Safeguarding Statement
Last updated: August 2026
My Voice First is a communication aid for children in residential care — not a complete safeguarding reporting system. Safeguarding the children who use it is central to how the platform is designed, and homes should understand both what it does and what it does not do.
Our commitment
We are committed to helping every child’s voice be heard safely. The platform is designed to make it easier for children to share views, wishes, feelings and worries — including when something is not right.
A communication aid, not a reporting system
My Voice First is a communication aid that helps children express themselves. It is not a monitored safeguarding-reporting or alerting service. Nothing is watched in real time, and no one is automatically notified when a child starts an activity.
“I want to tell someone something”
Every child-facing area includes a clear, always-available route for a child to share a worry or concern. It helps a child put their feelings into words and pictures, which they can then share with a chosen grown-up — the completed document is saved on the device for the grown-up to collect, and a short notification lets them know it is there. It is not an emergency service.
Not an emergency service
Children are told clearly: “This is not for emergencies. A grown-up will only see what you write after you send or download it. If you or someone else is in danger right now, tell a trusted adult straight away.” A child in immediate danger must always go directly to a trusted adult or the emergency services.
What happens if a child closes before sending
Because we do not retain children’s answers, if a child starts to share something but closes the activity before exporting or sending it, nothing is kept and staff will not know. This is an intentional part of our privacy model, but homes must understand this limitation: the platform cannot surface a disclosure that was never completed and sent. Staff should remain vigilant through their normal safeguarding practice.
Not a substitute for your procedures
My Voice First supports but does not replace your home’s safeguarding policies, your local authority duties, or the actions of your designated safeguarding lead. Staff must follow their own safeguarding procedures for any concern raised or received.
Privacy by design
Children’s answers are not stored historically. This protects children but also means your staff must collect and act on completed documents promptly. We do not retain a child’s words.
Feedback about adults
Children can share feelings about staff through dedicated activities. These are sent to a Registered or Deputy Manager to review, supporting a culture of openness and accountability.
Your responsibilities
Subscribing organisations are responsible for ensuring staff are trained to use the platform safely, for collecting and acting on completed documents, and for acting on any safeguarding information a child shares. Because the platform is a communication aid, it should sit alongside — not replace — your existing safeguarding arrangements.