1. Purpose
This procedure has been developed to support the ‘Sounddelivery Media Safeguarding Adults Policy’. It will enable Sounddelivery Media to:
- Promote good practice and work in a way that can limit harm, abuse and coercion occurring;
- Ensure that any allegations of or suspicions of abuse are dealt with competently and the person experiencing abuse is supported appropriately.
2. Introduction
Safeguarding Adults in the United Kingdom is compliant with United Nations’ directives on the rights of disabled people and commitments to the rights of older people. It is covered by:
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- The Data Protection Act 2018
- General Data Protection Regulations 2018
Full list of relevant legislation contained in Appendix 1.
The practices within this procedure are based on the relevant legislation and government guidance, specifically the Care Act 2014, in England, and the Care and Support Statutory Guidance (especially chapter 14) 2014
3. Scope
This procedure relates to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults and adults at risk of abuse or neglect. It does not cover children (i.e. those under 18 years of age.) Should our work change and involve children, we will develop explicit procedures to support the welfare of children.
It defines how Sounddelivery Media operates to safeguard adults and adults at risk of abuse or neglect with whom it works.
4. Definitions
Who is an ‘adult’?
- Someone who is aged 18 or over
Who is an ‘adult at risk’?
An ‘adult at risk’ refers to someone who, according to paragraph 42.1 of the Care Act 2014:
- is over 18 years old
- has care and support needs
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
- as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect themself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.
If someone has care and support needs but is not currently receiving care or support from a health or care service, they may still be classed as an ‘adult at risk’.
A person may be more or less at risk at different times in their life.
What is ‘abuse’?
Abuse is an action or a lack of action that causes harm to a person.
Abuse can:
- happen once or many times;
- be an accident or it can be on purpose;
- be a crime, but it is not always.
What does ‘safeguarding adults’ cover?
Abuse can happen in different ways:
| Physical | Any act that causes physical harm or injury to a person. |
| Emotional | Any act that causes emotional harm to a person. |
| Sexual | Forcing, enticing or exploiting a person to take part in sexual activities which they could not, or did not, agree to. |
| Neglect | A failure to meet a person’s emotional, health or care needs. |
| Self-neglect | A person not being able to look after themself or their home which puts their health, wellbeing or safety at risk. |
| Financial | Stealing a person’s money or property. Using a person’s money or property without their agreement. It also includes being put under pressure in relation to money or other propertyhttps://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/client-care/financial-abuse |
| Discriminatory | Any form of abuse that is done because of a person’s race, religion, culture, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation. |
| Organisational | Abuse or neglect that is perpetrated by an organisation providing a service to adults at risk. |
| Domestic abuse | Domestic abuse involves any single incident or pattern of conduct where someone’s behaviour towards another is abusive, and where the people involved are aged 16 or over and are, or have been, personally connected to each other. The abuse can involve, but is not limited to: psychological, physical sexual, financial, emotional, violent, threatening, controlling, coercive behaviour. This also includes forced marriage, honour based violence and female genital mutilation. |
| Modern Slavery | Modern slavery is defined as the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children, women or men through the use of force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/modern-slavery-and-public-health/modern-slavery-and-public-health#definition-of-modern-slavery |
| Radicalisation | The process of a person being influenced or coerced into supporting violent extremism including terrorism. |
5. Responsibilities
Any safeguarding action taken by Sounddelivery Media will be led by the principles identified in the Care Act 2014 underpinning safeguarding and care – these are outlined fully in Appendix 2 and provide a framework for our process.
Fundamentally, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
These procedures apply to:
- all staff (paid or volunteers) including the members of the board
- all participants
- all visitors, contractors, or agency staff
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All those listed below are required to use the steps outlined below to:
- report any suspected abuse of adults at risk and/or
- signpost any adults affected by abuse/neglect for appropriate support
The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Sounddelivery Media is the Sounddelivery Media Interim-CEO (‘the Manager’):
Name: Monica Tyler
Telephone: 07803 721481
Email: monica@sounddelivery.org.uk
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is also the named lead for Prevent under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015. A role outline is contained in Appendix 1
They should be contacted for support and advice on implementing this policy and associated procedures.
6. Recruitment of and engagement with programme participants
Sounddelivery Media has an appropriately trained Designated Safeguarding Lead and all members of staff who have contact with participants of our training programmes will have mandatory training in Safeguarding Awareness (see section Training, induction and supervision of staff below).
Participants of our programmes are able to access support via two different routes:
| Participants are directly recruited by Sounddelivery Media as a member of one of our programmes (eg the Spokespersons Network) or | We have a DIRECT relationship with these individuals alone |
| Participants are indirectly recruited by both Sounddelivery Media and third party organisations, when Sounddelivery Media is contracted to complete project-work for that third party organisation. | We have a JOINT relationship with these individuals, together with the third party organisation concerned |
[A] When recruiting individuals directly to our programmes we will record the following:
- contact details, including home address (to allow local authority identification)
- details of the individual they identify as ‘next of kin’
- references will also be taken up in relation to their participation in the programme
[B] When contracting with third parties, Sounddelivery Media must be clear how that third party wishes to be notified of any potential issues where the individual concerned consents to their being involved.
