Other

Responsibility Without Infrastructure: Critical Safeguarding Gaps in UK Research with Children and Young People

GILCHRIST JM · 18 Sept 2026

Abstract

Abstract Background Safeguarding is a well-established component of statutory systems within the United Kingdom, including health, education, and social care, where it is supported through legislation, governance structures, training requirements, and multi-agency working. As research increasingly involves direct engagement with children and young people through research participation, co-production, and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities, safeguarding responsibilities within research have become increasingly important. However, the extent to which safeguarding is conceptualised, operationalised, and supported within research contexts remains unclear. This study examined the extent to which existing UK legislation, governance frameworks, and practice guidance provide consistent and coherent safeguarding expectations for research involving children and young people. Methods A structured narrative review and critical policy analysis were undertaken. Searches of Google Scholar and key UK research governance, safeguarding, and policy organisations identified literature, legislation, statutory guidance, governance frameworks, and professional guidance relevant to safeguarding in research involving children and young people. Twenty documents met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Analysis identified five overarching themes: (1) research is insufficiently integrated within safeguarding systems; (2) safeguarding governance within research is fragmented and inconsistent; (3) legal, consent, and vetting frameworks create inconsistent safeguarding expectations; (4) researchers are expected to manage safeguarding concerns without consistent competency requirements; and (5) safeguarding guidance has not kept pace with participatory research and PPIE. Across the reviewed documents, safeguarding responsibilities were increasingly recognised, but expectations relating to safeguarding governance, vetting, training, accountability, and integration with statutory safeguarding systems varied substantially. Conclusions Safeguarding within UK research is fragmented and insufficiently supported when compared with statutory sectors. Researchers working with children and young people are often expected to manage safeguarding responsibilities without consistent training, vetting arrangements, or access to established safeguarding systems. Developing clearer safeguarding standards, proportionate competency expectations, stronger integration with existing safeguarding structures, and more comprehensive guidance for participatory research may improve consistency and strengthen protections for children and young people involved in research.