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Safeguarding and the law

Find information and recommendations for ensuring your safeguarding follows the law

  • Safeguarding

Introduction

An introduction to our guide on safeguarding and the law

  • Safeguarding

About this guide

Find out who this guide is for and how to use it

  • Safeguarding

Understanding the law on safeguarding

Find out about the key legal sources that we refer to in this guide

  • Safeguarding

Legal duties specific to charities

Legal duties that charities have to ensure good safeguarding

  • Safeguarding

Charities’ general duties of care

Find out where charities' duties of care can arise from and who they might affect

  • Safeguarding

A charity’s duty to have liability insurance

The key duties for charities and volunteer organisations regarding insurance

  • Safeguarding

A charity’s duty to report safeguarding issues

Find out about the Charity Commission's expectations for reporting incidents

  • Safeguarding

A charity’s duty to not discriminate or harass

The Charity Commission's recommended steps that your organisation can take

  • Safeguarding

Trustees’ safeguarding duties

Find out about the specific role that trustees can play in safeguarding

  • Safeguarding

Saskia Konynenburg appointed Interim Chief Executive of NCVO

  • Governance
  • Leadership

Civil Society Covenant launched to reset partnership with government

  • Campaigning
  • Government and politics

Help shape new public procurement rules for charities

  • Government and politics
  • Funding and income

How we help charities build confidence in evaluation

Many charities want to evaluate their impact but lack time or confidence. This blog shares how we support practical, sustainable approaches to self-evaluation.

  • Business planning and strategy
  • Impact and evaluation

Kate Lee OBE appointed new chief executive

NCVO announces the appointment of Kate Lee OBE as its new chief executive, joining at a crucial moment for the voluntary sector.

  • Leadership
  • Governance

Manchester attacks: a statement

A statement from Kate Lee OBE, our chief executive, on the recent attacks in Manchester.

  • Responding to crises

Support for charities in divided times

We know from speaking to our members about the increased need for sector support and solidarity in times of division and racial hatred.

  • Responding to crises

New treasurer and trustee confirmed at 2025 AGM

Members came together for our 2025 AGM to reflect on the past year, hear from our leadership team, and welcome our new treasurer and chief executive.

  • Governance
  • Inside NCVO

Refreshed Charity Governance Code strengthens focus on behaviours and inclusion

A refreshed Charity Governance Code gives clearer guidance for charity boards on leadership, decision making and inclusion.

  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Governance

Charity governance is getting stronger, yet culture gaps persist

Our latest Governance in Focus report reveals that charity boards are improving how they govern but still have work to do on inclusion and culture.

  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Governance

Law, rules and duties

Find out more about your legal and regulatory responsibilities in safeguarding

  • Safeguarding

Working overseas

Get advice on the safeguarding challenges of working outside the UK

  • Safeguarding

What to do if you have immediate concerns

If you’re worried about someone right now, follow these steps to help

  • Safeguarding

About these safeguarding pages

Find out more about the project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and the Department for Digital Culture Media and Sport

  • Safeguarding

Safeguarding day-to-day

Understand how to make safeguarding part of your everyday activities and review what you are doing

  • Safeguarding

Getting people involved

Safeguarding works best when everyone is involved. Find out how to make that happen

  • Safeguarding

Choosing staff, volunteers and trustees

When to take checks and other recruitment steps that help keep people safe

  • Safeguarding

Policies and procedures

Find out about the most important documents needed for good safeguarding

  • Safeguarding

Roles and responsibilities

Making sure people take on the right roles and responsibilities to keep people safe

  • Safeguarding

Recognise, respond and report

Preparing staff and volunteers so they’re ready to deal with problems when they happen

  • Safeguarding

Data protection essentials (2 x 0.5 days)

This course will take you through the essentials of lawful data processing for charities and help improve your compliance with the law

Developing a Fundraising Strategy (0.5 day)

Learn how to develop your first fundraising strategy. This course is aimed at small to medium-sized charities looking to grow their fundraising offer.

Successful funding applications (0.5 day)

Learn Practical tips to ensure you are successful in your funding bid applications.

Webinar: charity trading essentials

Explore charity trading and when to consider a trading subsidiary.

Tools and methods for measuring outcomes (1 day)

Get an introduction to data collection methods and practical guidance for evaluating your work

Leading external engagement ( 1 day)

This training will teach you how to raise your profile and the profile of your charity. You’ll learn how to improve your external engagement through network-building, collaboration, partnership development and effective communication.

Supporting good governance (4 x 0.5 days)

This course will help you implement structures and processes to support trustees, and ensure systems are aligned with your organisation’s purpose and objectives

Recruiting volunteers (0.5 day)

This course will develop your skills and help you use a marketing approach to recruit volunteers

Authentic leadership (1 day)

This practical one-day course for aspiring and existing charity leaders will strengthen your understanding of authentic leadership, so you can lead with integrity and impact

Charity finance skills (1 day)

This course will help people with little or no financial background to feel confident in managing day-to-day charity finance