Help with safeguarding, compliance or good practice
Our safeguarding leadership
Operating safely is both a legal duty and a moral obligation. We strengthen local safeguarding mechanisms by helping your group establish clear reporting lines and robust policy frameworks. Whether you work with children, young people, or vulnerable adults, we provide guidance to ensure your team enforces practical codes of conduct and clear incident-logging procedures. We also promote safer recruitment protocols. We support your group in embedding background checks—such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) workflows—into your standard volunteer and staff intake.
Compliance and governance support
A robust legal structure is crucial for organisational survival and securing public funding. We deliver extensive consultancy and group support to clarify complex regulatory requirements. We regularly host events like our Legal Structures Workshop to help emerging initiatives demystify the differences between Registered Charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), and Community Interest Companies (CICs). Our team works closely with your management committee to ensure compliance with the Charity Commission. We can guide your trustees through their legal duties, facilitate strategic away-days, and assist with financial governance. Through our Community Accounting service, we offer independent examinations and financial advice to ensure your group maintains transparent, compliant books.
Promoting good practice
Beyond strict compliance, we help you build operational capacity. We champion a positive local vision for inclusive, high-quality volunteer management. To keep your delivery environments safe, we host targeted training sessions, including our Health & Safety Awareness sessions, which help groups construct comprehensive risk assessments and understand relevant legislation. Crucially, we administer the Hastings Community Network (HCN). This network connects hundreds of active members via events and forums, creating space for peer organisations to share sample documents, exchange best practices, and collaborate.
DBS checks
Low-cost DBS checks for charities, community groups and organisations, carried out through a virtual process that follows current government guidance. Volunteer checks are free, with a £10 admin fee.
Featured training can go here
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Other useful links
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East Sussex Learning Portal
For structured child protection and safeguarding training modules, we recommend registering for courses hosted on the East Sussex Learning Portal
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NCVO
NCVO can help with policies and procedures
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NSPCC
NSPCC have guidance to create a safeguarding policy, for organisations working with children and young people
Other resources
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Low-cost DBS checks for charities, community groups and organisations, carried out through a virtual process that follows current government guidance. Volunteer checks are free, with a £10 admin fee.
31 March, 2026 Peter Thorpe
FAQs
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Can HVA do a DBS check for me?
We at HVA are not permitted to administer DBS checks ourselves, but you could get your DBS check done directly by the Home Office, or get an “umbrella body” to process the DBS check for you, such as local initiative SELCS
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Where can I get safeguarding training?
In partnership with ESCC and others, HVA organises a range of safeguarding and child protection training. See our training section!
Still can't find what you're looking for?
Please use the resources on this page first, but if you need further help with funding for your voluntary organisation, you can complete our online form.