Maritime Volunteer Service

Volunteers have raised concerns about the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS). Safeguarding policies were not provided when requested, and trustees appeared to have no safeguarding training. Safeguarding is not optional and cannot be minimised.

When concerns were raised, they were mishandled and minimised. Volunteers who spoke up felt pushed out rather than supported.

External bodies have been informed, but gaps in regulation mean there is little protection for volunteers if trustees ignore advice. This leaves people unprotected despite serious risks.

Until there is clear evidence of reform — safeguarding training for trustees, proper equality and diversity induction, and an end to retaliation against whistleblowers — this organisation is not a safe or supportive place to volunteer.