Terms of Reference

Safer Children Network North East Terms of Reference

Networks Aims: 

To develop a regional network to support those young people involved in or at risk of being drawn into violence, harm and exploitation.

  1. Introduction

The Safer Children Network will bring together practitioners and academics from across the North East to provide a collaborative platform for addressing key issues, sharing knowledge, and promoting best practices. This document outlines the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Group, defining its purpose, structure, roles, responsibilities, and operational guidelines.

  1. Purpose

The primary purpose of the Group is to:

  • Foster collaboration between academics and practitioners to promote an environment for safer children.
  • Promote research and evidence-based practices from across the region and beyond.
  • Identify and address emerging issues and challenges in youth justice, child protection and safeguarding.
  • Advocate for policies and practices that support positive outcomes for young people involved in or affected by violence, serious violence and child criminal exploitation.
  1. Objectives

The specific objectives of the network will include:

  • Facilitating the exchange of information and knowledge between members.
  • Conducting and disseminating research on key issues related to violence, serious violence, and child criminal exploitation.
  • Providing expert advice and recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders.
  • Organising conferences, workshops, and seminars to promote good practices and discuss topical issues.
  • Supporting professional development and capacity building among members.
  1. Membership
  • The Network shall consist of members who are experts in the field of youth justice, safeguarding, violence, serious violence and child criminal exploitation, including academics, practitioners, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders.
  1. Meetings
  • The Group shall meet at least bi-annually. Additional meetings may be scheduled as required.
  1. Communication
  • A dedicated website or online portal shall be established to facilitate information sharing and collaboration.
  1. Funding and Resources
  • The Group shall seek funding and resources from various sources, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
  • In the event of dissolution, any remaining funds and resources shall be allocated to activities consistent with the Group’s objectives or returned to the funders.
  1. Data access and research requests policy

    All requests for data collection, data access, or research involving the Safer Children Network must be submitted to and approved by the Steering Committee prior to initiation. This process ensures that all activities align with the Network’s objectives, ethical standards, and governance policies.

    Requests should be directed in writing to the Steering Committee via saferchildren@northumbria.ac.uk, including a detailed description of the proposed research, data requirements, and intended use. Unauthorised data collection or research conducted without prior approval is strictly prohibited.

  2. Confidentiality and Ethics
  • Members shall adhere to principles of confidentiality and ethics in all activities and interactions.
  • Any conflicts of interest shall be declared and managed appropriately.
  1. Steering Committee

To aid with the development and future direction of the Network we would like to develop a Steering Committee. The role of the steering committee will be to undertake the following activity:

  • Vision: to help define and shape the role and purpose of the network.
  • Goal Setting: Establish clear and achievable goals and objectives.
  • Communication: Act as a liaison between different stakeholders, including governmental bodies, non-profits, and the community while also ensuring young people are represented and their voices are promoted.
  • Advocacy: Advocate for the needs and rights of, and safer environment for, young people.
  • Partnerships: Foster partnerships with other organisations, governmental agencies, and community groups.

The Steering Committee will be established to provide overall guidance and direction to the Network, meeting on a quarterly basis. We will aim to develop the steering committee to be multi-disciplinary, representing the key sectors young people impacted by and involved in serious violence encounter, such as education, health, social services, criminal justice and the third sector, as well as representing its geographical span.

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