Safeguarding Policy for Working with
Vulnerable Adults

Date ratified: 023/01/2024
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Date last reviewed: 15/01/2026 AT

1. Purpose

This policy provides clear guidelines and procedures for safeguarding vulnerable adults
who interact with MS Together. The charity is committed to creating a safe environment,
preventing harm, and promoting the well-being and dignity of vulnerable adults involved in its activities, services, events, and online communities.

2. Definition of Vulnerable Adults

A vulnerable adult is any person aged 18 or over who, due to illness, disability, mental
health condition, or other factors, is unable to care for themselves or protect themselves
from significant harm or exploitation. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who
may:

• Have learning disabilities or physical disabilities
• Be elderly or frail
• Be at risk of abuse or exploitation

3. Policy Principles

MS Together is committed to the following safeguarding principles:

• Welfare is paramount: The safety, health, and well-being of vulnerable adults
  always take priority.
• Respect and dignity: Vulnerable adults will be treated with respect, and their right
  to make informed choices will be upheld.
• Zero tolerance of abuse: All forms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation are
  unacceptable.
• Prevention: Staff training, awareness campaigns, and risk assessments will be
  used to prevent abuse.
• Confidentiality: Safeguarding concerns will be handled confidentially and shared
  only with those with a legitimate need to know, in line with data protection laws.
• Online safeguarding: Vulnerable adults may engage via digital channels
  (WhatsApp, Facebook, social media, email). Online interactions must follow the
  same safeguarding principles as in-person activities. Risks are managed through
  clear guidance, moderator oversight, consent processes, and monitoring of online
  communities.

4. Responsibilities

4.1 Safeguarding Lead

The appointed Safeguarding Lead is responsible for overseeing the safeguarding of
vulnerable adults and ensuring all policies are followed. Responsibilities include:

• Acting as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns
• Ensuring staff and volunteers are trained and aware of their safeguarding duties
• Maintaining confidential records of concerns, incidents, and actions taken
• Overseeing online moderation and escalation procedures

4.2 Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

All staff and volunteers must:

• Treat vulnerable adults with respect and dignity
• Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect and report concerns promptly
• Follow the reporting procedures outlined in this policy
• Complete mandatory safeguarding training
• Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as abusive or exploitative, whether in-
  person or online
• Follow procedures for online community moderation, including consent
  verification, incident logging, and escalation

5. Types of Abuse

Staff and volunteers should be familiar with the following types of abuse:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, rough handling, or other physical harm
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual activity or exploitation
• Emotional or psychological abuse: Threatening, belittling, coercing, or causing
  emotional harm
• Neglect: Failure to provide necessary care or attention
• Financial abuse: Exploitation of finances, possessions, or assets
• Discriminatory abuse: Unfair treatment based on race, age, gender, disability,
  sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics
• Institutional abuse: Harm caused by organisational systems, attitudes, or failures
  in services
• Online abuse: Harm caused through digital channels, including harassment,
  inappropriate messaging, sharing personal information without consent, or
  exploitation via online platforms

6. Reporting Procedures

6.1 Reporting Concerns

1. Report concerns to the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible, ideally within 24
   hours. Email: safeguarding@mstogether.org
2. If Safeguarding Lead is unavailable, report to the CEO
   amy.thompson@mstogether.org or a Trustee marc.smith@mstogether.org
3. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services (999 or 112).
4. Document all concerns, including dates, times, observations, what was said,
   actions taken, and who was informed.
5. The Safeguarding Lead will assess the situation and, if necessary, refer the matter
   to external authorities (local safeguarding boards, police, social services).

Online-specific guidance:

• Monitor online groups for breaches of Code of Conduct, privacy, or signs of distress
• Log incidents in the Incident / Moderation Log
• Escalate to Safeguarding Lead if serious or repeated breaches occur

6.2 Confidentiality

• Safeguarding concerns will be treated confidentially.
• Information may be shared if necessary to protect the individual or others from
  harm.
• In serious cases, the Safeguarding Lead may inform the CEO and, if appropriate, the
  Chair of Trustees, sharing only necessary details for governance or decision-
  making.

6.3 Complaints

• Non-safeguarding concerns should be raised via MS Together’s Complaints Policy
  and Procedure.

7. Recruitment and Training

7.1 Recruitment

MS Together follows safe recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers working with
vulnerable adults, including:

• DBS checks (or equivalent) where appropriate
• A structured interview process assessing suitability to work with vulnerable adults

7.2 Safeguarding Training

• Mandatory safeguarding training for all relevant staff and volunteers at induction
• Refresher training as needed to remain up-to-date with safeguarding procedures
  and legislation
• Training includes recognising signs of abuse, reporting procedures, and supporting
  vulnerable adults safely and online community management

8. Online Community Safeguarding

• Explicit consent is required for WhatsApp groups; pinned messages inform
  Facebook group members of privacy and rules
• Moderators trained on escalation procedures, incident logging, and safe online
  interactions
• Members can leave groups at any time
• Online groups are not crisis services; signpost urgent cases to professionals
• Incident log used to record online safeguarding concerns

9. Monitoring and Review

• MS Together will monitor safeguarding practices to ensure effectiveness and legal
  compliance
• This policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated as necessary to reflect
  legislation, best practice, or organisational learning
• Feedback from staff, volunteers, and vulnerable adults (where appropriate) will beconsidered during review.

10. Approval and Review Table