13/10/2025
Subject: Urgent Concern: Unregistered Group Operating as 'Safeguarding Force' and Public Safety Risk
To the Editor of the Daily Echo,
I am writing to express serious alarm regarding a group operating in our area under the name "Safeguarding Force." Their activities raise significant concerns about legality, public safety, and accountability that I believe the community and relevant authorities need to address immediately.
The most pressing concern is their public representation as a charitable organisation. Upon checking the official register, it appears that "Safeguarding Force" is not a registered charity. This misrepresentation is potentially misleading to the public, who might otherwise support or donate to them under false pretences.
Furthermore, the nature of their operations suggests a significant public liability risk. If they are not a legitimate, fully registered, and professionally managed entity, it is highly unlikely they possess the appropriate level of public or employee liability insurance required for a group intervening in public areas. Should an incident occur involving their personnel, the lack of proper insurance could leave injured parties—whether members of the public or their own volunteers/employees—without adequate recourse, placing a burden on individuals and possibly public services.
Crucially, this group appears to be operating as an unauthorised, vigilante "police force" in public spaces, attempting to carry out functions normally reserved for legitimate law enforcement. This raises profound questions about their training, adherence to the law, and the appropriate use of force.
I understand that some members may hold Security Industry Authority (SIA) badges. It is vital to note that an SIA licence is relevant to specific, licensed security activities and locations, such as guarding a property or a licensed venue. It does not authorise an individual to police the public in public areas or to act as a general "safeguarding" authority outside of a legally defined remit. The possession of an SIA badge is, in this context, irrelevant to the legality of their self-appointed public policing role.
I urge the appropriate regulatory bodies, including the Charity Commission, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and potentially the local Police and Crime Commissioner, to use their regulatory powers to investigate this group thoroughly. Given the potential for misleading the public and the clear public safety risks, I believe decisive action, including the possibility of a mandated closure of their operations, is necessary until they can demonstrate full compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
The safety and security of our community are paramount, and the rule of law must be upheld.
Sincerely,
Nice And Safe Security
