Keeping young people safe from abuse

This policy from Voice of Youth (VOY), a worker co-operative, sets out the legal and moral obligations of all staff and volunteers to protect children and young people from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It uses a red/amber/green traffic-light framework to distinguish prohibited behaviours, actions requiring collegial discussion, and encouraged good practice. The policy also covers how to respond when abuse is disclosed or suspected, DBS recruitment requirements (including Enhanced DBS checks renewed every three years), and the specific status of 16–17-year-old volunteers who are simultaneously treated as young people and colleagues. Notably, it is designed to be brief enough for all workers — including volunteers — to read and retain, while directing them to regular training and co-op meetings for deeper safeguarding discussions.