Roles and responsibilities
Everyone who works for the organisation, including any voluntary or peripatetic staff, shares the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners.
Some roles do come with more specific safeguarding responsibilities. These have been explored over the previous four screens, and tend to be the same in all organisations.
One person may have several roles - particularly in smaller organisations - but it is necessary to ensure that all roles are filled.
The table opposite gives some examples of roles and responsibilities. Select a role to find out more about it.
Click a heading opposite to find out more about roles and responsibilities.
Governors, including trustees and directors
- Ensuring policies, procedures and systems are fully implemented and followed.
- Allocating sufficient resources and time to safeguarding.
- Supporting staff and volunteers with any safeguarding concerns.
Organisation leader
(e.g. Chief Executive, Principal, Service Head or Centre Manager)
- Ensuring the organisation has effective policies, procedures and systems in place in accordance with guidance from government bodies and other agencies.
Designated Person
- Liaison within the organisation and with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB).
- Referral of concerns to the relevant agency.
- Distribution of safeguarding resources.
- The person to whom safeguarding concerns raised by other members of the organisation – staff and learners – should be referred.
- Arranging training for other staff in some organisations, as well as providing advice.
Individual members of staff
(including volunteers, agency and peripatetic staff)
- Awareness of safeguarding and its importance.
- Alertness to potential signs and indicators.
- Confidence to take appropriate action when necessary.
- Adherence to policies, procedures and systems.