the bigmoose ultra fun run 2027 has landed. walk it, run it, take on your own distance and be part of something bigger. every mile helps fund life-changing mental health support.
find out more the bigmoose ultra fun run 2027 has landed. walk it, run it, take on your own distance and be part of something bigger. every mile helps fund life-changing mental health support.
find out more
last updated: 03/01/26
Introduction
bigmoose mental health charity is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of all individuals involved with our organisation, including service users, volunteers, staff members and trustees. This safeguarding policy outlines the framework for identifying, preventing, and responding to any concerns or instances of harm or abuse that may arise within our charity.
scope
This policy applies to all individuals associated with bigmoose, including but not limited to service users, volunteers, staff members and trustees.
Definitions
a) Safeguarding: the measures taken to protect individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
b) Harm: any form of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or violation of an individual’s rights.
c) Abuse: any act or failure to act that causes or may cause harm, distress, or violation of an individual’s rights.
d) Vulnerable adult: an individual aged 18 or above who is or may need community care services due to mental or other disability, age, or illness, and is unable to take care of or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.
Key principles
a) Promoting dignity and respect: we will treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and empathy, regardless of their age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or background.
b) Confidentiality: information shared by individuals will be treated confidentially, in line with data protection laws and disclosure requirements. However, concerns regarding safeguarding will be shared appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.
c) Prevention: we will take proactive measures to prevent harm, abuse, and exploitation by promoting a safe and positive environment through appropriate policies, procedures, and training.
d) Reporting and responding: we encourage all individuals associated with bigmoose to report any concerns or suspicions of abuse promptly. We will respond promptly, seriously, and sensitively to all allegations, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.
Roles and Responsibilities
a) Trustees: the trustees hold overall responsibility for ensuring that the safeguarding policy is implemented effectively and reviewed regularly.
b) Designated Safeguarding Officer (dso): the dso is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the safeguarding policy, providing advice and guidance, and ensuring that concerns are appropriately addressed. The dso for bigmoose is chloe smith.
c) Staff members: all staff members have a duty to be vigilant, report concerns, and cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigation.
d) Volunteers: volunteers should report any concerns or suspicions to their supervisor or the dso, ensuring the confidentiality of the information shared.
Reporting Concerns
a) Reporting process: any concerns or suspicions of harm or abuse should be reported to the designated safeguarding officer using the designated reporting form or by contacting them directly.
b) Whistleblowing: bigmoose encourages a culture of openness and transparency. Individuals who raise concerns in good faith will be protected from any form of victimisation or retaliation.
Responding to concerns
a) Investigation: the designated safeguarding officer will undertake an appropriate investigation into all concerns, following the relevant procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.
b) Support and referral: we will provide appropriate support and referrals to individuals affected by harm or abuse, connecting them with relevant external agencies if necessary.
c) Suspension and disciplinary action: if an allegation of harm or abuse is substantiated, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, which may include suspension, termination, or legal action.
Review and monitoring
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually by the trustees and the designated safeguarding officer to ensure its ongoing relevance, effectiveness, and compliance with the law and best practices.
Legal framework
This policy is in line with relevant legislation, including but not limited to the UK’s Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, the Children Act 2004, and the Care Act 2014.
Fundraising
We will ensure that:
Online Safety
We will identify and manage online risks by ensuring:
Working With Other Organisations
In working with other organisations, including any grant making, we will comply with Charity Commission guidance by carrying out relevant due diligence and having a written agreement that sets out:
This policy will be reviewed as part of any safeguarding incident investigation, to test that it has been complied with and to see if any improvements might realistically be made to it.
Statutory Guidance
Gov.UK – The role of other agencies in safeguarding
CC: Infographic; 10 actions trustees need to take.
CC: Safeguarding duties of charity trustees
CC: Safeguarding – policies and procedures
CC: How to protect vulnerable groups