OUR MISSION

The NI Youth Forum is committed to maximizing safety and minimizing risks and upholding the rights of young people and Vulnerable Adults to be safe and live lives free from harm and abuse.

All NI Youth Forum staff and Executive Committee members have a duty of care for young people including programme participants and whilst receiving yearly training including Access NI checks. 

The Safeguarding Team led by the Designated Officer and Deputy Designated Officers oversees day-to-day safeguarding in the NI Youth Forum.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the measures and actions that are taken to promote the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm.  In the NI Youth Forum we have Safety and Safeguarding Policies, procedures and guidance developed to guide staff in what to do and ensure we remain a safe space for young people and vulnerable adults.

What is Child Protection?

Child Protection is the actual action and processes we undertake to protect individual young people we suspect have suffered or are suffering harm.  We have clear procedures for staff to follow to ensure any safeguarding concerns are responded to appropriately and reported promptly.  Anyone can report a Safeguarding Concern or allegation, not just our staff or Executive Committee.  Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

If you want to report a concern about a young person or vulnerable adult please contact us on 02890 331990 and ask to speak to a member of our Safeguarding Team or email info@niyf.org. 

Always remember – In any situation when you think a young person is at immediate risk of harm, then contact the emergency services.

REPORT A SAFEGAURDING CONCERN

Report a Concern

Why should we safeguard Young People?

At the NI Youth Forum we want safe spaces for young people and vulnerable adults. 

We want young people and vulnerable adults to trust our staff and Executive Committee so they can report concerns in their lives and seek help.

Although it may seem obvious, but it is important to remind staff and the Executive Committee that..

  • Abuse is wrong and should be reported
  • Young people and vulnerable adults should feel safe from harm in all areas of their lives
  • They are adults in our communities that young people and vulnerable adults need to be protected from.
  • Safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is everyone’s responsibility.
  • We must never ignore a safeguarding concern.
REPORT

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  • Safeguarding 

Safeguarding 

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How we are Keeping Everyone Safe…

The NI Youth Forum has policies and procedures in place for our staff and Executive Committee to promote the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and protect them from harm.

We do this by..

  • Safer Recruitment – We ensure that staff are vetted and barring checks are completed.
  • We train and develop our staff and Executive Committee – Mandatory training is provided on a yearly basis, ensuring people know to recognise and report Safeguarding Concerns and Allegations.  We provide additional training to our Safeguarding Team and training is regularly reviewed and evaluated.
  • We have a ‘Staff Code of Conduct’ – This outlines the expectations of staff in relation to their behaviours and practice.  By following the Code of Conduct, staff ensure that they always conduct themselves appropriately, doing the right things in the right way.
  • Challenging Poor Practice – It is also essential that everyone challenges poor practice within the NI Youth Forum even when there is a belief that the motives of an individual are well meaning.  Unchallenged poor practice can lead to an environment where Safeguarding concerns remain unnoticed, and when recognised are not acted upon.
  • Our Policies & Procedures – NI Youth Forum has a robust Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.