The following will be in place for all programmes, to ensure appropriate safeguarding for programme participants. We will ensure:
- Clear criteria for programme participation to be set out at the start of any recruitment process.
- Involvement of an external consultant, with specialist experience and knowledge of safeguarding, during the recruitment process
- External references for programme participants are taken up and responded to.
- Any issues or concern raised during recruitment are highlighted with the participant (and any third party organisation if appropriate).
- Programme participants have an appropriate support network (which may include a third party organisation if appropriate).
- Programme participants are supported to understand our Safeguarding Adults Policy and interlocking policies including social media policy, Whistleblowing/Speak Up Policy and the steps they can take to ensure they are safe online and in the media.
7. Raising and Managing a Concern
In the event of an adult presenting with a potential safeguarding issue:
CLARIFY:
- Are they an adult at risk (as per Definitions above), noting that an individual’s levels of risk can change at different times in their life?
- Are they a member of staff, volunteer or agency staff?
- Are they a participant and, if so, how were they engaged on their programme?
| If they are identified as an adult [but NOT an adult at risk]:provide relevant signposting to other services [See examples in Appendix 4 for advice and support] |
| If they are identified as an adult at risk and:they are a member of staff, volunteer or agency staff or a participant that has been recruited directly ([A] above):i) Seek consent from the person concerned. (If you feel that they do not have capacity to consent, you can act without consent but you must log your decision.)ii) Collect all available relevant facts and appropriate information.iii) Make a written record of the concern.iv) Tell the person involved what you are going to do about the concern and note any views that they may have regarding how they wish the matter to be dealt with.v) Tell only the people who need to know – for Sounddelivery Media, this should be the Designated Safeguarding Lead vi) The Designated Safeguarding Lead will consider the balance between listening to someone’s wishes and needing to pass on information where others may be at risk. We acknowledge that the need to report against someone’s wishes will be exceptionally rare. ORthey are a participant that has been recruited jointly ([B] above):i) Seek consent from the person concerned. (If you feel that they do not have capacity to consent, you can act without consent but you must log your decision.)ii) Notify the third party organisation with which the individual was recruited and the Designated Safeguarding Lead iii) The Designated Safeguarding Lead will support that organisation with its legal responsibilities – e.g. by maintaining records of all relevant conversations, facts and appropriate information. iv) Discussions should take place only by exception and only between the Designated Safeguarding Leads of the two organisations. |
| If someone is in immediate danger or is at risk of serious significant harm, you must contact the Police (999) and refer to the relevant local authority, as required, as soon as possible. |
8. Recruitment of staff and volunteers
Sounddelivery Media is committed to safe employment and safe recruitment practices that reduce the risk of harm to vulnerable adults from people unsuitable to work with them. To enable this:
- All staff and volunteers who have direct contact with programme participants are subject to standard DBS checks
- All staff and volunteers undertake rigorous shortlisting and interview procedures which involve an external consultant with safeguarding specialist experience and knowledge
- All staff and volunteers are subject to two satisfactory references.
9. Training, induction and supervision of staff and volunteers
Sounddelivery Media will provide effective management for staff and volunteers through induction, supervision, support and training. All staff, including Trustees, will complete an induction, which includes the Sounddelivery Media Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures, including who to contact if there are concerns.
All staff, including Trustees, will have core safeguarding training provided – this is a mandatory requirement, to be completed within the first year of appointment.
In addition, the Chair and the Designated Safeguarding Lead are required to have undertaken advanced safeguarding training.
All staff and volunteers should be aware of Sounddelivery Media’s social media policy and online safety policy.
10. Recording and Record Keeping:
Safeguarding issues will be discussed in an appropriately anonymised way at specific, dedicated meetings across the Sounddelivery Media team and will be escalated to the Board of Trustees as required. A written record will be kept about any concern regarding an adult with safeguarding needs. This must include details of the person involved, the nature of the concern and the actions taken, decisions made and why they were made.
Team meetings will be a mix of internal ‘peer support’ discussions, held monthly, which will be further enhanced by quarterly-held meetings with an independent, external supervisor to discuss specific issues and approaches. Such discussions will be suitably anonymised to ensure full confidentiality, whilst also supporting staff.
Safeguarding is a standing item at Trustee board meetings alongside a report provided by the leadership to highlight any incidents or best practice.
Appendix 1: Adult Safeguarding Legislation
Safeguarding Adults in all home nations is compliant with United Nations directives on the rights of disabled people and commitments to the rights of older people. It is covered by:
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- The Data Protection Act 2018
- General Data Protection Regulations 2018
The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the relevant legislation and government guidance.
- England – The Care Act 2014
Care and Support Statutory Guidance (especially chapter 14) 2014 - Wales – Social Services and Well Being Act 2014
Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019 - Scotland – Adult Support and Protection Act 2007
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 Code of Practice 2014 - Northern Ireland – Adult Safeguarding Prevention and Protection in Partnership 2015
Each home nation also has legislation about the circumstances in which decisions can be made on behalf of an adult who is unable to make decisions for themselves:
- England and Wales – Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Scotland – Adults with Incapacity Act 2000
- Mental Capacity (Northern Ireland) 2016
- There are specific offences applying to the mistreatment of and sexual offences against adults who do not have Mental Capacity and specific offences where mistreatment is carried out by a person who is employed as a carer: e.g. wilful neglect and wilful mistreatment.
