Safeguarding

Nest Baby Collective CIC / Little Nest Baby Bank
Protecting Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Our Commitment

The Little Nest is committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all families who use our services. Although we do not work directly with children on a regular basis, we often support families in vulnerable circumstances. Safeguarding is therefore a shared responsibility across our team, volunteers, partners and visitors.

We believe every child and adult should be treated with dignity, kindness and respect. We do not tolerate any form of harm, abuse or neglect.

Who This Policy Applies To

All directors and staff
All volunteers, including ad-hoc helpers
Anyone representing The Little Nest in a professional capacity
Partner organisations when working with us

Everyone has a duty to act if they have concerns.

Our Safeguarding Principles

Welfare first: The safety of children and adults at risk is our highest priority.
Zero tolerance: We do not accept any form of abuse, exploitation, discrimination or unsafe practice.
Safe spaces: Our collection points, pop-ups and interactions must be calm, respectful and supportive.
Confidentiality: Information shared with us is handled sensitively and only passed on if needed to protect someone from harm.
Partnership working: We work closely with health visitors, social workers, midwives, and other professionals to ensure families receive appropriate support.

What We Do to Keep People Safe

Collect only the minimum personal information needed to fulfil referrals.
Store information securely and in line with data protection requirements.
Train all volunteers and directors in basic safeguarding awareness.
Follow clear procedures for responding to concerns or disclosures.
Ensure all items we provide are safe, clean and appropriate.
Maintain safe practices during collections, drop-offs and volunteer activities.

Recognising Concerns

Anyone representing The Little Nest should be alert to signs that a child or adult may be at risk, including (but not limited to):

Signs of neglect (inadequate clothing, hygiene concerns, lack of necessities)
Concerning comments or disclosures
Unexplained injuries or behaviour changes
Evidence of domestic abuse or unsafe living conditions
A parent/carer expressing that they feel unable to cope

We do not investigate concerns ourselves — our duty is to report appropriately.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you are worried about the welfare of a child or adult at risk during interactions with The Little Nest:

Record the concern clearly and factually.
Report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
[Linda Fricker Title: Director – Safeguarding Lead]
Email: contact@nestbabybank.com (or your chosen address)
If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999) at once.
For urgent professional advice in Dumfries & Galloway, contact Social Work Services.

The DSL will take appropriate next steps, which may include contacting social services, the police, or another safeguarding body.

Whistleblowing

All team members and volunteers are encouraged to speak up if they believe safeguarding is not being handled correctly. Concerns can be raised directly with a director if the DSL is not appropriate to contact.

Reviewing This Policy

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if:

legislation changes
we expand our services
safeguarding concerns highlight a need for revision

Last reviewed: 10/12/2025