Safeguarding Policy & Reporting Procedure (September 2026)

This Bundle include following
1, Adult Safeguarding Policy
2, Children Safeguarding Policy
3. Youth‑Specific Code of Conduct
4. Safeguarding Reporting Procedure
5. Safeguarding Concern Form
6. Code Of Conduct
7. Whistleblowing Policy

 1. ADULT SAFEGUARDING POLICY

  1.  
Organisation: HomelessNest UK
Charity Number: 1214974
Policy Review Date: 16th September, 2026
Next Review: 16th September, 2027
Approved By: Board of Trustees
  1. Policy Statement
HomelessNest UK is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing, dignity and rights of adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. Many of the people we support experience homelessness, trauma, mental health challenges, disability, substance misuse, poverty or social isolation — all of which may increase vulnerability.
We recognise our legal and moral duty to prevent harm, promote welfare, and respond promptly and effectively to safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We aim to:
  • Promote a culture of safety, respect and accountability
  • Empower adults to make informed decisions
  • Ensure volunteers and trustees are trained and confident in responding to concerns
  • Work collaboratively with statutory agencies
  • Continually review and strengthen safeguarding practice
HomelessNest UK is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, recognising that safeguarding is strengthened when all individuals are treated fairly, without discrimination, and with full respect for their rights and identities
  1. Scope
This policy applies to:
  • Volunteers
  • Trustees
  • Contractors
  • Partner organisations working on behalf of HomelessNest
It covers all activities including:
  • Outreach and street engagement
  • One‑to‑one support and advocacy
  • Distribution of essential items
  • Digital support
  • Group activities and wellbeing sessions
  • Community‑based support
  1. Definitions
Adult at Risk
A person aged 18+ who:
  • Has needs for care and support
  • Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect
  • Is unable to protect themselves due to those needs
Types of Abuse
  • Physical
  • Emotional/psychological
  • Sexual
  • Financial or material
  • Neglect and self‑neglect
  • Discriminatory
  • Domestic abuse
  • Organisational abuse
  • Modern slavery and exploitation
  1. Legal Framework
  • Care Act 2014
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
  • Charity Commission Safeguarding Guidance
  • London Multi‑Agency Adult Safeguarding Procedures
  1. Responsibilities
Trustees
  • Hold ultimate accountability
  • Ensure policies, training and reporting systems are in place
  • Review incidents and learning
  • Report serious incidents to the Charity Commission
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Lead safeguarding practice
  • Provide advice and support
  • Liaise with statutory agencies
  • Maintain secure records
  • Oversee training
Volunteers
  • Complete safeguarding training
  • Report concerns immediately
  • Maintain professional boundaries
Safeguarding Lead Trustee – Ingrid
  • Provides governance oversight of safeguarding
  • Supports and supervises the DSL and Deputy DSL
  • Ensures safeguarding is a standing item at trustee meetings
  • Reviews safeguarding incidents and organisational learning
  • Acts as an escalation point for concerns involving the DSL
  • Ensures compliance with Charity Commission safeguarding requirements
  1. Safeguarding Procedures
All activities delivered by HomelessNest UK must be risk‑assessed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of adults at risk, volunteers and the wider community.
  1. Safe Recruitment
  • Enhanced DBS checks
  • Two references
  • Identity verification
  • Clear role descriptions
  • Probation periods
HomelessNest UK promotes safer working practices at all times, ensuring volunteers and trustees understand appropriate conduct, boundaries, and expectations when supporting adults at risk.
  1. Training
  • Mandatory induction
  • Annual refresher
  • Specialist training for outreach/casework
  1. Reporting Concerns
Report immediately if:
  • Abuse is witnessed or suspected
  • A disclosure is made
  • Another volunteer behaves inappropriately
  • Unsafe practice is observed
  1. Responding
The DSL will:
  1. Assess risk
  2. Decide whether to refer to Adult Social Care, Police or emergency services
  3. Ensure safety
  4. Record actions
  5. Inform trustees of serious incidents
Consent may be overridden if:
  • There is risk of serious harm
  • Others may be at risk
  • A crime has been committed
  • The person lacks capacity
 
