Safeguarding children and young people

Child safeguarding refers to a set of policies, procedures and practices employed to make an organisation safe for all children they work with.

The day to day responsibility for providing statutory social work services is held by local authorities in the UK and our contracted social work services for overseas commands.

Safeguarding in the UK

If you have concerns about a child in the UK, contact your local authority children’s services.

Online safeguarding

If you have online safeguarding concerns visit the Child Exploitation and Online Protection website >

Online safety

Online safety for children is crucial because it protects them from various risks and harms prevalent in the digital world, such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online grooming, while empowering them to use the internet safely and responsibly. The NSPCC have guidance on Keeping children safe online which includes online safety guides for parents/carers and resources for children.

Overseas

If you have concerns about a child in an overseas location, contact the contracted Social Work provider British Forces Social Work Services (BFSWS) on +44 (0) 808 168 3111.

County Lines

County lines is a type of criminal exploitation, where illegal drugs are transported from one area to another, often across police and local authority boundaries, usually by children or vulnerable people who are coerced by gangs. The NSPCC website has guidance on Protecting children from county lines which includes information on risks, recognising signs of county lines exploitation, responding to concerns, prevention, legislation and guidance.

Worried that a child or young person might be or is at risk? Share your concerns: 

  • If you think a child is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
  • If you’re worried about a child but they are not in immediate danger, you should share your concerns.
    • Call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 – the NSPCC helpline is staffed by trained professionals who can provide expert advice and support if you’re concerned about a child.
    • Or, contact the local child protection services. Their contact details can be found on the website for the relevant local authority: Find your local council (gov.uk)>

If you are concerned that someone is in immediate danger, contact the police. Where you suspect a crime has been/is being committed, you must also report this to the police.

The MOD Safeguarding Policy Team (SPT) lead on policy areas relating to the protection of children and adults with care and support needs and enables the work of the MOD Safeguarding Partnership Board. The SPT can be contacted on: Email: [email protected]