A Quick Guide For New Volunteers
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults from:
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Abuse
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Neglect
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Exploitation
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Harm
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Discrimination
You do not need to be an expert.
Your role is to:
Notice concerns
Listen
Respond calmly
Report concerns
Investigate
Counsel
Promise secrecy
Deal with safeguarding concerns alone
The Golden Rules
1. Listen
If a young person tells you something concerning:
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Stay calm.
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Listen carefully.
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Let them speak.
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Don't interrupt unnecessarily.
Try saying:
"Thank you for telling me."
"I'm glad you told someone.
2. Don't Promise Confidentiality
Never say:
"This will stay between us."
Instead say:
"I may need to share this with the Nightstop team if I'm worried about your safety."
3. Don't Investigate
You are not a social worker or police officer.
Avoid:
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Detailed questioning
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Trying to determine if a story is true
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Asking for evidence
Use open questions only if needed:
"Can you tell me a little more about that?"
4. Report Concerns
Tell Open Homes/On-Call when:
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Someone discloses abuse
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You notice injuries
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You are worried about self-harm
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Someone appears exploited
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There are concerns about a child
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A young person goes missing
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Something simply doesn't feel right
When in doubt, report.
Nightstop Reminder:
You are never expected to deal with a safeguarding concern alone.
Your role is:
NOTICE → LISTEN → REASSURE → REPORT
Everything else can be supported by the Open Homes team.
On-Call: 0333 323 2265
