Organisational policies

Safeguarding statement

Our charity safeguarding policy is a promise to protect and respect all young people and vulnerable adults who have supported, fundraised, volunteered, worked for or been involved with any RSPCA activities. 

On this page you’ll find our safeguarding statement, how we protect vulnerable people, and how to submit a safeguarding report or seek urgent advice.

Our commitment to safeguarding

As a leading UK charity, the RSPCA has a duty of care towards humans as well as animals. We’re committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. This means protecting them from harm, abuse or exploitation, and acting immediately when concerns are raised. 

This charity safeguarding commitment, grounded in our values of integrity and compassion, is upheld by all our staff and volunteers. We make sure our safeguarding policies and procedures meet Charity Commission, ACAS and DBS standards.

Submit a safeguarding report

To submit a safeguarding report, or for urgent advice about the safety of a child or adult at risk, you can email our Safeguarding Team at: safeguarding.support@rspca.org.uk

How we protect children and vulnerable adults

To continually meet the standards of the Charity Commission and Disclosure and Barring Service, our approach is guided by the following principles:

  • Strong leadership and accountability: This means clear responsibility and transparency for safeguarding at all levels.
  • A safe and open culture: People are encouraged and supported to raise concerns, and these are taken seriously.
  • Prevention and proportionality: We take all necessary steps to prevent harm before it occurs, based on risk and appropriate safeguards.
  • Clear reporting and response: This means that concerns are easy to raise and are handled promptly, fairly, and consistently.
  • Safer recruitment and training: We exercise robust recruitment checks, and once recruited, we ensure appropriate safeguarding training is carried out.
  • Respect and confidentiality: Every individual is treated with dignity, and their information is handled sensitively and lawfully.

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