Setting up safeguarding procedures and handling reports

Safeguarding is a vital part of running your Made Open platform. As an administrator, you are responsible for ensuring your members have a safe and respectful experience online and that any concerns are managed promptly and appropriately.

Member responsibilities and admin oversight

All members must agree to the platform’s terms and conditions when they register. Registration is required before taking part in any interactive features — such as adding listings, responding to volunteering opportunities or joining groups.

Once registered, safeguarding for members becomes the responsibility of the platform administrators. This means your team must have clear procedures in place to recognise, record and respond to safeguarding concerns.

If a safeguarding issue cannot be resolved or escalated within your administration team, your nominated safeguarding lead can seek advice from Made Open.

Setting up safeguarding procedures

Before launching your platform, review your organisation’s safeguarding policy and make sure it aligns with your online operations. You should:

Nominate a Head of Safeguarding or lead contact for safeguarding concerns.
Make sure all administrators understand how to recognise and report safeguarding issues.
Ensure the ‘Contact’ page on your platform routes safeguarding reports to the appropriate admin.
Set internal timeframes for acknowledging and responding to reports (the Made Open standard is within 48 hours).
Keep secure, confidential records of all safeguarding concerns and actions taken.

Responding to safeguarding concerns

1. Before raising a concern

See it: Recognise when something you see, hear or read may indicate abuse or neglect.
Talk to the person: Share your concerns with the individual involved where appropriate, and ask what outcome they would like.
Make a judgement: Consider the person’s wishes, mental capacity and level of risk. Gather information from other sources if needed and decide on your next steps.

In an emergency, always call 999.

2. Raising a concern

Members can report safeguarding issues using the platform’s ‘Contact’ page.
These messages should go directly to your Head of Safeguarding, who will review and determine the best course of action.
The safeguarding lead should assess, resolve or escalate the concern within 48 hours.

Additional support

If your safeguarding lead or admin team needs further guidance, Made Open can provide advice on managing reports and updating your safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Clear processes and timely action help protect both your members and your organisation.