The role of a champion will be to utilise the Safe Network core safeguarding standards for safeguarding children within the voluntary and community sector.
The Champions programme is seen as being the cornerstone of regional and local support. With help from Safe Network’s central team and Regional Development Managers (RDMs), the Champions will act as Safe Network representatives within their local community.
So far the Safe Network and the Regional Development Managers have ran 14 masterclasses across England with more than 140 champions now recognised.
We recognise that there will be significant challenges around making resources accessible to third sector groups and organisations.
Groups will need to be informed of the champions existence and will need to feel motivated to use them, and then be offered the time and opportunity both to become familiar with them and to use them to work on their own practice. Support at all levels – national, regional and local – will be available.
Why has anyone become a Champion?
- They will have an opportunity to strengthen your skill base as a Champion and the skill base of your organisation/s, thus increasing your ability to compete successfully for future possible tenders.
- Become a helpful peer support network and the RDM to hand.
- Have the ability to tailor delivery to suit local needs and to collaborate with partners locally and regionally.
- Have support from the Safe Network team to distribute Safe Network products, tools and resources.
- Get a chance to be part of a supportive volunteer network in your local community, that aims to alleviate the impact on infrastructure support of potential or actual reductions in local funding.
- An option to administer, under detailed and robust conditions, your own Safe Network events, eg handle bookings, invites, evaluation etc, in collaboration with your RDM.
- Have the potential to host local on-line discussion forums linked to the Safe Network website at the NTC, and with the support of Safe Network safeguarding managers.
Feedback from some of the safeguarding champions
"Very good, clear set of standards"
"Brilliant core safeguarding standards for developing safe organisations and consequently safe places for children, young people and families”
“It’s good to see something so robust for the voluntary and community sector”
“Increased own awareness and knowledge of the Safe Network, great resource”
“Excellent standards, excellent website, friendly approach to safeguarding for the voluntary and community sector”
Further information:
Contact the Safe Network, we can let you know what is happening in your local region and who to contact.