Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 13 October 2025

1NCLU5IVE SANDBACH is committed to safeguarding all community members, volunteers, and trustees. We create safe, respectful spaces while upholding the dignity, autonomy, and rights of disabled and chronically ill adults.

1. Policy Statement

1NCLU5IVE SANDBACH recognises that disabled and chronically ill adults have the right to live free from abuse and neglect. We are committed to:

• Creating a safe environment where people feel respected and protected
• Preventing abuse and harm wherever possible
• Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns
• Balancing protection with autonomy – recognising adults' right to make their own decisions
• Working in partnership with local safeguarding authorities

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All community members who attend our activities
• Volunteers and staff
• Trustees and advisors
• Anyone representing 1NCLU5IVE SANDBACH

3. Definitions

What is Abuse?

Abuse is a violation of a person's human and civil rights. It can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, restraint, inappropriate medication
• Emotional/psychological abuse: Humiliation, threats, intimidation, controlling behaviour, isolation
• Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or exposure, harassment
• Financial abuse: Theft, fraud, coercion regarding money or property
• Neglect: Failure to provide care, food, warmth, medical attention
• Discriminatory abuse: Abuse based on disability, race, gender, sexuality, religion
• Organisational abuse: Poor care practices, rigid routines ignoring individual needs
• Self-neglect: Inability to care for oneself (where mental capacity is a concern)
• Modern slavery: Forced labour, human trafficking, domestic servitude

Adults at Risk

An "adult at risk" (formerly "vulnerable adult") is someone aged 18+ who:

• Has care and support needs, AND
• Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, AND
• As a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves

Important: Being disabled or chronically ill does not automatically make someone "at risk." We respect autonomy and avoid paternalistic assumptions. However, we remain vigilant to situations where someone may need protection.

4. Principles

Our safeguarding approach is guided by six key principles (Care Act 2014):

1. Empowerment: People are supported to make their own decisions and give informed consent
2. Prevention: It's better to take action before harm occurs
3. Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk
4. Protection: Support and representation for those in greatest need
5. Partnership: Local solutions through services working together
6. Accountability: Transparency and accountability in safeguarding practice

5. Recognising Abuse

Signs of abuse may include:

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
• Sudden changes in behaviour, mood, or confidence
• Appearing frightened, withdrawn, or anxious
• Unexplained financial difficulties or missing possessions
• Poor hygiene or nutrition (where this is a change)
• Disclosure of abuse (direct or indirect)
• Unusual or inappropriate sexual behaviour
• Signs of controlling or coercive relationships

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it's worth raising.

6. What to Do If You Have Concerns

If Someone Discloses Abuse to You

• Listen without interrupting or asking leading questions
• Believe what they're telling you – don't investigate yourself
• Reassure them they've done the right thing by telling you
• Don't promise to keep it secret – explain you may need to share with safeguarding leads
• Record what they said as soon as possible (their words, not your interpretation)
• Report to our Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately

If You Witness or Suspect Abuse

• Don't ignore it – even if you're uncertain
• Don't confront the alleged abuser
• Don't investigate – this is for professionals
• Do report to our Designated Safeguarding Lead or directly to local authorities
• Do record facts, dates, times, and what you observed

Reporting

Internal reporting:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jane Thompson (Chair of Trustees)
  Email: safeguarding@1nclu5ivesandbach.org.uk
• Deputy Safeguarding Lead: David Patel (Treasurer)
  Email: david.patel@1nclu5ivesandbach.org.uk

External reporting:

• Cheshire East Adult Social Care: 0300 123 5010 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
  Out of hours: 0300 123 5022
• Police (emergencies): 999
• Police (non-emergencies): 101
• Charity Commission: Report serious incidents via gov.uk

7. Consent & Mental Capacity

We always seek consent before sharing safeguarding concerns – except when:

• Someone lacks mental capacity to consent
• There's a risk to others
• Sharing is necessary to prevent serious harm or crime
• A court order requires disclosure

We presume adults have mental capacity unless there's evidence otherwise (Mental Capacity Act 2005). If capacity is in doubt, we'll work with professionals to assess this properly.

8. Safer Recruitment

We reduce safeguarding risks through:

• Role profiles: Clear descriptions of volunteer responsibilities
• Application process: Written applications and references for all volunteers
• DBS checks: Enhanced DBS for roles involving close contact or supporting vulnerable people
• Interviews: Informal chats to assess suitability and values alignment
• Induction: All volunteers receive safeguarding training
• Supervision: Regular check-ins and support

9. Training

• All volunteers receive basic safeguarding training during induction
• Designated Safeguarding Leads complete advanced training every 2 years
• Trustees receive safeguarding updates annually
• Training covers: recognising abuse, reporting procedures, confidentiality, mental capacity, dignity & autonomy

10. Safe Activities

We create safe environments by:

• Using public, accessible venues for most activities (not private homes)
• Ensuring adequate supervision at events
• Maintaining clear behaviour expectations (respect, consent, no discrimination)
• Providing accessible ways to raise concerns (email, in-person, third-party reporting)
• Never forcing participation – people can leave activities at any time
• Respecting boundaries around physical contact, personal questions, and disclosure

11. Information Sharing & Confidentiality

We respect confidentiality but safeguarding takes priority. Information will be shared on a "need to know" basis with:

• Designated Safeguarding Leads
• Local authority safeguarding teams
• Police (where a crime may have been committed)
• Charity Commission (serious incidents)

We'll normally discuss this with the person first, unless doing so would increase risk.

12. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns are recorded with:

• Date, time, location of incident or disclosure
• Names of people involved (including witnesses)
• Factual account of what happened or was said
• Actions taken and why
• Who was informed and when

Records are stored securely, accessible only to Designated Safeguarding Leads and relevant authorities. Retained in line with our data retention policy and legal requirements.

13. Allegations Against Staff/Volunteers

If a volunteer or staff member is accused of abuse:

• The allegation will be taken seriously and investigated properly
• The individual may be suspended pending investigation (not an assumption of guilt)
• We'll report to local authority Designated Officer (LADO equivalent for adults)
• We'll cooperate fully with police or social services investigations
• We'll support both the person raising concerns and the accused (separately)

14. Review & Accountability

• This policy is reviewed annually by trustees
• Safeguarding is a standing agenda item at trustee meetings
• Serious incidents are reported to the Charity Commission within required timescales
• We learn from safeguarding cases to improve practice

15. Related Policies

• Privacy Policy (data protection)
• Complaints Procedure
• Volunteer Code of Conduct (available on request)
• Equality & Diversity Policy (available on request)

16. Contact & Further Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jane Thompson
Email: safeguarding@1nclu5ivesandbach.org.uk

External resources:

• Cheshire East Safeguarding Adults Board
• Ann Craft Trust (safeguarding disabled adults)
• Care Act 2014 Statutory Guidance