Creating safe and welcoming spaces for volunteers, where everyone is respected and valued, is key to safeguarding.
Sometimes you, or your volunteers may see something that concerns you. We’ve created a series of resources to reduce risk and inform you on what steps to take, and what signs to look out for.
These signs don’t always mean that someone in a household is at risk or being harmed, but they are indicators of abuse so are important to be aware of what to look for, so they can be noted and sent them to a volunteer lead and your local safeguarding teams.
If you are organising volunteering activity, we recommend you contact your local volunteer centre:
Policies and procedures
At Volunteering Matters, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our Safeguarding Policy outlines how we protect the children, young people, and adults we work with from harm, abuse, and neglect—whether online or offline.
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all, ensuring that everyone feels supported and empowered to thrive. The policy applies to all our team members, volunteers, partners, and anyone involved in our activities. It reflects our proactive approach to preventing harm and acting swiftly and responsibly when concerns arise.
By embedding safeguarding in our operations, culture, and partnerships, we uphold our responsibilities as a charity and continue to build stronger, safer communities through the power of volunteering.