Managing Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers or Trustees
HomelessNest UK takes all allegations against staff, volunteers or trustees extremely seriously. Any allegation or concern relating to inappropriate behaviour, abuse, boundary breaches or misconduct must be reported to the DSL immediately.
Immediate Actions:
  1. The individual will be removed from duties pending initial assessment.
  2. The DSL will conduct an immediate risk assessment to ensure safety.
  3. For allegations involving a child or young person, the DSL will refer the matter to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
  4. For allegations involving an adult at risk, the DSL will refer to the Adult Safeguarding Team.
  5. The DSL will inform the Trustee Board Safeguarding Lead.
  6. A Serious Incident Report will be submitted to the Charity Commission where required.
  7. All actions will be recorded accurately and securely.
HomelessNest UK will not conduct any internal investigation until statutory agencies have completed their enquiries or have confirmed that the organisation may proceed.
Any individual subject to an allegation will be treated fairly and with respect, but the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk will always be the priority.
  1. Confidentiality
  • Records stored securely
  • Shared only on a need‑to‑know basis
  • Volunteers must not investigate
  • Safeguarding records are retained securely for a minimum of 7 years in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
  1. Whistleblowing
Concerns about misconduct or unsafe practice can be raised with:
  • DSL
  • Trustees
  • Charity Commission
No one will face retaliation for raising concerns in good faith.
  1. Monitoring & Review
  • Annual review
  • Quarterly audits
  • Learning shared with volunteers
  • Trustees receive regular safeguarding updates
  1. Key Contacts
DSL: Amit Patel – patel@homelessnest.org  – 07746 167200
Deputy DSL: Emily Carter – admin@homelessnest.org
Safeguarding Lead Trustee: Ingrid – Ingrid@HomelessNest.org
Westminster Adult Safeguarding Team: 020 7641 2176
Emergency Services: 999
Approved By: Board of Trustees on 16th September, 2026
Next Review Date: 16 September 2027
 
 

2. CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Organisation: HomelessNest UK
Charity Number: 1214974
Policy Review Date: 16th September, 2026
Next Review: 16th September, 2027
Approved By: Board of Trustees
  1. Policy Statement
HomelessNest UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (under 18). We recognise that children experiencing homelessness, family instability, poverty, trauma, or digital exclusion may be at heightened risk of harm.
We will take all reasonable steps to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm, and ensure that all staff, volunteers and trustees understand their responsibilities.
We aim to:
  • Create a safe, child‑centred environment
  • Empower children to speak up
  • Ensure all volunteers are trained in child safeguarding
  • Respond promptly to concerns
  • Work closely with Children’s Services, Police and safeguarding partners
HomelessNest UK is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, recognising that safeguarding is strengthened when all children and young people are treated fairly, without discrimination, and with full respect for their rights and identities.
  1. Scope
This policy applies to:
  • All volunteers
  • Trustees
  • Contractors
  • Partner organisations
It covers:
  • Youth wellbeing sessions
  • Digital support for young people
  • One‑to‑one support
  • Group activities
  • Outreach where children may be present
  • Online communication
  1. Definitions
Child
Anyone under the age of 18.
Types of Abuse
  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Sexual
  • Neglect
  • Child sexual exploitation (CSE)
  • Child criminal exploitation (CCE)
  • County lines
  • Online abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Trafficking
  1. Legal Framework
  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024)
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
  1. Responsibilities
Trustees
  • Hold ultimate accountability
  • Ensure policies, training and reporting systems are in place
  • Review incidents and learning
  • Report serious incidents to the Charity Commission
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
  • Lead safeguarding practice
  • Provide advice and support
  • Liaise with statutory agencies
  • Maintain secure records
  • Oversee training
Volunteers
  • Complete safeguarding training
  • Report concerns immediately
  • Maintain professional boundaries
Safeguarding Lead Trustee – Ingrid
  • Provides governance oversight of safeguarding
  • Supports and supervises the DSL and Deputy DSL
  • Ensures safeguarding is a standing item at trustee meetings
  • Reviews safeguarding incidents and organisational learning
  • Acts as an escalation point for concerns involving the DSL
  • Ensures compliance with Charity Commission safeguarding requirements
  1. Safeguarding Procedures
All activities involving children and young people must be risk‑assessed to ensure safety, appropriate supervision, and the identification of any potential safeguarding risks.
  1. Safe Recruitment
  • Enhanced DBS with Children’s Barred List check
  • Two references
  • Identity verification
  • Clear role descriptions
  • Probation periods
HomelessNest UK promotes safer working practices at all times, ensuring volunteers understand appropriate conduct, boundaries, and expectations when working with children and young people.
  1. Training
  • Mandatory child safeguarding induction
  • Annual refresher
  • Specialist training for youth‑facing roles
  1. Reporting Concerns
Report immediately if:
  • A child discloses abuse
  • You witness concerning behaviour
  • You suspect exploitation
  • A volunteer behaves inappropriately
  • A child is at risk online
  1. Responding to a Disclosure
Volunteers must:
  • Stay calm
  • Listen without judgement
  • Avoid leading questions
  • Never promise confidentiality
  • Reassure the child they have done the right thing
  • Report to the DSL immediately
  1. DSL Actions
The DSL will:
  1. Assess risk
  2. Refer to Children’s Services or Police
  3. Record all actions
  4. Inform trustees of serious incidents
  5. Submit Serious Incident Reports where required
Managing Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers or Trustees
HomelessNest UK takes all allegations against staff, volunteers or trustees extremely seriously. Any allegation or concern relating to inappropriate behaviour, abuse, boundary breaches or misconduct must be reported to the DSL immediately.
Immediate Actions:
  1. The individual will be removed from duties pending initial assessment.
  2. The DSL will conduct an immediate risk assessment to ensure safety.
  3. For allegations involving a child or young person, the DSL will refer the matter to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
  4. For allegations involving an adult at risk, the DSL will refer to the Adult Safeguarding Team.
  5. The DSL will inform the Trustee Board Safeguarding Lead.
  6. A Serious Incident Report will be submitted to the Charity Commission where required.
  7. All actions will be recorded accurately and securely.
HomelessNest UK will not conduct any internal investigation until statutory agencies have completed their enquiries or have confirmed that the organisation may proceed.
Any individual subject to an allegation will be treated fairly and with respect, but the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk will always be the priority.
  1. Online Safety
Volunteers must:
  • Use only official HomelessNest communication channels
  • Never contact children via personal accounts
  • Report online risks immediately
  1. Code of Conduct
Volunteers must:
  • Maintain professional boundaries
  • Avoid lone working where possible
  • Never give personal contact details
  • Never engage in inappropriate physical contact
  • Never form personal relationships with children
  1. Confidentiality
  • Records stored securely
  • Shared only with safeguarding partners
  • Volunteers must not investigate
Safeguarding records relating to children and young people are retained securely for a minimum of 7 years, or longer where required by statutory guidance.
  1. Whistleblowing
Concerns may be raised with:
  • DSL
  • Trustees
  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
  • Charity Commission
Whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.
  1. Monitoring & Review
  • Annual review
  • Quarterly audits
  • Learning shared with volunteers
  • Trustee oversight
  1. Key Contacts
DSL: Amit Patel – patel@homelessnest.org  – 07746 167200
Deputy DSL: Emily Carter – admin@homelessnest.org
Safeguarding Lead Trustee: Ingrid – Ingrid@HomelessNest.org
Westminster Children and Young Adult Safeguarding Team: 020 7641 4000
Emergency Services: 999
Approved By: Board of Trustees on 16th September, 2026
Next Review Date: 16 September 2027
 

