Scotland's charity regulator is urging all trustees to read its new safeguarding guidance

Following a series of sexual abuse scandals to hit the third sector this year, Scotland’s charity regulator has published guidance on how charities can keep children and vulnerable adults safe.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has highlighted key steps charity trustees can take to safeguard vulnerable children and adults it comes into contact with.

OSCR’s safeguarding guidance includes making sure there are appropriate policies and procedures in place.

The regulator is encouraging all trustees to read through the guidance to help them understand their responsibilities with respect to safeguarding.

OSCR’s head of engagement Jude Turbyne said: “The document has been designed to be clear and easy-to-use, providing reasonable steps that should be taken. It also gives details of other organisations that may be able to help charities as they try to make sure they are getting safeguarding right.

‘When problems do occur, it is important for trustees to address them vigorously and transparently. We have a notifiable events system that should be used in circumstances like this, and the protection of vulnerable beneficiaries is a top priority for us in terms of taking swift and proportionate regulatory action.”

The guidance marks the start of a focus on safeguarding at OSCR over the coming year. It will be work closely with other partners within and outwith the sector to support charities in terms of their safeguarding policies and practices. It has committed to review and update the guidance throughout the year in response to this work.

Organisations with feedback on the guidance are being encourage to contact OSCR or attend one of its upcoming Meet the Scottish Charity Regulator events around the country.