Safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults

Event organisers have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, ensuring they are kept safe and free from harm.

Publicity should make it clear who / what ages the event is and isn’t suitable for and whether they need to be accompanied by an adult.

At events attended by children, there will be a need for adults experienced in working with them – for example, if someone gets lost or separated from their guardian or carer. Adults expected to work with children should be DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked.

Even if DBS checked, there should always be safeguards in place to protect children, including ensuring a child or young person is not left alone with one worker.

There are many sources of information on safeguarding at events, including:

• The Purple Guide
• National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
• Disclosure and Barring Service: The Home Office