I have recently really enjoyed working with 2 different groups of charity trustees. One group is newly formed, and one has been in existence for a while. Both groups are committed to their cause, and are wanting to be really clear about their responsibilities as charity trustees.
We have particularly considered the role of trustees (or directors for CIOs and social enterprises) in relation to safeguarding. Traditionally, charities who work directly with children have been very aware of these responsibilities, but there is an increased awareness of other vulnerable groups.
Responsibilities go much further than checking the safeguarding policy each year. Trustees need to be trained in safeguarding, also be able to support whichever staff member (where staff are employed) leads on safeguarding. It is good practice to have a designated safeguarding lead within the trustee group. My accredited ‘Advanced Safeguarding’ course – next running in September is an ideal opportunity for this trustee to update their skills – contact me for details.
To conclude, I quote from the Charity Commissioners:
‘The Charity Commission says safeguarding should be a priority for all charities, not just those working with groups traditionally considered at risk.
‘Tackling abuse and mismanagement, the regulator’s annual report of its compliance case work, reveals that safeguarding concerns featured in 302 regulatory compliance cases opened in 2016-17, up from 163 in the previous year. Disclosures with other agencies that have safeguarding responsibilities have increased by 30%, at 244 (up from 187 in 2015-16). Six statutory inquiries, the regulator’s most serious type of engagement with charities, featured safeguarding concerns.’
So – if you are in a trustee role – are you taking your responsibilities seriously? For any advice please do contact me: jill@jillwebbtraining.co.uk