Safeguarding lead
Dave Smith
The safeguarding lead is responsible for reporting concerns of abuse and neglect to the relevant authority.
A trustee oversees safeguarding for our organisation, including reporting serious concerns to the Charity Commission and making decisions about safeguarding concerns involving staff, volunteers, children or adults at risk in their care.
1. Who is this policy for?
This policy must be followed by all staff and volunteers, including senior managers and trustees. It also applies to anyone working on behalf of our organisation.
It focuses on safeguarding concerns about adults that stem from interactions with clients and other people who access our service. The legal duties and principles also apply to people who are not our clients, such as staff, volunteers, beneficiaries or other connections who meet the definition of an adult at risk.
There is a separate policy for safeguarding children.
No one should ignore allegations or suspicions of abuse or neglect.
2. Why do we have a policy?
We have this policy to:
- stop abuse and neglect where possible
- prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect
- give staff and volunteers overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding
We work with a wide range of adults who might disclose current or historic abuse or neglect. Our safeguarding guidelines and procedures explain how we act on these disclosures. This includes sound recruitment practices, ensuring staff and volunteers understand adult safeguarding, and making sure they know how to raise concerns and feel confident doing so.
3. Our legal duties
We must always act within relevant laws and regulations. Protecting people and safeguarding responsibilities are a governance priority. Safeguarding is fundamental to operating for public benefit and is everyone’s responsibility.
The Care Act 2014 in England and the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 place duties on local authorities. We take account of these duties and support statutory agencies to safeguard adults by:
- stopping abuse or neglect wherever possible
- preventing harm and reducing the risk of abuse or neglect to adults with care and support needs
- safeguarding adults in a way that supports their choices and control over how they want to live
- promoting an approach that concentrates on improving life for the adults concerned
- raising public awareness so communities can play their part
- providing accessible information and support so people understand abuse, stay safe and raise concerns
- addressing what has caused the abuse or neglect
4. Who is protected by this policy?
An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who:
- has care and support needs
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
- is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of those care and support needs
This may include an older person; someone with a physical disability, learning difficulty or sensory impairment; someone with mental health needs, including dementia or a personality disorder; someone with a long-term health condition; or someone whose substance or alcohol misuse affects their ability to manage day-to-day living.
We apply this policy equally to all adults who come into contact with our organisation, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. It applies across every channel, including email, webchat and telephone.
5. What do we mean by safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. It includes protecting people from harm caused by employees, volunteers or others who come into contact with the organisation, and responding when concerns arise.
We use the Charity Commission’s broader approach to safeguarding: taking reasonable steps to protect people who come into contact with the charity from harm, including people who benefit from our work, staff and volunteers.
6. Principles guiding our safeguarding activities
- Empowerment
- People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent.
- Prevention
- It is better to act before harm occurs.
- Proportionality
- We use the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
- Protection
- We provide support and representation for those in greatest need.
- Partnership
- Local services work with their communities, which have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
- Accountability
- There is accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice.
We involve the person wherever possible and focus on the outcome they want, while recognising when action is needed to protect them or others.
7. Recognising different types of abuse and risk
Abuse can be deliberate or the result of ignorance, lack of training, knowledge or understanding. It can be a single act, repeated acts, or a failure to act. The following examples are not exhaustive.
| Type and definition | Possible indicators |
|---|---|
| Physical abuseAssault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions. | Injuries inconsistent with the person’s account; unexplained falls, fractures, bruises or burns; subdued behaviour around a particular person; signs of malnutrition; failure to seek medical treatment or frequent changes of GP. |
| Domestic violence or abusePsychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse between people aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members. It includes controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, honour-based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage. Concerns involving anyone under 18 are handled under our child safeguarding policy. | Low self-esteem; believing the abuse is their fault; physical evidence; verbal abuse or humiliation in front of others; fear of outside intervention; property damage; isolation; or limited access to money. |
| Sexual abuseRape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate touching or looking, sexual teasing, sexual photography, being forced to watch pornography or sexual acts, or any sexual act without consent or capacity to consent. | Bruising, particularly to the upper arms or neck; difficulty walking or sitting; changes in behaviour; self-harm; fear of receiving help with personal care; or pregnancy in a person unable to consent. |
| Psychological or emotional abuseThreats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, isolation, or unjustified withdrawal of services or support. | Silence when a particular person is present; withdrawal or a change in emotional state; insomnia; low self-esteem; uncooperative or aggressive behaviour; changes in appetite or weight; distress; or false claims made to attract unnecessary treatment. |
| Financial or material abuseTheft, fraud, internet scams, coercion relating to financial affairs or arrangements, and the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. | Missing possessions; unexplained lack of money or inability to maintain lifestyle; unexplained withdrawal of funds; someone taking unusual interest in finances; bills not being paid; unnecessary property repairs; unusual changes to financial documents; sudden inability to pay; or isolation from friends and family. |
| Modern slaverySlavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Where appropriate, we use the National Referral Mechanism alongside the safeguarding process. | Physical or emotional abuse; appearing malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn; isolation or control by others; dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation; living and working at the same address; lack of personal effects or identification; always wearing the same clothes; avoiding eye contact; or appearing frightened and hesitant. |
| Discriminatory abuseHarassment, slurs or similar treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. | Withdrawal or isolation; expressions of anger, frustration, fear or anxiety; or support that does not take account of a person’s protected characteristics. |
| Organisational or institutional abuseNeglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting, or in relation to care provided in a person’s own home. It may be a one-off incident or ongoing ill-treatment caused by the structure, policies, processes and practices of an organisation. | Inadequate staffing; people being hungry, dehydrated or poorly cared for; lack of clothing and possessions; inadequate procedures; poor record-keeping; missing documents; absence of care plans; or a lack of management oversight and support. |
| Neglect and acts of omissionIgnoring medical, emotional or physical care needs; failing to provide access to appropriate health, care, support or educational services; or withholding necessities such as medication, adequate nutrition or heating. | Lack of access to food, shelter, clothing, heating, stimulation, activity, personal or medical care; medication being withheld; restrictions on visitors; or failure to meet cultural, religious or ethnic needs. |
| Self-neglectA wide range of behaviour that neglects personal hygiene, health or surroundings, including hoarding. | Poor personal hygiene; unkempt appearance; lack of essential food, clothing or shelter; malnutrition or dehydration; living in squalid or unsanitary conditions; or neglecting household maintenance. |
8. Radicalisation and safeguarding
If we are concerned about an adult at risk becoming radicalised, we follow our safeguarding procedure.
