Safeguarding Policy

CommonGround is for members aged 18 and over. If we become aware a member is under 18, their account will be immediately suspended and their data deleted.

Members can self-identify as vulnerable in their privacy settings. This triggers additional protections, including routing of any reports to trained moderators (not volunteers).

• Community Buddies must be Trusted Members.
• Buddies must be present for the first two visits to any Buddy person's home.
• Any safeguarding concern about a Buddy person is escalated to admin immediately.
• If we have serious concerns about a vulnerable person's safety, we may contact emergency services or social services without waiting for a formal report.

CommonGround does not carry out or verify DBS or PVG checks. Members seeking childcare or care of vulnerable adults are strongly advised to obtain these independently. We will note in relevant listing categories that checks are not carried out by us.

Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately using the Safety Centre. Safeguarding reports are reviewed by a trained moderator within 4 hours. Serious safeguarding concerns are escalated to our designated safeguarding lead within 1 hour.

[NAME — to be appointed before launch]
safeguarding@commonwealth-common-ground.world

If we have reasonable grounds to believe a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of serious harm, we will report this to the relevant authorities. We do not need member consent to do this.