We take a proactive and comprehensive approach to safeguarding.

We work in partnership with specialist agencies to support and protect people who may be at risk of harm, abuse and neglect and we train our staff to spot the signs of harm, abuse and neglect.

Working closely with our partners, we look for the best way of helping anyone experiencing safeguarding issues, including the most appropriate support.

Our safeguarding policy is designed to protect vulnerable adults, children, and all BVT residents. You can read more about this by downloading our safeguarding policy below.

You can also read about the standard of service you can expect from us, by downloading our safeguarding service standard.

How to report a safeguarding concern

• Call 999 if a child or adult is in immediate danger or a crime has been committed. You should also contact your local authority’s safeguarding adult or child team. You can find these details by searching safeguarding on their website or call them.
• If you have safeguarding concerns, but there is not an immediate danger to a child or adult, contact your local authority’s safeguarding adult or child team. You can find these details by searching safeguarding on their website or call them.
• Share safeguarding concerns with us by calling 0300 333 6540 or emailing enquiries@bvt.org.uk. If emailing, please title your email ‘Safeguarding concern’. If an adult or child is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Anonymous reporting and confidentiality

• Reporting a safeguarding concern or abuse can be done anonymously.
• We will not usually act or share information without the consent of the person at risk.
• The only exception to this is when there are others at risk of harm and/or where the person at risk is not able to make a decision for themselves because of their mental capacity or where we believe the risk could seriously affect their wellbeing.
• In our role as a housing provider, we have a duty to work with and share information with local authorities carrying out their statutory safeguarding duties. This can include, carrying out enquiries into incidents, sharing information or engaging with local Safeguarding Boards.