Milton Keynes City Council has recognised forty local organisations for meeting high standards of youth safety.
The council has awarded them the City Council’s Youth Safe Practice Mark - a scheme which launched in 2023. The achievement highlights growing commitment across the city to creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people.
The Youth Safe Practice Mark is only awarded to groups, clubs and organisations that meet a set of standards designed to keep young people safe. This includes having robust policies, trained staff and volunteers, and clear procedures that help young people feel confident, respected and protected.
Organisations with the mark also gain access to free training and can apply for additional funding, which has already helped local groups buy extra equipment, offer reduced‑cost sportswear for children, and provide access to club memberships and sports grounds so more young people can take part in activities.
Sports clubs, arts groups, faith organisations and community projects are among those that have achieved the mark so far, with many more currently working towards it.
“It’s fantastic to see so many organisations stepping up to show their commitment to young people’s safety. We’re encouraging parents to look out for our Safe Practice Mark which gives families confidence that their children are in trusted environments and helps organisations improve the way they work," said Councillor Joe Hearnshaw, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, "This scheme forms part of our wider efforts to strengthen safeguarding across the city and support those working directly with young people.”
Those wishing to gain the Safe Practice Mark need to fill out an online application which is reviewed by a specialist panel. Successful clubs must re-apply annually to continue using the mark.
The City Council continues to offer guidance and training to help local organisations meet the criteria and maintain high standards of practice. If you run a club or provide activities for young people and want to find out more, email YPSafePractice@milton-keynes.gov.uk or visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/YPSafePractice
