# 2. Build foundations

![](/files/-MA89wZnHZ6qhGksBRxi)

## Why you need a policy

You have a duty of care to ensure your beneficiaries’, your users’, safety and wellbeing when supporting them online. Just like you would in any other context. So your organisation must have a safeguarding policy that reflects this. One that covers digital safeguarding, is regularly reviewed and is publicly available. 

This policy provides the foundations of your digital safeguarding work. 

## Integrate with your existing safeguarding policy

You could choose to develop one integrated safeguarding policy covering offline and online activities. Children’s charity [Barnardo’s](https://inside.barnardos.org.uk/sites/default/files/uploads/Safeguarding%20%26%20Protecting%20Children%20Policy%20and%20Procedure.pdf) and grass roots charity [Safe & Sound](https://safeandsoundgroup.org.uk/safeguarding-policy/) do this. 

Or you may decide you need a specific digital safeguarding policy, such as [Amnesty International UK](https://www.amnesty.org.uk/issues/safeguarding) or  [Oxfam UK](https://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/plans-reports-and-policies).

Your policy should complement your Data Protection Policy and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

## Policy functions

Your safeguarding policy should provide guidance for your staff and volunteers on:

* Their safeguarding responsibilities 
* How to recognise and report safeguarding concerns 

It should also:

* State the different online platforms you use to deliver services, and their risks 
* Describe procedures for mitigating identified risks, and identifying and reviewing new ones
* Describe procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns that arise during the course of online service delivery
* Reflect the input of your users, staff and volunteers

## Minimum contents list

Tailor your policy’s level of detail to the work your organisation does. But as a minimum, include: 

* Purpose 
* Scope: who the policy applies to
* Legal framework
* Your organisation’s beliefs on protecting vulnerable users
* Contact details for your safeguarding lead
* Reporting procedures 

{% hint style="info" %}
:pencil2: **Policy templates:** [Ann Craft Trust](https://www.anncrafttrust.org/resources/safeguarding-adults-policy-procedures-templates/) and the [National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children](https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/writing-a-safeguarding-policy-statement).
{% endhint %}

## **Put policy into practice**

Implement your policy through:

* [Digital safeguarding training](https://avaproject.org.uk/training/#Upcoming) 
* Regular discussions with staff 
* Providing easy access to digital safeguarding advice and procedures (e.g. via a shared document or webpage)
* Visual aids within your organisation (e.g. posters, leaflets, etc.)
* Policy review sessions 
* Providing a variety of digital routes for users to disclose safeguarding concerns (e.g. one-to-one sessions or anonymous surveys) 

{% hint style="info" %}
:link:**Link:** [Safeguarding Day-to-Day](https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/safeguarding/steps-to-a-safer-organisation/safeguarding-day-to-day) (NCVO)
{% endhint %}


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