Safeguarding – an update from our Safeguarding Lead

Regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, whether you're pregnant or undergoing gender reassignment, your safety is our priority.

Safeguarding at the MS Society

Safeguarding means making sure that adults with care and support needs and children and young people under the age of 18 are protected from abuse.

We recognise we have a particular responsibility to make sure adults who may be at risk and children are protected from abuse, neglect and any other ill-treatment or violation of human rights. We have a range of measures in place to protect people who come into contact with us from maltreatment of all kinds.

Below is an update from Richard Woodley, our Safeguarding Lead.

You can learn more about the Safeguarding Team here.

Reporting

The number of safeguarding concerns have risen this quarter from 20 to 28. But we continue to demonstrate robust, timely responses – all concerns were addressed within two days, as set out in our Safeguarding Policy. We referred five cases to local authorities or emergency services.

The MS Helpline remains the primary way concerns are reported. Other reports come from staff or volunteers. No reports were made by volunteers this quarter, down from seven in the previous quarter.

Disclosure checks

We continue to take proactive safeguarding measures. As an example, a disclosure made during a PVG application prompted a risk assessment and follow-up with the volunteer and their Group Coordinator.

Training compliance

Ninety-three percent of volunteers in roles that require safeguarding training completed our safeguarding module. Thank you for helping us to keep everyone safe!

Safeguarding webpage resource

We’re pleased to share a new safeguarding resource on our website. This webpage provides essential guidance on how to get support with safeguarding concerns involving adults and children, as well as how to contact the MS Helpline and access support services.

This resource is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for everyone who comes into contact with the MS Society.

Further information

To find out more about safeguarding at the MS Society, please contact our Safeguarding Team by email.