Did you know that many safeguarding concerns can be prevented long before they arise?
The voluntary sector plays a key role in spotting early signs that someone may be at risk. Putting a few simple structures in place can make a big difference to the wellbeing of the adults you work with.
Safeguarding risks can develop if processes aren’t clear, training is inconsistent, or staff and volunteers simply don’t feel confident about what to look for. Prevention is about creating a culture where people feel safe, respected, and supported.
Prevention starts with clear expectations, communication, and responsibilities. When everyone knows what good practice looks like, you reduce the chance of mistakes, misunderstandings, or missed opportunities to act early. When safeguarding feels like part of everyday practice – not just a policy in a folder – people feel more confident speaking up and sharing concerns.
Here are some practical steps to strengthen your organisation’s safeguarding prevention approach:
- Refresh your safeguarding policy: Make sure it’s up to date, easy to understand, and accessible to everyone
- Create a code of conduct: Clear behaviour expectations help set boundaries and protect both participants and volunteers.
- Provide regular training: Include refresher training on spotting signs of abuse, reporting concerns, and safer working practices.
- Carry out basic risk assessments: Think about your activities and identify any potential safeguarding risks.
- Encourage a speak-up culture: Make it clear who people can talk to and how concerns should be raised.
- Check your digital practices: Review how you store personal information, use social media, and communicate with participants.
- Ensure safer recruitment: Carry out reference checks, DBS checks where applicable and include safeguarding expectations during induction.
By embedding simple, preventative steps into your everyday work, your group will be better equipped to protect the people you support—and create a safe, positive space. Prevention isn’t just good practice; it strengthens your organisation and builds trust with your community.
As part of our training programme here at DCA, we offer an Introduction to Safeguarding workshop, Understanding Safeguarding Responsibilities, DBS eligibility training and Prevent. For more information, please visit our Training and Events webpage and look out for 2026 dates coming soon.
For any safeguarding enquiries, please email tara.hallimond@durhamcommunityaction.org.uk | 
