Are you aware there is a Safeguarding team in the Region? We wanted to introduce ourselves and let you know what we can do to support you in your Guiding role.
Lyndsey Cook - Region Safeguarding Lead Volunteer
I am a Brownie leader from Hayling Island in Hampshire East. I have been a leader for 38 years and have held appointments at all levels of Guiding. I was a County Commissioner and am currently a trainer, tutor and LQ mentor.
Last year, I retired early from being an Infant School Headteacher so have experience as a Designated Safeguarding Officer, and links with social services and other agencies.
Carolyn Harmer - Assistant Region Safeguarding Lead Volunteer
I am a guide leader, LQ mentor and Division Commissioner for West Dorset. I have been guiding in Wiltshire South, then Dorset for over 30 years.
In my working life I am a solicitor (specialising in family law and residential conveyancing). It is in this field both as Risk Manager for the firm and working with families to obtain outcomes post divorce and separation, that my safeguarding experience really stems from. I am also Chair of a local supported Contact Centre, where safeguarding is very much at the front and centre.
Email Lyndsey and Carolyn at
Your role in Safeguarding
Safeguarding is the responsibility of all volunteers and we should all be alert, seek advice and support, and report any allegations, concerns, or disclosures. As a volunteer you can report an allegation, concern or disclosure about an adult or child.
As a volunteer you have the same safeguarding responsibilities as anyone who works with children in a paid capacity.
If you have a safeguarding concern in the first instance you need to contact the national Safeguarding team on: 020 7834 6242 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday excl. bank holidays) or 07508 032997 (5pm-10pm Monday-Friday; 9am-10pm Saturday/Sunday/ Bank Holidays or by email -
Where does the Region Safeguarding team fit in?
Once a report on a safeguarding concern has been made to HQ them standard procedure is to notify the Region Safeguarding Lead Volunteer, County Commissioner and Region Chief Commissioner of the case.
What do we do?
- Support the Region Chief Commissioner in making sure we are providing guidance to our local leadership teams.
- Work with the HQ Safeguarding team where there are allegations, concerns or disclosures from members.
- Provide support in managing the case, where necessary.
- Support the HQ Safeguarding team as they work with external agencies as needed and take any next steps necessary to make sure that all members are protected from any further harm.
- Undertake Risk Assessments, Association agreements and investigations when requested by HQ Safeguarding team.
- Work together with you, your commissioner and to keep you safe, if appropriate, and updated, if possible.
- Offer advice where you are not sure there is a safeguarding issue.
- Support and give advice on honest conversations HQ may ask you to have with parents.
Click here for the Region's updated guidance on how to make a Girlguiding Safeguarding referral.
