Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Everyone acting on behalf of Uplift Me shares a duty to prevent harm, recognise concerns and respond appropriately.

This policy explains how we approach that duty across all of our work, so that the people we support, and the people who make our work possible, are treated with care and respect at every step.

Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to:

• Trustees
• Employees
• Volunteers
• Area leaders and Master Partners
• Local partners
• Contractors and suppliers, where relevant to their work with us
• Anyone else acting on behalf of Uplift Me

Our safeguarding principles

• The welfare and dignity of the person always come first.
• Concerns are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
• People are treated with respect at all times.
• Information is shared only when it is necessary and appropriate to do so.
• Concerns are not investigated informally by volunteers or partners. Safeguarding concerns are escalated through the proper process.
• No one should promise absolute confidentiality where safeguarding is concerned.

Reporting a concern

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of a child or an adult at risk, you can report it to us directly. You do not need proof. If something feels wrong, please tell us.

Where a child or adult at risk may be at risk of significant harm, Uplift Me may contact the relevant police, social work, local authority safeguarding service or other statutory agency.

We will handle your report carefully and share information only with those who genuinely need it.

Responding to disclosures

If someone tells you about harm or abuse, the right response matters. In that moment:

• Listen.
• Remain calm.
• Do not promise secrecy.
• Do not conduct your own investigation.
• Record what was said accurately.
• Report the concern through the safeguarding process as soon as possible.

Safe recruitment

Where a role involves regulated activity or direct work with children or adults at risk, Uplift Me uses appropriate recruitment, references, identity checks, training and criminal record, PVG or DBS processes, as legally appropriate to the role and the nation in which the activity takes place.

Partners

Area and local partners must follow Uplift Me safeguarding standards whenever they act under the Uplift Me name.

Any safeguarding concern involving a partner must be escalated centrally so it can be handled consistently and properly.

Online safety

We apply our safeguarding standards to everything we do online, including:

• Website communications
• Support requests
• Social media
• Online events
• Ava, our virtual guide
• Marketplace interactions

Ava is an automated guide. It never replaces emergency services or professional safeguarding judgement.

Record keeping

Safeguarding information is recorded securely, with access restricted to those who genuinely need it. Records are kept only as long as needed for safeguarding, legal and regulatory purposes.

Review

This policy is owned by the Board of Trustees. It was last reviewed on 12 September 2026 and will be reviewed within 12 months, or earlier if law, guidance or our operations materially change.