiasm to your workplace. It can be an exciting time for everyone.
For many young people, a new apprenticeship or work placement will be the first time that they have been in a work environment. It’s likely to be one of many new experiences. For example, they might not have lived away from home or had to manage a salary.
For some, it may be a difficult transition to adulthood. Young people may be at heightened risk of harm and some may be experiencing abuse outside the workplace.
However, employers can take some simple steps to make the workplace a safe and welcoming environment for young people and ensure any concerns are identified and acted upon. You should:
- assign a safeguarding lead
- assess the risks
- write or review safeguarding policies and procedures
- create codes of conduct
- get support and training
Assign a safeguarding lead
You may already have a safeguarding lead. If not, you should consider assigning someone to this role. This could be one person or shared between staff. Different organisations and industries use different terms, but the role and responsibilities are to take a lead on safeguarding, including for vulnerable adults, and child protection.
> Find out more about safeguarding lead roles and responsibilities
Assess the risks
Think about what safeguarding risks young people might be exposed to in your workplace. This goes beyond the health and safety considerations and includes:
- transportation for young people
- overnight stays, for example at different workplaces, trade events or training
- social events and the consumption of alcohol
> Use our self-assessment tool to audit your current safeguarding arrangements
Write or review safeguarding policies or procedures
Safeguarding policies and procedures help keep the workplace safe for everyone. These are a set of clear guidelines for staff and volunteers to follow that outline how you will keep safe and respond to concerns.
You should have separate safeguarding policies and procedures for children and young people aged under 18 and for adults.
> Find out more about writing safeguarding policies and procedures
> Learn about safer recruitment practices
Create codes of conduct
Setting out clear expectations about what behaviour is acceptable from adults, children and young people makes sure everyone understands what is, and isn’t, appropriate. This can help you protect children and young people from abuse, manage any allegations of inappropriate behaviour and make sure everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
> Find out more about behaviour management and codes of conduct
Get support and training
Protecting children and young people from harm is everyone’s responsibility. All staff and volunteers should understand what they need to do to keep children and young people safe, and what steps to take if they have any concerns.
We have a range of introductory safeguarding to help you, including:
- Safeguarding in the workplace masterclass
- Keeping 16 to 25-year-olds safe from abuse
- Introduction to safeguarding and child protection
Our expert consultants can also create bespoke training for your organisation, review your current arrangements or provide strategic support.