3. Youth‑Specific Code of Conduct

Organisation: HomelessNest UK
Charity Number: 1214974
Policy Review Date: 16th September, 2026
Next Review: 16th September, 2027
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Applies to: All volunteers, trustees, sessional workers, contractors, and partners working with children and young people (under 18).
1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from everyone representing HomelessNest UK when working with children and young people. Its purpose is to ensure safe, respectful, and professional interactions that protect young people from harm and promote their wellbeing, dignity, and rights.
  1. Core Principles
All representatives must:
  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of young people
  • Treat every young person with dignity, respect, and fairness
  • Create an inclusive, supportive, and non‑judgmental environment
  • Act as positive role models
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times
  • Follow safeguarding procedures without exception
  1. Expected Behaviour
Volunteers and staff must:
  • Use age‑appropriate, respectful, and inclusive language
  • Listen to young people and take their concerns seriously
  • Encourage participation and empower young people to make safe choices
  • Maintain appropriate physical distance unless necessary for safety
  • Ensure activities are safe, supervised, and risk‑assessed
  • Report any safeguarding concern immediately to the DSL
  • Respect confidentiality while understanding its limits
  • Be punctual, reliable, and prepared for sessions
  • Use only official HomelessNest communication channels
  1. Prohibited Behaviour
Representatives must never:
  • Engage in any form of abuse, exploitation, or discrimination
  • Use threatening, shaming, or demeaning language
  • Promise confidentiality in safeguarding situations
  • Give personal contact details or connect with young people on personal social media
  • Meet young people alone or outside approved activities
  • Transport young people in personal vehicles without prior authorisation
  • Give gifts, money, or favours to individual young people
  • Share personal problems or seek emotional support from young people
  • Photograph or record young people without explicit organisational consent
  • Initiate or encourage physical contact unless necessary for safety
  1. Boundaries & Professional Conduct
Volunteers must:
  • Keep communication purposeful and related to the young person’s support
  • Avoid forming exclusive or dependent relationships
  • Maintain appropriate emotional boundaries
  • Avoid discussing personal life, political views, or sensitive topics unless relevant and appropriate
  • Ensure all online interactions follow HomelessNest’s digital safeguarding rules
  1. Online & Digital Safety
Representatives must:
  • Use only HomelessNest‑approved platforms for communication
  • Never contact young people via personal accounts, numbers, or devices
  • Report online risks (bullying, exploitation, unsafe behaviour) immediately
  • Ensure digital sessions are supervised and follow safeguarding protocols
  1. Managing Behaviour Safely
Volunteers must:
  • Use de‑escalation techniques and calm communication
  • Never use physical punishment, restraint (unless to prevent immediate harm), or intimidation
  • Encourage positive behaviour through respect and consistency
  • Seek support from the DSL if a young person’s behaviour raises safeguarding concerns
  1. Reporting Concerns
Volunteers must report immediately if:
  • A young person discloses abuse
  • They witness concerning behaviour
  • They suspect exploitation, grooming, or unsafe situations
  • Another volunteer behaves inappropriately
  • A young person is at risk online or offline
Reports must be made to the DSL or Deputy DSL without delay.
  1. Breaches of the Code
Breaches may result in:
  • Additional training
  • Suspension from duties
  • Removal from role
  • Referral to statutory agencies
  • Reporting to the Charity Commission
HomelessNest UK has zero tolerance for behaviour that puts young people at risk.
  1. Acknowledgement
All volunteers and staff must read, understand, and sign this Code of Conduct before working with young people.
Approved By: Board of Trustees on 16th September, 2026
Next Review Date: 16 September 2027
 
 

4. SAFEGUARDING REPORTING PROCEDURE

Organisation Name: HomelessNest UK
Charity Number: 1214974
Policy Review Date: 16th September, 2026
Next Review: 16th September, 2027
Approved By: Board of Trustees
 
1. Purpose
This procedure outlines the steps all volunteers and trustees must follow when reporting safeguarding concerns involving adults at risk. It ensures concerns are responded to promptly, consistently and in line with legal requirements.
 
2. Immediate Priorities
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. If the risk is urgent but not life‑threatening, contact the Police (101) or the Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
 
3. When to Report a Concern
Report any concern, including:
  • Signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation
  • Disclosures made by an individual
  • Concerns about another volunteer, trustee or partner
  • Unsafe practice or boundary breaches
  • Worrying behaviour or environmental risks
Concerns must be reported even if:
  • You are unsure
  • The information is incomplete
  • The individual asks you not to tell anyone
 
4. How to Report a Concern
  1. Ensure immediate safety of the individual.
  2. Record the concern using the Safeguarding Concern Form (or write notes if the form is unavailable).
  3. Report to the DSL immediately via phone or email.
  4. If the DSL is unavailable, contact the Deputy DSL.
  5. If neither is available and the risk is high, contact the Local Authority Safeguarding Team
  6. Submit all written notes/forms to the DSL within 24 hours.
 
5. What the DSL Will Do
The DSL will:
  • Review the concern and assess risk
  • Decide whether to refer to statutory services
  • Record all actions taken
  • Inform trustees of serious incidents
  • Submit a Serious Incident Report to the Charity Commission if required
  • Provide feedback to the person who raised the concern
 
6. Confidentiality
  • Information is shared strictly on a need‑to‑know basis
  • Records are stored securely and separately from general files
  • Volunteers must not investigate concerns themselves
 
7. False or Malicious Reports
All concerns are taken seriously. No volunteer will be penalised for reporting in good faith.
 
