VÕS HELP Safeguarding Policy
1. Purpose and Commitment
VÕS HELP is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and confidential environment for all users, practitioners, and partners.
We recognise our duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk.
Our priority is to ensure that every interaction through the VÕS HELP platform takes place in a secure and respectful setting, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:

• All users of the VÕS HELP app and website.

• All counsellors, mental health practitioners, and support call facilitators registered with VÕS HELP.

• All directors, employees, volunteers, and third-party partners associated with VÕS HELP and FAST HELP CIC.

3. Policy Principles
We are guided by the following principles:

• Safety first – safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• Empowerment – individuals are supported and respected in making their own decisions.

• Prevention – taking action before harm occurs.

• Proportionality – responding appropriately to the level of risk.

• Partnership – working with statutory agencies and professionals when required.

• Accountability – maintaining transparent processes and consistent reporting.

4. Definitions
An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect due to mental or physical disability, illness, or age.
A child refers to anyone under the age of 18.
Abuse may include physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, financial, discriminatory, organisational, or neglectful harm.
5. Staff and Practitioner Responsibilities

• All professionals delivering sessions on VÕS HELP hold an enhanced DBS check and are required to undertake regular safeguarding and data protection training.

• All practitioners must immediately report any safeguarding concern or disclosure to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

• Practitioners must record factual details accurately, maintain confidentiality, and avoid making personal judgments.

6. Reporting and Escalation
If a practitioner believes that a user is at immediate risk of harm, they must:

1. Encourage the individual to contact emergency services (999 in the UK).

2. If necessary, contact local safeguarding authorities or the police for immediate intervention.

All safeguarding concerns SHOULD be referred to statutory safeguarding boards or emergency services.
7. Data Protection and Confidentiality
All safeguarding records are securely stored and handled in accordance with:

• The Data Protection Act 2018,

• The UK GDPR, and

• Relevant clinical confidentiality standards.

Information will only be shared when necessary to protect a person from harm and in compliance with legal requirements.
8. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new legislation, guidance, or operational changes arise.
All staff and practitioners are required to confirm understanding and compliance with this policy as part of their onboarding process.
9. Contact Information
📞 In an emergency, always call 999 (UK) or your local emergency number.
Last reviewed: October 2025
Next review due: October 2026