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Adult Safeguarding Policy

Introduction
Fit For All is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults who engage with our services. Our goal is to ensure all participants, especially those at risk, are supported in an environment that promotes dignity, choice, and respect. This policy adheres to the Care Act 2014 and other relevant UK legislation, including the Equality Act 2010.

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1. Policy Purpose
This policy aims to:

  • Protect adults at risk of harm within Fit For All programs.

  • Outline responsibilities for safeguarding practices.

  • Provide a framework for recognizing, reporting, and managing concerns.

 

2. Scope
This policy applies to:

  • Staff, contractors, and volunteers of Fit For All.

  • All activities, sessions, and events facilitated by Fit For All.

 

3. Definitions

  • Adult at Risk: An individual aged 18 or over who:

    • Has care and support needs.

    • Is at risk of abuse or neglect.

    • Is unable to protect themselves due to those needs.

  • Abuse Types: Includes but is not limited to:

    • Physical Abuse: Assault, hitting, or misuse of medication.

    • Emotional Abuse: Threats, intimidation, or harassment.

    • Financial Abuse: Misuse of funds, fraud, or theft.

    • Neglect: Failing to meet basic care needs.

    • Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual activity.

    • Discriminatory Abuse: Unequal treatment based on protected characteristics.

    • Self-Neglect: Neglecting personal health, hygiene, or living conditions.

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4. Responsibilities

  • Staff and Volunteers:

    • Complete safeguarding training.

    • Act in accordance with this policy.

    • Recognize and report safeguarding concerns.

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

    • Oversee safeguarding measures.

    • Act as the main point of contact for concerns.

    • Liaise with external safeguarding authorities.

    • Maintain accurate records of incidents and actions.

    • ​

5. Procedures for Reporting
If abuse or neglect is suspected:

  1. Immediate Safety: Prioritize the safety of the individual at risk.

  2. Report Concerns: Inform the DSL or senior management.

  3. Record Details: Document concerns with factual and objective information.

  4. External Referral: The DSL will contact the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) or other relevant agencies.

  5. Support: Provide ongoing support to the individual while maintaining confidentiality.  

 

6. Confidentiality

At Fit For All, safeguarding concerns are managed with the utmost confidentiality to protect the dignity and rights of all individuals involved.

  1. Information Sharing:

    • Information about safeguarding concerns will only be shared on a need-to-know basis with individuals directly involved in managing the case, such as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), external safeguarding authorities, or emergency services.

    • Information will not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals, including colleagues or family members, unless it is essential to ensure the safety of the individual at risk.

  2. Secure Record Keeping:

    • All safeguarding records, including reports and actions taken, are stored securely in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR regulations.

    • Records will be kept separate from other participant data to maintain confidentiality and access will be limited to authorized personnel only.

  3. Participant Consent:

    • Where possible and appropriate, the individual’s consent will be sought before sharing information. However, if a person is at risk of harm, the duty to protect overrides the need for consent.

    • Participants will be informed about how their information is used and who it may be shared with to maintain transparency.

  4. Legal Compliance:

    • Fit For All complies with all legal obligations regarding confidentiality, including adherence to the Care Act 2014 and GDPR requirements.

    • Exceptions to confidentiality include cases where a crime has been committed, someone is in immediate danger, or there is a legal requirement to disclose information.

  5. Support for Those Involved:

    • Fit For All provides ongoing support to individuals involved in safeguarding cases, ensuring they feel safe and respected throughout the process

 

7. Training and Awareness

  • All staff and volunteers must undergo safeguarding training annually.

  • Training includes recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures, and fostering inclusive practices.

 

8. Preventative Measures

  • Adopting a person-centered approach in all activities.

  • Regularly reviewing risk assessments for sessions.

  • Encouraging open communication with participants about their well-being.

 

9. Monitoring and Review

  • The safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or after significant incidents.

  • Fit For All will use feedback from participants, staff, and safeguarding authorities to improve safeguarding practices.

10. Contact Information

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Julia 07957270141 fitforall.uk@hotmail.com

  • Emergency Services: Dial 999 for immediate danger.

 

Fit For All is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being is at the forefront of our services.

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