Safeguarding is at the heart of everything you do.
But here’s a critical question: Is your approach ensuring that everyone - regardless of their circumstances - receives the protection and support they deserve?
The reality is that not all safeguarding approaches work equally well for everyone.
A one-size-fits-all model may tick the compliance box, but it often overlooks the unique needs of individuals - whether due to disability, cultural background, neurodiversity, or lived experience.
To build a truly inclusive safeguarding culture, we need to move beyond the basics.
A safeguarding model might meet legal requirements, but does it reflect the complexities of real safeguarding practice?
We need an approach that recognises and responds to:
✔️ Hidden vulnerabilities – Not all risks are obvious. Some individuals face safeguarding challenges that standard training doesn’t address.
✔️ Barriers to disclosure – Fear, communication difficulties, or cultural stigma can prevent people from seeking help.
✔️ The power of lived experience – Those at risk must have a voice in shaping safeguarding responses.
To achieve this, equity must be embedded into everything we do.
The EQUITY Framework: A Model for Inclusive Safeguarding
A safeguarding policy is only as strong as its real-world application.
The EQUITY framework ensures safeguarding reaches those who need it most:
🔹 Everyone’s Responsibility – Safeguarding isn’t just for designated leads. It requires a whole-team approach where everyone is trained to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
🔹 Quality of Safeguarding Provision – Is your safeguarding approach truly fit for purpose? Effective safeguarding must be evidence-based, adaptable, and responsive to the unique needs of those you serve.
🔹 Universal Services for Support – The best safeguarding is preventative, not just reactive. Proactive measures ensure people receive support before risks escalate.
🔹 Individual Approach – No two safeguarding situations are the same. Trauma-informed, person-centred safeguarding ensures responses meet individual needs.
🔹 Time for Everyone – The most marginalised individuals often receive the least safeguarding support. Prioritising time and resources for those at greatest risk is essential.
🔹 Youth and Vulnerable Adults at the Heart – Are your safeguarding policies designed with the input of those they’re meant to protect? The best safeguarding approaches centre the voices of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Beyond ‘Vulnerability’: A Proactive Safeguarding Culture
Many safeguarding strategies focus only on reacting to vulnerability.
But vulnerability isn’t static - circumstances, experiences, and environments can create risks at any time.
Instead of only responding to harm, safeguarding should:
✅ Identify shifting risks – Ensuring safeguarding strategies adapt to different needs over time.
✅ Foster protective environments – Making organisations safe, inclusive, and accessible for all.
✅ Empower individuals – Ensuring people understand their rights and feel confident to seek support.
By embedding safeguarding equity, we create a culture where everyone—not just those who fit into standard safeguarding frameworks—feels safe, heard, and protected.
How Cornerstone Safeguarding Can Help You
At Cornerstone Safeguarding, we work with charities, churches, education providers, and safeguarding leaders to build safeguarding strategies that work in the real world.
What makes our approach different?
Bespoke to your organisation – Your safeguarding challenges aren’t generic, so neither is our training.
Practical, real-world safeguarding – We equip staff with the skills, not just the theory.
Shaped by lived experience – Safeguarding should be informed by those it seeks to protect.
Are you ready to make safeguarding truly inclusive in your organisation?
Get in touch today, either by emailing info@cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk or booking a FREE 30 minute chat with Chris East, here.
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