When Division Becomes a Safeguarding Issue – What Every Charity Should Be Thinking About
New research published by the Charity Commission has found that more than one in four charities have been directly affected by growing division and polarisation in society.
The findings paint a concerning picture.
Some charities reported vandalism, protests, abuse, threats towards staff and volunteers, reduced public support, and in some cases, having to change or stop services altogether. Organisations working in areas such as human rights, equality, refugee support, and religious or racial harmony were among those most likely to experience these challenges. At the same time, public trust in charities remains high, suggesting that while hostility is affecting some organisations, confidence in the sector overall has remained resilient.
Whilst these findings relate specifically to charities, the wider lessons apply across every sector, because when staff, volunteers and organisations become the target of abuse or intimidation, safeguarding can no longer be viewed solely through the lens of those receiving services. It must also include those delivering them.
Safeguarding the Workforce
Safeguarding conversations often focus on protecting children, adults at risk or service users. That will always remain fundamental. However, organisations also have a responsibility to create environments where staff and volunteers feel safe to carry out their roles without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.
The Charity Commission's research found that some organisations have experienced threats towards staff, damage to property and growing hostility linked to the causes they support. No one should feel unsafe simply because of the work they do.
Polarisation Is Changing the Risk Landscape
Society has become increasingly polarised. Debates that once took place respectfully can now escalate rapidly online and offline.
For organisations working with at risk people, this presents new challenges.
Professionals may find themselves responding to:
Hostility on social media.
Misinformation.
Aggressive behaviour towards staff and volunteers.
Public protests.
Threats or intimidation.
Reputational attacks.
These are no longer isolated incidents, for some organisations, they are becoming operational risks that leaders must actively consider.
Psychological Safety Matters
Physical safety is only one part of the picture. Psychological safety is equally important.
If staff feel anxious about coming to work, worried about public hostility or unsupported following difficult incidents, organisations may experience:
Reduced wellbeing.
Increased sickness absence.
Higher staff turnover.
Difficulty recruiting volunteers.
Reduced confidence in decision-making.
Lower willingness to speak up about concerns.
Strong safeguarding cultures depend upon people feeling safe enough to do their jobs.
Leadership Has a Critical Role
Leaders should be asking themselves:
Do we understand the risks facing our staff and volunteers?
Do people know how to report threats or abuse?
Are incidents reviewed strategically?
Is emotional support available after difficult incidents?
Have we considered the impact of online hostility?
Does our risk assessment reflect today's environment?
These questions are increasingly relevant, not only for charities but for schools, healthcare providers, housing organisations, local authorities, community groups and employers.
Safeguarding Is About People
The Charity Commission's findings remind us that safeguarding is not only about responding to abuse experienced by those receiving services, it is also about protecting the people who dedicate their time to helping others.
Creating safe organisations means recognising emerging risks, supporting workforce wellbeing and ensuring that staff and volunteers never feel they are facing hostility alone. As society continues to evolve, safeguarding must evolve alongside it.
How RLB Safeguarding Can Help
At RLB, we support charities, voluntary organisations and organisations across every sector to strengthen safeguarding culture, workforce wellbeing and governance.
Through consultancy, accredited training, safeguarding supervision and organisational reviews, we help leaders identify emerging risks, build psychologically safe workplaces and ensure safeguarding remains at the heart of everything they do.
Resources
Read the Press Release here
Research into public trust in charities and research with charity trustees 2026