c) Overview of Policy Standards
This policy is implemented through seven interlinked standards. It is expected that each sub-team of the WAGGGS Global Team will consider how the standards apply to their work and where needed use this policy to develop further guidelines to support implementation. All guidelines relating to this policy must be signed off by a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Standard 1. | There are clear roles and responsibilities for safeguarding everyone we work with and managing risks at all levels of the organisation, with the safety and welfare of children and young people being a particular governance priority. Safeguarding is championed by focal points and there is an action plan to implement this policy and create a strong safeguarding culture and accountability framework within the organisation. |
Standard 2. | Safeguarding is embedded into all relevant human resource processes, particularly recruitment and selection. This ensures all who join WAGGGS share our values and commitment to safeguarding all we work with, particularly the safety and welfare of children and young people and have the knowledge and skills to fulfil their safeguarding duties. |
Standard 3. | WAGGGS work is delivered through dedicated volunteers who work in partnership with staff and lead volunteers. It is important that our volunteers, many of whom work directly with children and young people, understand their safeguarding duties. In addition, WAGGGS has a particular duty of care towards our youth volunteers, any volunteer under 30 years of age, whose safety, well-being, and satisfaction is of great importance. In addition, WAGGGS must ensure that it has the processes and systems in place to support any volunteers who either self-identify as vulnerable adults or are identified as such by other concerned individuals. This standard explains the processes in place for supporting and safeguarding WAGGGS volunteers. |
Standard 4. | Best practice safeguarding is embedded into all WAGGGS activities where WAGGGS works directly with children and young people. Risks are identified and managed, appropriate permissions are sought, and we ensure all participation is safe, meaningful, and inclusive. |
Standard 5. | When WAGGGS delivers programmes and activities to children and young people in partnership with MOs there are appropriate contracts and processes in place to safely deliver this work, and all contracted MOs have a safeguarding policy in place. WAGGGS offers capacity building support to all MOs where safeguarding is identified as a priority in the Capacity Assessment Tool (CAT) or other capacity building requests. Member Organisations are responsible for any safeguarding concerns or non-compliance within their organisation. |
Standard 6. | WAGGGS will endeavour that no harm comes from our publicity activities, communication materials or campaigns. WAGGGS will comply with UK data protection law and best practice in the handling of personal data and confidential information and ensure that WAGGGSinformation is held securely and shared on an appropriate lawful basis. |
Standard 7. | WAGGGS maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual exploitation and abuse. Under no circumstances will WAGGGS permit its staff, leaders, partners, volunteers, members, or any representatives involved in its activities to engage in any form of sexual exploitation or abuse. Recognising the heightened vulnerability of adults, women, and children, WAGGGS is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding all individuals within its scope of work. This commitment to protection from sexual exploitation and abuse is upheld at all times, across all facets of the organisation’s operations. |
Standard 8. | Mandatory reporting is a requirement for all those engaged in the work of WAGGGS. Global Team members are aware of their duty to report and must promptly report any current or historical safeguarding concerns related to the actual or potential harm or abuse of children and young people at WAGGGS, any safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable adults within the WAGGGS Global Team, or any situation suggesting a breach of this policy. Processes are in place to effectively receive and respond to any concern either directly or indirectly related to the work of WAGGGS and/or Member Organisations. Processes are also in place to respond to disclosures of abuse not related to WAGGGS or MOs but have been reported to a Global Team member. Records are kept on a global register and key principles are followed when responding to reports. |