New guidelines designed to protect the safety of children in out-of-school settings, including when travelling on an aircraft,  have been published by UK standards body BSI.

The new standard is applicable to all providers of activities for children in out-of-school settings offering a clear framework to embed safeguarding measures into governance, policies and procedural operations. This includes activities that are provided free of charge or at cost, by paid staff or by volunteers.

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The introduction of the standard was led by Mark Bramah, a former Senior Detective. Following his 30-year career with the police, Mark took on the role of an Independent Chair for Hampshire Children Services, ensuring the safety and well-being of children. Additionally, he is responsible for managing individuals who pose a risk within a religious organisation and conducts independent reviews of child Safeguarding practices.

It was research and his experiences that led Bramah to approach BSI, as he explains: “The issue of safeguarding children in adult environments has very much been at the core of my professional, academic, and even personal life. Being able to offer a clear framework for organisations that are not schools to safeguard children has to be the right thing to do. Allowing independent scrutiny of safeguarding measures demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to getting it right.”

The new standard, known as PAS5222, will be voluntary for organisations to follow, but those that do will be able to display a logo to say that they adhere to the standard.