Digitisation presents opportunities and challenges for enhancing disability services. The onset of COVID-19 prompted a rapid move to virtual service provision. Many organisations encountered challenges with the digital divide, governance, internet access, technological skills or hardware. This systems research project explored the potential of virtual services as an alternative service model by exploring how some services in Ireland set up ad-hoc virtual supports, often despite poor digital literacy amongst staff and disabled people. The research developed a focus on safe virtual spaces as an emergent cross-cutting issue, supported through adaptive innovation. Soft Systems Methodology was used to design the research as an iterative process across three cycles. The first cycle consisted of interviews with service providers and educators to understand experiences of taking services online. Themes generated using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) suggested that services acted as Complex Adaptive Systems. Notable findings included the transformation of traditional power dynamics, enhanced personal agency and psychological safety. The second cycle was designed as a World Café. Findings indicated that staff practices created the conditions for safe virtual environments where meaningful connections were possible. The concept of psychological safety – risk-taking and candour without retribution – was reframed as a practice-led, systemic construct to include embodied presence and meaningful connection, leading to a sense of mattering and belonging. The final study assessed the staff practices and systemic conditions that support safe virtual spaces. A real-time online Delphi survey was conducted with an international group of experts. The Viable Systems Model (VSM) was used to structure questions and analysis. The results suggested that developing Safe Virtual Spaces requires integration with the identity and strategic governance processes within organisations. The research identifies a need for more attention to balancing current and future needs, as the demand for virtual services is expected to increase. Seven principles to inform the systemic design of safe virtual spaces are proposed. The research concluded that a focus on developing staff practices alongside appropriate governance is needed to create and sustain viable Safe Virtual Spaces, where a felt sense of safety forms the purpose of the space, within the context of service improvements that are more resilient to future volatility.