Safeguarding for Buddies

Keeping children safe is your first responsibility. Before any placement, you’ll complete our checks and training and agree to our Code of Conduct.

What we check

• ID & right to work: original documents verified.
  
• References: at least two, including the most recent and (where possible) one from child-facing work; all references phone-verified.
  
• Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List: required for all Buddies. We prefer the DBS Update Service so we can run real-time status checks and re-check regularly.
  

Why Enhanced (not Basic)?
A Basic DBS only shows unspent convictions. Enhanced can include spent/unspent convictions, cautions, police information and (where requested) the children’s barred list—the correct level for child-facing roles.

Your safeguarding training covers

• Recognising abuse/neglect and reporting concerns immediately.
  
• Professional boundaries (one-to-one time, language, physical contact).
  
• Online & social media conduct (no private messaging; keep communications professional and through agreed channels).
  
• Safer working practice in homes, on trips, during travel and activities.
  
• Record-keeping & incident reporting (including near-misses).
  
• Whistleblowing routes if you’re worried about a child or an adult’s conduct.
  

Day-to-day expectations

• Follow the family’s agreed house rules, care plan and routines.
  
• Keep clear notes of incidents, injuries, medication given, and safeguarding concerns.
  
• Never share photos/video of children without written parental consent routed via the agency.
  
• Maintain punctual, professional communication with parents and the agency.
  

Reporting a concern

• If a child is at immediate risk, call 999.
  
• Otherwise, report to the agency DSL straight away: Jill Chantry – office@mybigbuddy.com.
  
• We’ll guide next steps and, where appropriate, liaise with the LADO or other services.