Safeguarding children & young people 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. There is a senior leader with responsibility for strategic safeguarding; Executive Director (Place) and a lead operational officer; Community Safety Partnerships lead officer.  This is supported by designated safeguarding champions across the council who have received additional training and can help advice and signpost for referrals and support.

This is reflected by the high-level membership of our corporate Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Safeguarding Steering Group. The work of the steering group includes helping develop the council’s overall approach to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.