BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS
PRACTICAL STANDARDS AND TOOLS YOU CAN USE TODAY
The following standards are based in global best practice, localised to the Hong Kong context. They are not a full or exhaustive list. Instead, they are designed to give your organisation a starting point for strengthening your safeguarding approach. Every organisation is different and additional measures may be needed to ensure children you engage with are fully protected. For guidance and support tailored to your organisation’s needs, please contact our team!
- Behavioural Standards
- Recruiting & Training
- Safe Programming
- Reporting & Response
- Data Protection
- Monitoring & Accountability
Behavioural Standards
Expectations are established that specifically refer to interactions with children, in-person and online, rather than “professional conduct” more generally.
The expectations must be upheld by all staff/representatives of the organisation, at every level.
The standards apply across all programmes/activities/events the organisation delivers, locally and internationally.
The standards cover behaviours that may be abusive, as well as those that may be inappropriate, or place a child at risk of harm.
Recruiting & Training
Background/sexual conviction checks are conducted before any contact with children.
At least 2 reference check calls are made to previous employers from an area of work related to the prospective role.
All checks are consistently conducted for all staff and representatives recruited, no matter their level or previous relationship with the organisation.
All staff/representatives receive induction, in-depth, and regular refresher training on the practical implementation of the organisation’s Child Safeguarding Policy – including responsibilities that relate to their specific job roles.
Safe Programming
Minimum expectations are established to address risks associated with regular programmes and operations.
A risk management process is consistently used and documented during planning, delivery, and monitoring of new or one-off projects/events.
Children’s views are obtained via child-friendly methods to inform planning and decision-making.
Work with partner organisations includes a written agreement outlining safeguarding roles and responsibilities for the joint project, including risk mitigation measures and reporting obligations.
Reporting & Response
A clear and accessible process for internally submitting reports about child safety concerns is established, with clear expectations on when, to whom, and how reports should be made and documented.
All staff/representatives understand what concerns must be reported.
All staff/representatives know the dos and don’ts if a child discloses harm.
The internal process for documenting, handling, and referring child safety concerns is consistent, confidential, and transparent.
Data Protection
Written informed consent, including assent from children where possible, is obtained before collecting child data.
Access to all sensitive data is restricted to those on a need-to-know basis.
Only approved devices are used to capture photos/videos/recordings of children, with “location services” turned off and clear expectations for deleting data from devices.
Where social media/digital platforms must be used to communicate with children, official organisation accounts, the two-adult rule, and professional boundaries are followed.
Monitoring & Accountability
The organisation appoints a Child Safeguarding Lead(s) to provide advice, receive and handle child-safety reports, and support staff/representatives to uphold their safeguarding responsibilities.
Project debriefs and staff/representative performance reviews include compliance with the organisation’s Child Safeguarding measures.
Feedback from children about their feeling of safety is actively solicited using child-friendly methods.
Child Safeguarding Policies are reviewed at least every 2 years, integrating lessons learned from feedback, debriefs, and reports – supporting continuous improvement.