We also take guidance from the government’s counter-terrorism Prevent Strategy, one aim of which is supporting vulnerable people to prevent them being drawn into terrorism. Staff and volunteers must be mindful of radicalisation and report concerns using our adult and child safeguarding policies.
9. Confidentiality and safeguarding
Confidentiality is one of BTGM’s founding principles. It is important that clients can trust us and know that information they disclose is treated in confidence.
However, if we suspect abuse or information about abuse is disclosed, we have a responsibility to act. Our confidentiality principles do not override the need to protect adults at risk.
In accordance with the principle of empowerment, the decision on whether to report a safeguarding concern should normally be discussed with the person concerned and, where possible, their permission obtained.
There are situations when confidentiality must be breached without permission. These include when the person is in serious and immediate danger and there is no time to obtain permission; permission cannot be obtained; the person is unable to give permission; or asking permission could put them in greater danger.
In these situations, the wellbeing of the client or others who may be at risk takes precedence. Our safeguarding procedure explains how to breach confidentiality and raise a concern.
10. Mental capacity and safeguarding
We assume that adults have the mental capacity to make informed decisions about their own safety and how they live. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is central to decisions and actions in safeguarding adults. Where a person can make an informed choice about a particular decision, they have a right to self-determination.
If there is reason to believe an adult at risk is being abused, has previously been abused, neglected or exploited by a person accompanying them, it may be difficult to speak with the adult alone. If seeking permission to report a concern would put the person in greater danger, steps can be taken without permission under the safeguarding procedure. The reason permission was not sought must be recorded on the safeguarding concern form.
If it is unclear whether an adult can make an informed decision, staff and volunteers should speak to the safeguarding lead and use the safeguarding procedure. Relevant factors include whether the person can:
- understand information about the decision whether to report a concern
- retain that information
- use or weigh that information as part of the decision-making process
- communicate their decision by talking, sign language or other means
11. Screening staff and volunteers
All staff and volunteers in roles legally eligible for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check are screened. We also request appropriate references and may await the results of checks and references before allowing someone to start. If a role is not eligible for a standard or enhanced check, the chief officer may ask some staff or volunteers to undergo a basic check.
If a DBS check reveals an unspent conviction for a sexual offence against a child or vulnerable adult, the individual is not suitable for that role and will not be appointed. Other convictions are considered individually. Further information is available in our DBS and ex-offenders policies.
12. Supervision, training and safeguarding
Thorough induction training ensures staff and volunteers understand good safeguarding practice, our core values and confidentiality. Staff and volunteers receive regular supervision and have their training needs assessed.
Regular case checks take place, and unusual or excessive contact with an adult at risk is investigated. Appropriate safeguarding training is available to all staff and volunteers through:
- policy-awareness sessions delivered internally
- briefing sessions by a local authority or other relevant authority
- training arranged through partner agencies
13. If a staff member or volunteer is removed from their role
If a staff member or volunteer is moved or dismissed from their role because of safeguarding concerns arising from their actions or inaction, we have a responsibility as a regulated activity provider to inform the Disclosure and Barring Service. We follow the official guidance on making barring referrals to the DBS.
14. Developing new services
All new services in development take account of the need to safeguard adults at risk. This may include:
- risk assessment of proposed activities
- agreeing safeguarding measures and information-sharing protocols with partner organisations
- seeking specialist advice, for example from the local safeguarding board
15. Working with local statutory agencies
Safeguarding boards may carry out reviews or investigations and require us to supply information. These boards consist of representatives from local authorities, other statutory bodies and partner agencies.
We supply information requested by a safeguarding board when the request enables the board to perform its functions and the board considers that our functions or activities mean we are likely to hold relevant information.
There is generally no bar to our taking part in a safeguarding review, criminal investigation or Serious Case Review when required. This is subject to our client confidentiality policy and confidentiality process.
16. Working with local authority commissioners
Local authority commissioners may ask charities to reflect their safeguarding protocols. Key actions we consider include:
- identifying the local authority’s designated safeguarding lead, the functions of their team and the local Safeguarding Adults Board in England or area-based Safeguarding Board in Wales
- taking part in local-authority safeguarding training or briefings where possible
- reviewing local-authority safeguarding protocols before or early in commissioning so our policy reflects local arrangements
- contacting the safeguarding lead if local-authority policies appear to conflict with BTGI policies or principles