Safe places

Both physical and online

At The Salvation Army, we design our spaces - both physical and online - to be safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

1. Safe buildings

We empower our site managers to follow safeguarding best practice by considering:

• Visibility and supervision - leaders can see participants clearly
• Accessibility and inclusion - spaces are easy to access and welcoming for all
• Cultural safety - our places respect First Nations peoples, and people from all backgrounds

We regularly check our physical and online spaces through safeguarding assessments and make improvements where needed.

2. Posters that show our commitment

At every site that connects with children and young people, you should see three child and youth-friendly posters in obvious places:

• Our commitment to your safety 
• Safe and welcome at the Salvation Army
•  You can help improve Salvos

These posters help everyone understand that safety and inclusion are priorities.

3. Online safety

Some programs include online meetings via Microsoft Teams or updates via message groups and social media. To keep everyone safe:

• We only use approved platforms and apps
• Leaders never message privately - parents or carers are always included
• Our Code of Conduct explains expected behaviours for all leaders
• Learn more about our people, places and programs

4. Inclusive practices

We make sure our spaces (physical and virtual) are welcoming for all people and all communities:

• Display inclusive signs and symbols at sites and online
• Use inclusive language in posters, web pages and program materials
• Provide gender-neutral facilities where possible
• Ensure online platforms and forms allow for pronouns and gender identity
• Train staff and volunteers in inclusion and cultural safety

By creating safe and inclusive spaces, we help everyone feel respected, protected and welcome.  Find out more about our inclusive practices.