Safeguarding children policy

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people. This policy sets out our approach to ensuring that the young people we work with and provide services to have the chance to live a life free from harm, exploitation and abuse, have their rights protected and are able to grow up in an environment where they can realise their full potential.

Our council recognises the key role it plays within the borough, working alongside other agencies, to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people. We will be proactive in encouraging and supporting local public services and partner agencies to do the same in safeguarding children.

Our approach to safeguarding is led from the top of the council, and this is reflected by the high-level membership of our corporate Safeguarding Steering Group. The work of the steering group includes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The group’s membership includes the Executive Director for Housing and Communities, the Lead Member for Sports and Heads of Service drawn from all areas of the council.

The Steering Group takes the strategic lead on safeguarding within the council, and is responsible for developing and reviewing the council’s safeguarding policies and through their implementation, ensuring the council meets it’s legal and moral obligations. Importantly the steering group makes sure that safeguarding is embedded across all areas of our organisation and that employees and elected members are clear about the council’s commitment and responsibility to safeguard those vulnerable members in our communities.

We encourage you to read this Safeguarding Children Policy so you are familiar with both this council’s role and responsibilities, and those of the many local partners with whom we work together in partnership.

Cllr Tony Kingsbury - Executive Member for Policy and Culture

Simone Chinman Russell - Executive Director (Housing & Communities)