Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults

The British Deaf Association (BDA) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of deaf children, young people and vulnerable adults across all our work.

We believe that every deaf person – including BSL users, deaf people who do not sign, cochlear implant users, hard of hearing individuals, and those with additional needs – has the right to be protected from harm, abuse or exploitation. Our safeguarding policies and procedures ensure that all children, young people, and vulnerable adults we engage with are respected, listened to and supported to feel safe.

Watch BSL

Contact our Safeguarding Team

If you have a concern, wish to raise an issue, or need advice about safeguarding, please email safeguarding@bda.org.uk – this address is monitored by a dedicated team who monitor, log and escalate concerns when required.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead and Lead Trustee for Safeguarding are listed below:

Jaz Mann
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
📧 safeguarding@bda.org.uk

Caroline Doherty
Lead Trustee for Safeguarding
📧 carolinedohertytrustee@bda.org.uk

All concerns are taken seriously, logged securely and, where appropriate, escalated to the relevant authorities. If someone is in immediate danger, use BSL 999 – the UK’s emergency video relay service for Deaf people. Visit www.999bsl.co.uk to call the emergency services in BSL, 24/7.

What to Expect When You Report a Concern

When a concern is reported:

  • It will be passed to our DSL within 24 hours
  • The information will be handled confidentially and shared only with those who need to know
  • We will follow our formal safeguarding procedure, and may refer the concern to Social Services, the Police or the NSPCC

We encourage anyone – including staff, volunteers, members of the public or community members – to raise concerns. You will be supported and protected from reprisals if you do.

Our Responsibilities

The BDA ensures that:

  • All staff and volunteers are trained in safeguarding during induction
  • Safeguarding is built into all BDA events, services and partnerships
  • There are clear policies in place for dealing with allegations against staff or volunteers
  • Images and media of children and vulnerable adults are only taken with informed consent

We also work in partnership with external organisations to ensure consistent safeguarding standards.

In Case of Emergency

If someone is in immediate danger or you believe a child, young person or adult is at serious risk, contact the Police on 999, or visit www.999bsl.co.uk to call the emergency services in BSL, 24/7.

For non-emergency advice, you can also contact:

Download Safeguarding Policy & Procedures (PDF)