Our commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk in all our activities.

We believe that everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children, young people and adults at risk.

Our commitment

• We take all reasonable steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults who participate in our activities, visit our woodlands, or engage with us online.
• We give equal priority to keeping all children, young people and adults at risk safe from harm, regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, beliefs, sex, or sexual orientation.
• We provide employees, trustees and volunteers with an understanding of the policies, procedures and guidance that underline safeguarding at the Woodland Trust.
• We implement appropriate safeguarding procedures and training at a relevant level for employees and volunteers.

How we'll achieve this

• Supporting employees and volunteers by establishing transparent reporting and by promoting a culture of learning.
• Encouraging employees and volunteers to discuss any concerns immediately or as soon as practically possible with their line manager/supervisor or the designated safeguarding lead.
• Listening to and hearing the voices of children, young people and adults at risk and respecting their views.
• Recruiting employees and volunteers safely, including references, disclosure and barring checks as appropriate.
• Recording and storing information safely and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Using our procedures and working with local authorities to manage any allegations against employees or volunteers appropriately.
• Adhering to online safety guidelines to keep children, young people, adults at risk and staff safe when using any digital communications.
• Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for children, young people, adults at risk, staff and volunteers, by adhering to health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
• Recognising the position of trust in which staff and volunteers are regularly placed. We will work in partnership with the statutory agencies responsible for safeguarding to manage any allegations against them appropriately.
• Ensuring that any third-party individual or organisation involved in delivering activities on behalf of the Woodland Trust has the appropriate experience, qualifications and/or accreditation and insurance.
• Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing policies and procedures in place.
• Keeping up to date with national developments relating to the safeguarding of children and young people.

We are committed to the highest standards of charity governance and this statement of commitment alongside our safeguarding policies and procedures put safeguarding at the centre of our engagement with children, young people and adults at risk.