Award winner (2025)13th June 2025
Kelsey Verity is a powerful advocate for safeguarding, driven by personal experience and a deep commitment to protecting others. In her early twenties, Kelsey was sexually assaulted by her close family member – an experience that shaped her mission to make sure others are listened to, supported and safe.
Kelsey first shared her story publicly at the 2022 Dimensions Safeguarding Summit. It was a nerve-racking moment, but she was determined to speak up for those who couldn’t.
Safeguarding is massive for me,” she says. “I want to make sure people who don’t have a voice are able to shout out to people like me, so we can get them help.
Her courage didn’t stop there. In 2024, Kelsey co-chaired the very same summit, leading the way and showing just how far she’d come. With the support of colleagues and friends, she stepped into the role with bravery and strength – proving herself as a natural leader and role model for others.
Kelsey also works for Dimensions as a relief quality consultant and is the Vice-Chair of the Dimensions Council, advocating for the best possible support for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. She co-chairs the North Region’s Everybody Counts group and is the Council’s representative at the National Health and Safety meeting.
Alongside this, Kelsey has worked hard to live independently, build her skills, and contribute through volunteering – including with Dimensions and the British Heart Foundation.
Kelsey lives with a learning disability, poor long-term memory, and has experienced physical health challenges. But none of this has stopped her. She has shown immense determination, resilience and strength – using her past to push for a better, safer future for others.
She is honest about how hard things can be:
Being a person with special needs at work can be nerve-wracking. You don’t always get good feedback. But coming to Dimensions and hearing I’ve done a good job – it means so much to me.
Kelsey wants others to know they’re not alone.
I’d tell them it’s not their fault. I often blamed myself. Ask for help – from your carer, colleague, neighbour. There are people who will listen. And if you can’t speak – use signs or signals. It’s so important that people feel heard and valued.
Kelsey is a champion for safeguarding and an inspiration to everyone she meets. Her story is one of bravery, advocacy and hope – and she’s just getting started.