Over the last few months, we have been highlighting key principles in safeguarding. If you emphasize the key principles behind your policies and procedures, your staff and volunteers will learn to apply these principles when making decisions for the vulnerable persons they serve, even if they don’t remember the policies verbatim.

This month, our focus is on valuing and promoting a culture of safety. We have identified 12 key indicators of a safe community, whether that be within a school, camp, faith community, sports team, etc. These indicators will contribute to the well-being of students, staff, volunteers, and the wider organization environment.



Here are the 12 indicators we have discovered of working with safe churches, charities and organizations...

• Regular Assessments: Conduct regular assessments of the safety policies, procedures, and physical environment. This includes gathering feedback from students, staff, volunteers and parents to identify areas for improvement and address any emerging safety concerns.

• Clear Policies and Procedures: Develop and communicate clear policies and procedures regarding safety, including protocols for emergencies, bullying, student behaviour, and a code of conduct for all staff and volunteers. These should be well-documented, easily accessible, and regularly reviewed.

• Effective Communication: Foster open lines of communication between students, parents, and leadership. Regular updates on safety issues, concerns, and procedures help maintain awareness and collaboration. A well-crafted protocol for addressing and responding to concerns, along with an appeal process, will provide agency and empower individuals to raise their voices in a safe environment. 

• Prevention and Education: Implement programs that educate students, staff, and parents about safety issues, such as conflict resolution, internet safety, and mental health awareness. Prevention education helps build awareness and equip individuals with the tools to handle various situations.

• Supportive Personnel: Train leaders on trauma-informed care and response. Also, train staff and volunteers to recognize and address safety concerns, including signs of bullying, mental health issues, and other challenges. Staff should be approachable and equipped to support participants in need. 

• Respectful Discipline: Apply disciplinary actions fairly and consistently, focusing on restorative practices rather than punitive measures. This approach helps address behaviour issues while maintaining respect and understanding for students.

• Positivity (Strengths-Based Culture): Focus on the positive, and see the good in people. Promote a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and engagement. A positive culture can reduce incidents of conflict and promote overall well-being.

• Inclusive Environment: Ensure that all students and personnel feel valued and included. This involves promoting diversity, addressing bullying and discrimination, and creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels safe and respected. This does not mean you must agree with everyone or abandon your own convictions, but it does mean you will take time to listen, seek to understand, and create a welcoming environment.

• Student Involvement: Encourage students to participate in safety initiatives and provide them with a voice in creating a safe environment. If you are a school, student-led groups and councils can play a crucial role in promoting safety and addressing issues.

• Mental Health Support: Provide access to mental health resources and support services. This includes counselling, peer support programs, and interventions for individuals who may be struggling emotionally or psychologically.

• Partnership with Parents and Professionals: Engage parents and the broader community in safety efforts. Building strong partnerships helps extend the safety net beyond your organization and ensures a unified approach to addressing safety concerns.

• Emergency Preparedness: Develop a Crisis Response Plan to put into place if and when a crisis occurs. Regularly practice emergency response plans for various scenarios, including natural disasters, fires, and intruder situations. Drills should be conducted regularly, and all stakeholders should be familiar with emergency procedures.



I encourage you to meet with your team and assess your strengths in these areas. How do you measure up? ​​Plan to Protect^® can help you achieve many of these. Please reach out to us if you are interested in our consulting services.

Embedding these principles and indicators into the fabric of your organization can create a safer, more supportive environment that fosters the well-being and success of all members!



Our membership renewal rate speaks for itself!  

Did you know that we have a 90% renewal rate for membership? We have just celebrated our 17th year as an organization. We are grateful for the 50+ members that have been with us since the launch of Plan to Protect^®.



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