Introduction
Active Away works with adults, families, and the community to promote wellbeing, reduce risk, and safeguard adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect (sometimes referred to as “vulnerable adults” or “adults at risk”). Should any member of staff suspect that an adult is at risk from abuse or is being abused or neglected then they must adhere to this policy, following these procedures to inform and refer all concerns relating to the neglect, emotional, physical, sexual, financial, discriminatory or organisational abuse of any adult within their care to the Safeguarding co-ordinator. They will then liaise with the setting manager (unless they are the same person) and the appropriate statutory agencies.
We will:
a) Protect adults at risk from abuse and harm
b) Respond promptly and appropriately
c) Promote awareness of safeguarding adults issues through training
d) Empower adults at risk
Our Policy
In Cases of Abuse/Neglect
Active Away will, in all cases of suspected neglect or abuse of an adult at risk, respond in line with safeguarding best practice and the principles of empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership and accountability.
Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, Active Away will speak with the adult at risk in the first instance, listen carefully and work with them to support a successful outcome. Where appropriate and safe, we may liaise with family members, carers or those supporting the adult. However, safeguarding is not dependent on family involvement.
If referral to Adult Social Care (Safeguarding Adults) or other statutory agencies is deemed necessary, we will normally seek the adult’s consent before making a referral. This may not apply if:
- the adult does not have capacity to consent (see Mental Capacity section below), or
- there is a serious crime, significant risk of harm, coercion, control or duress, or
- others are at risk, or
- seeking consent would place the adult or someone else at increased risk
If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, staff must call 999.
Local authority safeguarding adults contact details vary by location. The Safeguarding Lead will refer to the relevant local authority Safeguarding Adults Team for the area in which the concern arises.
Emergency: 999
Non-emergency police: 101
NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111
Forms of Abuse
Physical Abuse happens when an adult is deliberately hurt or injured. It can include assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, inappropriate restraint, force-feeding or rough handling.
Sexual Abuse is when an adult is forced, pressured, tricked or persuaded to take part in sexual activity without consent. This does not have to be physical contact and it can happen online.
Domestic Abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people who are or have been intimate partners or family members. It is not just physical violence - domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial, or psychological abuse. Abusive behaviour can occur in any relationship and can continue even after the relationship has ended. Both men and women can be abused or abusers.
Emotional Abuse (sometimes called psychological abuse) is the ongoing emotional maltreatment of an adult. Emotional abuse can involve deliberately trying to scare, humiliate or control a person, or isolating or ignoring them.
Financial or Material Abuse includes theft, fraud, scams, coercion in relation to money or property, misuse of benefits, pressure around wills/inheritance, or withholding money needed for essentials.
Neglect and Acts of Omission includes ignoring medical or physical care needs, withholding essentials (food, drink, warmth, medication), failing to provide access to appropriate support, or leaving someone without adequate supervision or assistance. This can also include poor practice that results in avoidable harm.
Self-Neglect covers a wide range of behaviours including neglecting personal hygiene, health or surroundings, refusal of necessary support, hoarding, or living in unsafe conditions. This can be linked to mental health, trauma, cognitive impairment or substance misuse and must be handled sensitively.
Discriminatory Abuse includes harassment, slurs or unfair treatment based on disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, or other protected characteristics.
Organisational Abuse includes poor care practices within an organisation or setting, rigid routines, disrespectful attitudes, unsafe practices, or failure to respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately.
Modern Slavery includes human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude and exploitation. Adults at risk may be groomed, controlled, threatened, or financially trapped.
Online Abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the web, whether through social networks, playing online games or using mobile phones. Adults may experience cyberbullying, grooming, harassment, sexual exploitation, financial scams, or emotional abuse.
Mate Crime is when someone pretends to befriend an adult at risk in order to exploit or abuse them (often financially or emotionally).
Radicalisation (Prevent) is when a person is groomed into extremist beliefs or activities. Any concerns must be raised through the Safeguarding Lead in line with our Prevent approach.
Key Information
Adults at Risk - An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who has care and support needs (whether or not those needs are met) and who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of those needs. This can include, for example, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, sensory impairment, dementia, mental ill health, substance misuse, or significant life events that increase vulnerability.
Mental Capacity and Consent - Active Away recognises the importance of consent and individual choice. Where possible, the adult’s informed consent will be sought before sharing information or making referrals. If there is a concern that the person may not be able to understand, retain, weigh, or communicate decisions about safeguarding, the Safeguarding Lead will consider the Mental Capacity Act principles and seek guidance from Adult Social Care. A person should be presumed to have capacity unless there is evidence otherwise. Staff must not attempt to “test” capacity themselves - concerns should be reported to the Safeguarding Lead.
