Governance & standards

Safeguarding.

MSK REGEN must take reasonable steps to protect people who encounter IAMRegen — through events, education, visiting fellowships, online platforms, public information, Case MDT and partnerships — from abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment and avoidable harm. The policy applies internationally alongside local safeguarding and reporting law. A named Designated Safeguarding Lead receives concerns, with clear escalation routes and reporting to statutory authorities.

Publication candidate — pending trustee adoption. This document is a complete operating proposal, not yet effective policy. It takes effect only when adopted by recorded resolution of the MSK REGEN trustees. It is not legal advice, regulatory accreditation, or a substitute for local clinical, research, employment or institutional governance.

Commitment and scope

The policy covers beneficiaries, patients whose cases are discussed, participants, staff, volunteers, faculty, contractors, partners and members of the public, and applies internationally alongside local safeguarding and reporting law.

IAMRegen membership is 18+. If any activity intentionally includes a child or an adult at risk, a written activity-specific risk assessment, supervision plan, consent arrangements and legally required checks must be completed before participation.

Responsibilities

Roles and duties are defined from the trustees down to every participant:

  • Trustees: ultimate oversight; policy approval; a competent lead; resources; serious-incident decisions; annual assurance.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): receive concerns; risk-assess; advise on immediate protection; preserve records; liaise with authorities; report to trustees.
  • Activity lead: complete the risk assessment; brief the team; maintain a safe environment; escalate concerns immediately.
  • All participants: recognise, respond, record and report; do not investigate personally or promise absolute confidentiality.

Reporting and response

A concern is acted on immediately and escalated through defined routes:

  • if someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or the relevant local authority without delay;
  • listen without leading questions; reassure the person the concern will be taken seriously; do not promise secrecy;
  • record facts, the words used, date, time, location, people present and immediate action, keeping opinion separate from observation;
  • report to the DSL promptly. A concern about the DSL goes to the Chair of Trustees; a concern about the Chair goes to another unconflicted trustee or a relevant external authority;
  • the DSL/trustees decide protective action and referrals to police, social services, local safeguarding bodies, DBS, professional regulators, insurers and the Charity Commission as applicable.

Safer-activity controls

IAMRegen applies proportionate controls to keep activities safe:

  • risk-assess venues, travel, laboratories, clinics, demonstrations, one-to-one contact, alcohol/social activity and accessibility;
  • use suitable selection, references, qualification checks, supervision and role descriptions; obtain DBS or overseas equivalents where legally required and eligible;
  • avoid private unsupervised contact and private-channel messaging where a vulnerable participant is involved;
  • obtain valid consent for photographs and protect patient/participant identity;
  • conduct due diligence on partners and include safeguarding responsibilities, reporting and monitoring in written agreements;
  • review the policy after every incident or near miss and at least annually.
References
  • Charity Commission — Safeguarding and protecting people
  • Charity Commission — Reporting a serious incident
Conflicts of interest: the owning organisation and named post-holders declare relevant interests in the public conflicts-of-interest register. Questions and complaints: [email protected].