Safeguarding in 2025: Supporting Young People Across Gloucestershire

As Young Gloucestershire (YG) has grown over the past five years to meet the increasing needs of young people, our role in safeguarding has expanded too. In 2024/25, we supported over 5,200 young people, and 27% of them required safeguarding support.

To ensure we provide the right support, guidance, and policy development, YG invested in a full-time Safeguarding Operations Manager around 20 months ago. I currently fulfil this role as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). My main responsibility is to support our team in safeguarding children, young people, and families from significant harm, while also amplifying the voices of those we support.

I act as a bridge between our staff, young people, families, and external agencies such as social care, health, and the police, advocating for those at risk and ensuring their needs are met effectively.

Young Gloucestershire supports a diverse range of individuals across rural communities, market towns, and urban centres. While many young people in our communities thrive, others face challenges linked to poverty, rural isolation, mental health, exploitation, or family breakdown.

Supporting my work is a dedicated Safeguarding Team at YG, made up of highly trained professionals who put young people at the heart of their approach. Their expertise in safeguarding protocols ensures that any situation is handled with care, compassion, and efficiency, guaranteeing the highest standard of protection for everyone under our care.

Beyond working directly with young people and our internal team, I also play a strategic role across Gloucestershire, providing sector-wide training, engaging with the Gloucestershire Children’s Safeguarding Board and its subgroups, and collaborating with partners to improve outcomes for young people across the county.

At Young Gloucestershire, safeguarding isn’t just a policy—it’s a core part of our ethos. By listening to young people, supporting our staff, and working in partnership with the wider safeguarding community, we continue to ensure that every child and young person has the protection and support they need to thrive.