Safeguarding Adults Policy

Version: 1.0 – May 2025
Approved by: Inspire Community Hub Committee
Review Date: May 2026
Policy Owner: Founder / Safeguarding Lead – Kanval Fatima

Our Commitment

Inspire Community Hub is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where every participant, volunteer and visitor is treated with dignity, respect and kindness.

We believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, discrimination and exploitation. We are committed to promoting the wellbeing, independence and safety of all those who attend our sessions.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Purpose of this Policy

This policy explains how Inspire Community Hub will:

• Protect adults at risk from abuse or neglect.
• Promote a culture of safety and respect.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Meet our legal responsibilities.
• Support volunteers and staff in recognising and reporting concerns.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

• Trustees
• Committee Members
• Employees
• Volunteers
• Sessional workers
• Students
• Visitors working with participants

Our Participants

Inspire Community Hub supports adults aged 18 and over, many of whom may:

• Have learning disabilities
• Have autism
• Have physical disabilities
• Experience mental health conditions
• Be socially isolated
• Require support from carers or care providers

Some individuals may therefore be considered adults at risk under safeguarding legislation.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.

It also means:

• Promoting wellbeing.
• Preventing harm before it happens.
• Supporting people to make their own choices where possible.
• Acting quickly when concerns arise.

Types of Abuse

Abuse can include:

Physical Abuse

• • Hitting
  • Pushing
  • Rough handling
  • Misuse of medication
  • Restraint

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

• • Threats
  • Intimidation
  • Bullying
  • Humiliation
  • Controlling behaviour

Sexual Abuse

• • Unwanted touching
  • Sexual assault
  • Inappropriate sexual comments
  • Grooming

Financial Abuse

• • Theft
  • Fraud
  • Pressure over money
  • Misuse of benefits
  • Exploitation

Neglect

• • Failure to provide food
  • Lack of personal care
  • Poor medical care
  • Unsafe living conditions

Discriminatory Abuse

Abuse because of:

• • Disability
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Gender
  • Sexual orientation
  • Age

Domestic Abuse

Including coercive or controlling behaviour within families or relationships.

Modern Slavery

Including forced labour, trafficking and exploitation.

Self-Neglect

Where an individual is unable or unwilling to care for themselves.

Recognising Signs of Abuse

Possible indicators include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Sudden behavioural changes
• Fearfulness
• Withdrawal
• Poor hygiene
• Weight loss
• Unexplained financial difficulties
• Reluctance to return home
• Distress around certain people

One sign alone may not indicate abuse, but concerns should never be ignored.

Our Responsibilities

Everyone working with Inspire Community Hub must:

• Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Listen to concerns.
• Report safeguarding worries immediately.
• Never promise to keep safeguarding concerns secret.
• Record concerns accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Complete safeguarding training where required.

Safeguarding Lead

Inspire Community Hub will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The DSL is responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns.
• Keeping safeguarding records securely.
• Liaising with Adult Social Care where necessary.
• Contacting the Police if someone is in immediate danger.
• Supporting volunteers.
• Reviewing safeguarding procedures annually.

If Someone Discloses Abuse

If someone tells you they are being abused:

Do:

• Stay calm.
• Listen carefully.
• Take them seriously.
• Reassure them they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Explain that you may need to share the information to keep them safe.
• Record exactly what was said.

Do not:

• Investigate yourself.
• Ask leading questions.
• Promise confidentiality.
• Confront the alleged abuser.

Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

If there is an immediate risk of harm:

• Call 999.
• Ensure the person is safe.
• Inform the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

If there is no immediate danger, the Safeguarding Lead will decide whether a referral should be made to Adult Social Care or another appropriate agency.

Confidentiality

Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to protect someone.

Safeguarding concerns will be recorded securely and stored in accordance with data protection legislation.

Safer Recruitment

Where appropriate Inspire Community Hub will:

• Obtain references.
• Carry out suitable interviews.
• Ensure volunteers understand safeguarding responsibilities.
• Obtain DBS checks where roles are eligible and appropriate.

Training

Inspire Community Hub is committed to ensuring that staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding awareness training and know how to respond to concerns.

Training will be refreshed regularly.

Equality and Inclusion

We value diversity and are committed to ensuring every individual is treated fairly regardless of:

• Disability
• Race
• Religion
• Age
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Marriage or civil partnership
• Pregnancy or maternity

Discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated.

Online Safety

Where photographs, social media or digital communication are used:

• Consent will always be obtained before photographs are taken or shared.
• Personal information will never be shared without permission unless required for safeguarding.
• Participants will be treated respectfully online as well as in person.

Working with Other Organisations

Where participants attend from care providers, supported living services or day services, Inspire Community Hub will work cooperatively with those organisations to promote participant safety while respecting confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or guidance changes.