Communication Needs and Disability - Adults with disabilities or communication difficulties may be at increased risk of abuse or may find it harder to report concerns. Staff must be aware of preferred communication methods, reasonable adjustments, and be alert to any changes in behaviour, mood or presentation which may indicate distress. This distress may be as a result of a safeguarding issue.
Attendance, Supervision and Welfare - For events where adults at risk are participating, Active Away will maintain appropriate registers/sign-in processes and ensure clear supervision arrangements. Any welfare concerns, unexplained injuries or significant changes in behaviour must be recorded and escalated to the Safeguarding Lead.
Empowering Adults at Risk During their time at Active Away we promote dignity and independence, encouraging adults at risk to be listened to by ensuring they have a voice, feel safe to speak up, be confident, independent, and supported to make informed choices wherever possible.
Record Keeping If it is suspected that an adult at risk at Active Away is at risk/has been/is being abused or discloses to a member of the team, all information must be recorded on a notes of concern form immediately, recording any signs and symptoms and exactly what the adult has said. If disclosure is made, the team member must accurately report what has been said and who was present. On NO account must photographs be taken of any injuries or areas where abuse is suspected.
Safeguarding Training - Active Away requires staff to complete safeguarding training every two years with an external agency as a mandatory requirement. In addition to this staff are required attend team meetings where safeguarding will be discussed, complete online refresher/training courses around safeguarding and associated subjects, take part in safeguarding scenarios and attend regular supervision meetings.
What to do if abuse or neglect is suspected
If it is suspected that an adult at risk at Active Away is at risk/has been/is being abused or discloses to a member of the team, all information must be recorded on a notes of concern form immediately, recording any signs and symptoms and exactly what the adult has said.
Direct Disclosure This is when an adult will tell you directly that they are being abused or neglected.
Indirect Disclosure This is when an adult does not tell directly but communicates what they have experienced indirectly - through their behaviours, emotions, appearance, inquiries or discussions about fears, concerns or relationships. If a member of the team suspects that an adult is suffering abuse or neglect, then a record must be set up immediately and reported to the Safeguarding Lead. If it is deemed necessary to take action, then advice should be sought and/or a referral made to the relevant local authority Safeguarding Adults Team.
If a team member suspects abuse, there are important factors which need to be considered;
Previous concern - have there been other times when incidents and / or injuries involving the same person have led to concern being expressed?
Explanation - Is the explanation consistent with what is observed?
Capacity/Consent - does the person appear able to make an informed decision, or is there concern about coercion/duress?
Behavioural changes - Are there changes in mood, confidence, engagement, or signs of fear?
Control - Is someone speaking for them, preventing private conversation, or exerting pressure?
Medical Attention - If appropriate and / or necessary has it been sought or is there a delay in getting it or a lack of it?
Supporting the adult at risk Key points to remember when an adult confides in you:
- DO NOT overreact
- Take the disclosure seriously - Support the adult
- Assure them that they are being listened to
- LISTEN and DO NOT ask leading questions or influence the outcome
- Never promise to keep this information confidential as you will have to tell others
- Record the discussion on a notes of concern form
Supervisions Supervision meetings between team members and the setting manager or deputy in their absence are completed at regular intervals and are recorded. They provide the opportunity for confidential discussions regarding welfare and wellbeing and any concerns a team member may have for another member of the team.
Any individual who has concerns about an adult at risk should contact the local authority Safeguarding Adults Team who will give advice and assistance to the referrer if required. If only seeking advice, then the adult’s name should remain anonymous as once a name is given it may become a referral which will be acted upon. When making such a referral, any details, which are known, should be given.
Particularly relevant are:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth (or age)
- Event/camp attending
- Name of family G.P. (if known)
- Incidents which have led to concern
- The Manager / Safeguarding Lead will follow up any initial referral in writing within 48 hours (where required)
Allegations against a member of staff Any allegations against a member of staff will be treated very seriously and investigated immediately. The designated person will work together with the Directors to take appropriate action as quickly as possible. An initial investigation will take place to determine the exact nature of the allegation, if deemed appropriate the staff member will be suspended pending the outcome of the final investigation. Where required, the designated person will contact the relevant local authority safeguarding adults team for advice and will liaise with the police if a crime is suspected. We take all safeguarding situations very seriously. It should be noted that action would be taken against any person making allegations that are found to be malicious.
Safeguarding Lead
Active Away Designated Safeguarding Lead - George Cann | [email protected] | 07982697112
Reviewed annually or when there is a change in legislation.