Why safeguarding matters in leisure and hospitality?
In Essex, partners respond to child exploitation through the Risk in the Community (RIC) approach. This recognises that exploitation can take place in public and community settings where young people spend time, pass through, or are visible to staff. Strengthening safeguarding awareness in these environments helps deter exploitation, identify concerns early and create safer places for children and young people.
Hospitality and leisure settings include:
- Hotels and guest accommodation (including caravan parks)
- Fast‑food outlets and late‑night food venues
- Gyms and sports facilities
- Cafés, restaurants and takeaways
These venues are not assumed to be unsafe. However, where safeguarding awareness is low or supervision is limited, there may be opportunities for exploitation to go unnoticed. Raising awareness helps reduce this risk.
As part of Child Exploitation Awareness Week, and throughout the year, partners deliver Operation Makesafe activity across Essex, working directly with leisure and hospitality venues to raise awareness, provide guidance and strengthen safeguarding practice. These includes visits to some venues to share this guidance, answer questions and support safeguarding awareness.
This page provides useful resources and guidance to help staff in these venues spot signs and know what to do. It supports staff by building confidence in detection and action. This ensures venues can strengthen their safeguarding responses and play a crucial preventative role in tackling child exploitation.
Remember, staff in leisure and hospitality settings often see patterns others don’t. Your awareness can disrupt exploitation and help protect young people.