Guidance on handling safeguarding allegations in a charity

Every organisation that delivers charitable activities has a responsibility to safeguard people from harm or abuse, whether they are staff members, volunteers, or other people who come into contact with your charity through its work. This tool will help charities in England to handle the reporting of safeguarding allegations about the behaviour or actions of a person in their charity.

An allegation or concern means that a person has or may have behaved in a way that has harmed a child or adult, has possibly committed a criminal offence against a child or adult, or behaved towards a child(ren) or adult(s) in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to others.

Need help handling an allegation of abuse or harm perpetrated by a person in your charity?

Answer the questions in our safeguarding tool to assist you. The tool will help you handle issues with the right people and agencies.

If this your first time using the tool, see How to use this tool to help you use it effectively.

In an emergency, call the Police

If someone is at immediate risk of harm call 999 and request the Police. You can find further guidance here.

Further support and guidance

Concerned that a child may be at risk of abuse or harm?

The NSPCC has guidance and a telephone helpline available if you are worried about the safety of a child. A child is defined as anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.

NSPCC

Concerned that a vulnerable adult may be at risk of abuse or harm?

The Ann Craft Trust has guidance and a directory of telephone helplines if you are worried about the safety of an adult at risk.

Ann Craft Trust

Safeguarding resources for your organisation

For more information about safeguarding and to access training resources, visit NCVO’s charity safeguarding website.

NCVO

Charity Commission safeguarding guidance for charities and trustees

For more information about the safeguarding responsibilities for charities and trustees, visit the Charity Commission's guidance.

GOV.UK

Concerned about wrongdoing at your charity?

Call the Charity Commission's confidential whistleblowing helpline, provided by Protect. The helpline is listed under 'Get independent advice' on the Charity Commission page. 

GOV.UK

Does your concern relate to a charity operating overseas?

Bond has a toolkit that sets out how to handle safeguarding allegations for charities operating overseas. It will also help your charity to evaluate your charity's safeguarding reporting process.

If your charity operates in England as well as overseas, you should also follow the guidance tool on handling safeguarding allegations in England. Click Get started above to use the guidance tool.

Bond