Prevent harm
We use safer recruitment, codes of conduct, training, risk assessment, supervision and programme monitoring.
← About VNZ
Safeguarding
Everyone has the right to be safe, respected and heard.
VNZ works to prevent harm, make reporting accessible and respond to concerns with confidentiality, fairness and care. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
If someone is in immediate danger
Contact the appropriate local emergency service or a trusted adult or service that can act now. The VNZ website is not an emergency service.
Our position
Zero tolerance means active prevention and accountable response.
VNZ does not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or sexual harassment. This commitment applies to staff, volunteers, board members, consultants, partners, associates and everyone participating in VNZ-supported activities.
Our commitments
What you can expect from VNZ.
Policies matter when people experience them through safer programmes, appropriate conduct and a response they can trust.
Listen safely
We provide accessible reporting routes and accept anonymous reports. Sharing contact details is optional.
Protect privacy
Information is limited to those who need it to respond, protect people and meet lawful safeguarding duties.
Prevent retaliation
VNZ prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith or participates in a review.
Centre survivors
Safety, dignity, informed choice and wellbeing guide how sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment concerns are handled.
Act and learn
Concerns are assessed, appropriate action is taken and safeguarding systems are improved through review and learning.
Expected conduct
A commitment carried by every person.
Anyone representing or working with VNZ must follow safeguarding procedures, maintain appropriate boundaries and report conduct or circumstances that may place someone at risk.
- Treat every child and adult with dignity and respect.
- Never exploit a position of power, trust or vulnerability.
- Never engage in abusive, sexually exploitative or harassing behaviour.
- Use appropriate, supervised and child-safe ways of working.
- Report concerns promptly through an approved route.
- Do not investigate personally, promise secrecy or share a concern publicly or with the media.
Survivor-centred response
Safety and dignity guide every decision.
When a concern involves sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment, VNZ seeks to minimise further harm and support informed choices. Relevant support may be provided directly or through qualified services.
Speak up safely
You can report a concern, complaint or suspected misconduct.
Reports may relate to child abuse, exploitation, harassment, discrimination, bullying, corruption, threats, assault or other breaches of expected conduct.
You may report anonymously. If you provide contact details, tell us whether it is safe to reply and which method is safest.
After a report
A clear and accountable pathway.
The exact response depends on the nature of the concern, immediate safety needs and legal or referral obligations.
- 01
Receive and record
The concern is logged securely and assessed for immediate safety, conflict of interest and the appropriate pathway.
- 02
Acknowledge
Where safe contact details are available, VNZ aims to acknowledge receipt within 72 hours.
- 03
Protect and refer
Urgent safety actions and referrals to qualified or statutory services are considered before wider review steps.
- 04
Review fairly
Authorised people assess or investigate impartially, maintaining appropriate confidentiality and managing conflicts of interest.
- 05
Act and communicate
Appropriate safeguarding, disciplinary, partnership or legal action may follow. Updates are shared where possible and safe.
Shared standards
Safeguarding travels through the network.
VNZ expects partners to maintain equivalent safeguarding commitments and supports them to strengthen prevention, reporting and response. Local ownership never means lowering standards.
See why shared accountability matters →A concern is worth raising
You do not need to decide whether something is “serious enough” before speaking up.
Share the minimum information needed and let an authorised safeguarding person consider the safest next step.
Report a concern