The Royal Institution (Ri) is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and promoting their wellbeing. All individuals associated with the Ri, such as staff, Trustees and volunteers, are required to share this commitment, to work together to help achieve the best possible outcomes for children and adults at risk and to protect them from harm.
Key contacts
The Ri’s Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) are the first point of contact for anyone who has a safeguarding question or concern, needs to report a disclosure or who needs advice. If you are unsure, it is much better to ask than to risk not reporting something which may be a genuine safeguarding concern.
Safeguarding concerns
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and you are obliged to report any genuine concern that you have. Remember that the welfare of the individual child or adult at risk is paramount.
The key steps in dealing with any safeguarding concerns are known as the four Rs:
Please see the Ri's Safeguarding Procedures for more details on what to do to deal with any safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding policies and procedures
Our safeguarding policies and procedures are here to support and protect all individuals associated with the Ri as well as the people that we work with, and to help create a safe and secure environment for all, where safeguarding is paramount and inaction or silence around concerns of abuse or poor practice is not acceptable.
- The Child Safeguarding Policy details the Ri’s approach to safeguarding children, which includes anyone under the age of 18 regardless of any other status.
- The Adult Safeguarding Policy details the Ri’s approach to safeguarding adults (anyone aged 18 or older).
- The Safeguarding Procedures cover who you should talk to about any safeguarding questions or concerns for both children and adults at risk, how you should behave to create a safe environment, and the key steps in dealing with any concerns raised.
Safeguarding top tips
When working with children or adults at risk:
- Avoid being alone with an individual or small group
- Avoid any physical contact
- Follow the Ri’s policies and procedures on taking and sharing pictures or recordings including children, and never do so without the appropriate written permission
- Never share personal contact details (or vice versa) or connect on any social media
- Listen to and take seriously any concerns or allegations reported to you
- Know who to talk to and what to do if you have any safeguarding concerns
- Challenge any poor or unsafe practices, taking action if you feel something isn’t right
- Always behave professionally and avoid any conduct which may lead to a reasonable person questioning your motivation or intentions.
For a more detailed code of conduct, see the Ri's Safeguarding Procedures (Section 5, "Establishing a safe environment).
This page was last updated on 31 January 2025.