Safeguarding policy

Last reviewed: August 2026 · Next review: August 2027

Our commitment

Dignity Trust believes that every child has the right to be safe, and that the children we support are entitled to the same protection whether they live in Southampton or in a village in Afghanistan. Safeguarding is the responsibility of every trustee, volunteer, partner and contractor.

Scope

This policy applies to everyone acting on behalf of Dignity Trust, including trustees, UK volunteers, fundraisers, and the staff and volunteers of the local partner organisations we fund.

What we do

• Safe recruitment. Trustees and volunteers with access to children or their data are reference-checked and, where eligible, DBS-checked.
• Partner agreements. Every partner signs a written agreement adopting this policy, names a safeguarding focal point and reports incidents within 24 hours.
• Training. Everyone covered by this policy receives safeguarding induction and annual refresher training.
• Dignified communications. We publish images and stories only with informed consent, never in a way that identifies a child's location or exposes them to risk, and never using pity-based imagery.
• Data protection. Children's information is minimised, stored securely and shared on a need-to-know basis.
• Financial safeguards. Grants are released against evidence, reducing the risk of exploitation through our funding.

Reporting a concern

If you are worried about a child or vulnerable adult connected with our work, contact our Safeguarding Lead:

All concerns are recorded, assessed within one working day and, where appropriate, referred to the relevant authorities. Serious incidents are reported to the Charity Commission in line with its guidance. We will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the trustees.