Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work with Children and Young People

This guidance, commissioned by the DCSF, provides clear advice on appropriate and safe behaviours for all adults working with children in paid or unpaid capacities , in all settings and in all contexts. It aims to:

• keep children safe by clarifying which behaviours constitute safe practice and which should be avoided
• assist adults working with children to do so safely and responsibly, and to monitor their own standards and practice
• support managers and employers in setting clear expectations of behaviour and codes of practice
• support employers in giving a clear message that unlawful or unsafe behaviour is unacceptable and that, where appropriate, disciplinary or legal action will be taken
• support safer recruitment practice
• minimise the risk of misplaced or malicious allegations made against adults who work with children
• reduce the incidence of positions of trust being abused or misused.

This is a generic guidance document which complements existing procedures, protocols and guidance relating to specific roles, responsibilities or professional practices.