The CSCP is pleased to introduce a comprehensive new safeguarding resource designed specifically for non-statutory services working with children, young people and families.

Non-statutory organisations, including voluntary, community and faith sector groups, play a crucial role in early support and prevention. Many are trusted spaces for children and families, often seeing concerns emerging at an early stage. This resource has been developed to ensure these organisations are equipped with the knowledge, tools and confidence to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities effectively.

What the resource includes

This guidance provides practical, accessible support, including:

• Clear information on recognising signs of abuse, neglect and vulnerability

• Step-by-step guidance on responding to concerns and making referrals

• Advice on information sharing and multi-agency working

• An overview of local safeguarding processes and expectations

• A dedicated self-assessment tool to help organisations review and strengthen their safeguarding arrangements

The importance of the self-assessment tool

A key feature of this resource is the safeguarding self-assessment, designed specifically for non-statutory services. This tool enables organisations to:

• Reflect on current safeguarding policies, procedures and practice

• Identify strengths as well as areas for improvement

• Ensure safer recruitment, training and reporting processes are in place

• Build confidence among staff and volunteers in recognising and responding to concerns

• Evidence their safeguarding commitment to funders, commissioners and partners

Regularly completing the self-assessment supports a culture of continuous improvement and ensures safeguarding remains a clear organisational priority, rather than a reactive process.

Why compliance matters

Being compliant with safeguarding expectations is not only a statutory expectation for many services, but a fundamental part of delivering safe, high-quality support.

Strong safeguarding practice helps organisations to:

• Protect children and young people from harm

• Build trust with families, communities and partner agencies

• Reduce organisational risk and ensure accountability

• Meet funding and commissioning requirements

• Demonstrate professionalism and good governance

Organisations that actively engage with safeguarding standards are better positioned to respond effectively to concerns and contribute meaningfully to multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Strengthening the partnership approach

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and effective protection of children relies on strong collaboration. By supporting non-statutory services to understand their role and responsibilities, this resource strengthens Croydon’s wider safeguarding system and improves outcomes for children and young people.

Access the resource

We strongly encourage all non-statutory services working with children and families to explore this guidance and complete the self-assessment tool as part of their ongoing development.

👉 Visit the CSCP website to access the resource and share it with your teams and networks.