Safeguarding & Welfare Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Safe recruitment and clearance — Require all staff and volunteers to undergo appropriate background screening—including criminal record checks, reference verification, and identity confirmation—prior to appointment. Re-screen or obtain updated disclosures at least every three years, or sooner if role or risk changes. Maintain secure digital or physical records of checks, training, and ID verification, and verify identity again during onboarding to ensure only vetted individuals engage with youth or vulnerable groups.
• Safeguarding record-keeping — Maintain structured incident logs, include date, staff involved, and action taken. Audit safeguarding records annually. Store securely with limited access permissions for safeguarding leads only.
• Challenging behaviour and safeguarding risks — Train staff in de-escalation, trauma-informed responses, and restorative practices. Maintain clear behaviour agreements and reporting logs for consistent accountability.
• Safeguarding during physical activity — Supervise changing areas and ensure open, visible spaces for coaching. Enforce adult-to-child ratios. Use rotating chaperones, never leaving participants alone with staff.
• Handling safeguarding in multi-agency setups — Define clear safeguarding responsibilities before events. Share escalation contacts. Hold pre-event meetings and distribute safeguarding flowcharts to all teams for quick access.