Safeguarding policy
Purpose
Waterloo Uncovered has a duty to ensure that safeguarding adults at risk is a fundamental part of its responsibilities. This policy applies to all engaged in Waterloo Uncovered activities including staff, trustees, volunteers and beneficiaries. It sets out the responsibilities of delivering support to beneficiaries as representatives of the charity. Everyone engaged in Waterloo Uncovered activities has a duty to ensure they are aware of this Safeguarding Policy, safeguarding risks to adults and the procedure for reporting any concerns.
Safeguarding Adults at Risk
Safeguarding adults at risk means protecting their right to live in safety and free from abuse and neglect.
Safeguarding duties for adults at risk apply to any charity working with anyone aged 18 or over who:
● has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs);
● is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
● as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.
Waterloo Uncovered may have trustees, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries or other connections who are classed as adults at risk.
Awareness of Risks
Risks to individuals can include:
● sexual harassment, abuse and exploitation;
● criminal exploitation;
● cyber abuse;
● modern day slavery;
● negligent treatment;
● self-neglect;
● physical or emotional abuse;
● bullying or harassment;
● health and safety;
● commercial exploitation.
All individuals representing the charity, and those beneficiaries engaged in Waterloo Uncovered activities, must remain alert to potential risks to adults as detailed above, and to any other situation where there are concerns to an individuals’ safety.
Protecting individuals from harm and reporting
All those representing Waterloo Uncovered will follow safeguarding procedures to ensure that individuals are protected from harm. We follow the six guiding principles of safeguarding: empowerment; proportionality; protection; partnership; and accountability. Waterloo Uncovered has a Code of Conduct which all those engaged in our activities are expected to follow. Where there are concerns, these should be reported to the CEO, as Safeguarding Designated Person, as soon as possible and within 24 hours. In line with our legal and statutory requirements, Waterloo Uncovered may have an obligation to report incidents of concern to appropriate authorities.
Last review: April 2024