Appendix 2: Principles identified in the Care Act 2014
Any safeguarding action taken by Sounddelivery Media will be led by the six guiding principles underpinning safeguarding and care:
- Everyone’s responsibility – We all have a responsibility to keep people who need support safe from abuse and neglect.
- Prevention – We will put sensible measures in place to prevent abuse, including the use of safe recruitment practices, promoting safe working practice and raising awareness of safeguarding.
- Protection – We will provide policy, procedures, information and training to enable all Sounddelivery media staff to identify and respond appropriately to concerns about abuse.
- Partnership – We will work in partnership with partners and media outlets to ensure that safeguarding concerns are responded to appropriately.
- Empowerment – We will be person-centred and uphold rights in our safeguarding work
- Accountability – We aim to be transparent in our approaches and recognise the need for continuous learning and improvement.
Appendix 3: Designated Safeguarding Lead – Role Outline
The designated person within the organisation has primary responsibility for putting into place procedures to safeguard adults at risk, supporting other organisational welfare/safeguarding leads where relevant and for managing concerns about adults at risk. They will have the appropriate Designated Safeguarding Lead training to support them in this work.
Duties and responsibilities include:
- Work with others within the organisation to create a positive inclusive environment.
- Play a lead role in developing and establishing the organisation’s approach to safeguarding adults and in maintaining and reviewing the organisation’s implementation plan for safeguarding adults in line with current legislation and best practice.
- Coordinate the dissemination of the safeguarding adult policy, procedures and resources throughout the organisation.
- Contribute to ensuring other policies and procedures are consistent with the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding adults.
- Advise on the organisation’s training needs and the development of its training strategy.
- Receive reports of and manage cases of poor practice and abuse reported to the organisation – including an appropriate recording system.
- Manage liaison with, and referrals to, external agencies, for example adult social-care services and the police.
- Create a central point of contact for internal and external individuals and agencies concerned about the safety of adults within the organisation.
- Represent the organisation at external meetings related to safeguarding.
Appendix 4: Sources of advice and support
Action on Elder Abuse
A national organisation based in London. It aims to prevent the abuse of older people by raising awareness, encouraging education, promoting research and collecting and disseminating information.
Tel: 020 8765 7000
Email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
Ann Craft Trust (ACT)
A national organisation providing information and advice about adult safeguarding. ACT have a specialist Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Activity team to support the sector
Tel: 0115 951 5400
Email: Ann-Craft-Trust@nottingham.ac.uk
Men’s Advice Line
For male domestic abuse survivors
Tel: 0808 801 0327
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Tel: 0800 999 5428
National 24-Hour Freephone Domestic Abuse Helplines
| England | Northern Ireland |
| Tel: 0808 2000 247www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/Contact-us | Tel: 0808 802 1414www.dsahelpline.orgTwitter: www.twitter.com/dsahelplineFacebook: www.facebook.com/dsahelpline |
| Scotland | Wales |
| Tel: 0800 027 1234Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.ukWeb chat: sdafmh.org.uk | Llinell Gymorth Byw HebOfn/ Live free from fear helplineTel: 0808 8010 800Type Talk: 18001 0808 801 0800Text: 078600 77 333 |
Rape Crisis Federation of England and Wales
Rape Crisis was launched in 1996 and exists to provide a range of facilities and resources to enable the continuance and development of Rape Crisis Groups throughout Wales and England.
Email: info@rapecrisis.co.uk
Respond
Respond provides a range of services to victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse who have learning disabilities, and training and support to those working with them.
Tel: 020 7383 0700 or
0808 808 0700 (Helpline)
Email: services@respond.org.uk
Stop Hate Crime
Works to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
24 hours service:
Telephone: 0800 138 1625
Web Chat: www.stophateuk.org/talk-to-us/
E mail: talk@stophateuk.org
Text: 07717 989 025
Text relay: 18001 0800 138 1625
By post: PO Box 851, Leeds LS1 9QS
Susy Lamplugh Trust
The Trust is a leading authority on personal safety. Its role is to minimise the damage caused to individuals and to society by aggression in all its forms – physical, verbal and psychological.
Tel: 020 83921839
Email: info@suzylamplugh.org
Victim Support
Provides practical advice and help, emotional support and reassurance to those who have suffered the effects of a crime.
Tel: 0808 168 9111
Women’s Aid Federation of England and Wales
Women’s Aid is a national domestic violence charity. It also runs a domestic violence online help service.
www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support
Human Trafficking Foundation
Works with the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and ATLEU to map support services for survivors of trafficking in the UK. https://www.humantraffickingfoundation.org/support-services
Radicalisation
Sounddelivery Media’s Safeguarding Procedure is reviewed annually by Trustees.
Last review date: January 2025