Approved By: Board of Trustees on 16th September, 2026
Next Review Date: 16 September 2027
 
 
 

5. SAFEGUARDING CONCERN FORM

Organisation: HomelessNest UK
Charity Number: 1214974
Policy Review Date: 16th September, 2026
Next Review: 16th September, 2027
Approved By: Board of Trustees
Confidential – For DSL Use Only
1. Details of Person Raising the Concern
Name: Role (Volunteer/Trustee/Other):
Contact details:
2. Details of the Person at Risk
Name (if known): Age (if known): Gender: Location at time of concern: Any known vulnerabilities (e.g., mental health, homelessness):
3. Description of the Concern
  • What happened?
  • When did it happen?
  • Where did it happen?
  • Who was involved?
  • What did you observe or hear? (Record facts only, not opinions.)
4. Disclosure (if applicable)
  • Exact words used by the individual (quote where possible):
  • Did they request confidentiality?
5. Immediate Actions Taken
  • Was emergency support required?
  • Was anyone else informed?
  • Any steps taken to ensure safety?
6. DSL Section (to be completed by DSL)
  • Risk assessment summary:
  • Decision made:
    • No further action
    • Monitor
    • Refer to Local Authority
    • Refer to Police
    • Other (specify)
  • Agencies contacted (names, times, reference numbers):
  • Follow‑up actions required:
  • Date and signature of DSL:
 

6. CODE OF CONDUCT

Organisation: HomelessNest UK
Charity Number: 1214974
Policy Review Date: 16th September, 2026
Next Review: 16th September, 2027
Approved By: Board of Trustees
Applies to: Volunteers, Trustees, Contractors, Partners
1. Purpose
This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from everyone representing HomelessNest UK. It ensures safe, respectful and professional interactions with young people and adults at risk.
2. Expected Behaviour
All representatives must:
  • Treat everyone with dignity, respect and fairness
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries
  • Use inclusive, non‑judgmental language
  • Promote a safe and supportive environment
  • Follow safeguarding procedures at all times
  • Report concerns immediately
  • Respect confidentiality and data protection rules
  • Be reliable, honest and accountable
3. Prohibited Behaviour
Representatives must never:
  • Engage in abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour
  • Promise confidentiality in safeguarding situations
  • Give personal contact details or connect on personal social media
  • Use drugs or alcohol while volunteering
  • Engage in inappropriate physical contact
  • Meet service users alone in private spaces
  • Transport service users without prior approval
  • Accept gifts of significant value
  • Engage in sexual relationships with service users
4. Boundaries
  • Keep communication professional and purposeful
  • Avoid dependency or favouritism
  • Do not share personal problems or seek emotional support from service users
5. Breaches of the Code
Breaches may result in:
  • Additional training
  • Suspension from duties
  • Removal from role
  • Referral to statutory agencies if required
Approved By: Board of Trustees on 16th September, 2026
Next Review Date: 16 September 2027
 
 
 

7. WHISTLEBLOWING POLICY

Organisation: HomelessNest UK
Charity Number: 1214974
Policy Review Date: 16th September, 2026
Next Review: 16th September, 2027
Approved By: Board of Trustees
1. Purpose
This policy enables volunteers, trustees and partners to raise concerns about wrongdoing, unsafe practice or safeguarding failures without fear of reprisal.
2. What Can Be Reported
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Misconduct or unethical behaviour
  • Fraud or financial mismanagement
  • Breaches of policy or law
  • Health and safety risks
  • Abuse of power
  • Cover‑ups or attempts to conceal wrongdoing
3. How to Raise a Concern
Concerns may be raised with:
  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead
  • A trustee
  • The Chair of Trustees
  • The Charity Commission (for serious concerns)
Concerns can be raised verbally or in writing. Anonymous reports are accepted.
4. Protection for Whistleblowers
HomelessNest UK will:
  • Treat all concerns seriously
  • Protect whistleblowers from victimisation or retaliation
  • Keep identities confidential where possible
  • Investigate concerns promptly and fairly
5. Investigation Process
  • The concern is acknowledged within 5 working days
  • An impartial trustee or DSL leads the investigation
  • Findings are reviewed by the Board of Trustees
  • Appropriate action is taken and recorded
6. Malicious Allegations
Deliberately false allegations are unacceptable, but no action will be taken against anyone raising a concern in good faith.
Approved By: Board of Trustees on 16th September, 2026
Next Review Date: 16 September 2027