As a volunteer working with children and families, you play a very important role in children and young people’s lives.

It’s good to have a clear understanding of what’s meant by child abuse and neglect and how to handle a situation where you become concerned about a child’s wellbeing or a child discloses information to you that is worrying.

It’s also good to check that the organisation you are working with has a Child Protection Policy and a Code of Conduct for their volunteers.

These should make it clear who to speak to if you are concerned about a child or the conduct of another volunteer or staff member.

Voluntary and community groups also need robust procedures for recruiting volunteers make sure volunteers where appropriate are enrolled in the Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme. Many volunteers can benefit from attending basic training in child protection. Find out more in the Learning Zone.