Safeguarding can feel like a big responsibility—and it is.
But it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re working with children, vulnerable adults, or the wider community, ensuring their safety and well-being should be a source of confidence, not worry.
However, many professionals in the education and charity sectors feel the strain of these safeguarding responsibilities.
In a recent survey, over 100 educational organisations shared how challenging it can be to keep up with safeguarding standards across different regulations and diverse environments.
Similarly, charities often report feeling overwhelmed by changing risks, governance pressures, and a lack of clarity in safeguarding practices.
These challenges can make even the most well-intentioned teams feel unsure about their processes.
This is where a Safeguarding Health Check can make all the difference.
At Cornerstone, we prefer the term health check because we know that the word "audit" can sometimes feel overwhelming or lead to worries about your department's performance.
What Is a Safeguarding Health Check?
A health check is a simple, supportive way to help you feel confident in your organisation’s safeguarding practices.
It’s not about pointing out faults or mistakes—it’s about providing you with the tools and insights you need to protect those who rely on you, while making safeguarding easier to manage for everyone involved.
Think of it as a helpful “check-up” for your organisation. It’s an opportunity to step back, review your safeguarding practices, and see how they’re working.
We work with you to review your safeguarding policies, training, and culture—focusing on what’s going well and identifying areas where things could be even better.
It’s a collaborative process designed to give you clarity, practical advice, and peace of mind.
What Happens During a Safeguarding Health Check?
We know that inviting someone into your organisation can feel daunting, but our approach is always supportive, not judgmental.
Here’s what we’ll do when we work with you:
Start with a Conversation: We’ll take the time to understand your organisation, your goals, and any worries you might have about safeguarding. This is a no-pressure chat to ensure we focus on what matters most to you.
Review Policies and Procedures: We’ll look at your safeguarding policies, recruitment practices, and training records to see how they align with best practices and legislation. If there are any gaps, we’ll guide you on how to address them.
Speak with Your Team: Your staff and volunteers are the heart of your safeguarding efforts. We'll either chat with them or use surveys to understand how confident they feel in their safeguarding roles and what extra support might help.
Observe the Safeguarding Culture: Safeguarding isn’t just about policies; it’s about how those policies come to life. We’ll explore how safeguarding fits into your organisation’s day-to-day operations and how concerns are handled in practice.
Provide Clear, Practical Recommendations: At the end of the process, we’ll share feedback on what’s going well and offer recommendations to enhance your safeguarding framework. Our goal is to leave you feeling more confident and less overwhelmed.
By focusing on these areas, we can help you build a strong safeguarding framework that protects both the people you serve and your team.
What Are the Benefits of a Safeguarding Health Check?
Confidence in Your Safeguarding Practices: A health check ensures you’re meeting safeguarding standards, giving you and your team the confidence to focus on what you do best.
Clarity on What’s Working (and What Could Be Better): We highlight your strengths so you can feel proud of what you’re already doing well. If there are areas for improvement, we provide clear, practical steps to help you move forward.
Reduced Stress and Worry: Knowing your safeguarding practices have been reviewed by experts takes the pressure off. You’ll feel reassured that your organisation is safe, compliant, and prepared.
A Safer, Stronger Organisation: Ultimately, safeguarding is about protecting people. A health check helps you create an environment where everyone—staff, volunteers, service users, and students—feels safe and supported.
Proactive, Not Reactive Safeguarding: A health check is your chance to address any risks or gaps before they become bigger issues. It’s about staying one step ahead and future-proofing your organisation.
Why Work with Us?
We understand that safeguarding can feel complex, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our role is to guide and support you every step of the way, offering practical advice in a friendly, non-judgemental way.
Whether you’re preparing for an inspection, strengthening your policies, or simply want peace of mind that you're doing the right thing, a safeguarding health check is the perfect place to start.
We'll help you build on your strengths, tackle any challenges, and move forward with confidence—without the overwhelm!
Ready to Get Started?
Get in touch today, either by filling in our 30-second enquiry form and tick 'Safeguarding Health Check', or schedule an appointment directly with Chris East, our Safeguarding Consultant, here.
Sources:
TeachUp. Child Safeguarding in Schools Survey. Retrieved from teachup.org
Zurich Insurance. Charity Safeguarding Risks and Challenges. Retrieved from Zurich.co.uk
National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). Understanding Trustee Recruitment and Retention Challenges. Retrieved from ncvo.org.uk
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