Safeguarding Policy

This policy explains our approach to safeguarding.

1. Opening Statement 

The objective of The Software Charity is to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources for the public benefit through the development of low cost complete software based solutions for use by charities and voluntary bodies.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

  • to protect children and young people who receive The Software Charity’s services from harm. This includes the children of adults who use our services

  • to provide staff and volunteers, as well as children and young people and their families, with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

This policy applies to anyone working on behalf of The Software Charity including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.

Data that is shared is done so under GDPR regulations.

This Safeguarding Policy has been written in line with the NSPCC recommendations: NSPCC (2019) NSPCC safeguarding and child protection standards for the voluntary and community sector: children, young people and young adults aged 0-18 (UK). London: NSPCC.


2. Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.  A summary of the key legislation is available from https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/england

3. Supporting documents

This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies, procedures, guidance and other related documents.


4. Overview

We believe that:

  • the welfare of all children and young people is paramount in all the work we do 

  • all children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

  • some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues  

  • working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people’s welfare

We are committed to:

  • Recording, storing and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance

  • Keeping up to date with and following UK legislation and good practice recommendations in relation to safeguarding children and young people.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

  • adopting child protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and code of conduct for staff and volunteers

  • developing and implementing an effective online safety policy and related procedures

  • providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures so that all staff know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently