1. Our Commitment to Adults at Risk

Aspire & Reach is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, dignity, and rights of adults at risk.

We recognise that some adults may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, mental health needs, or other circumstances, and may require additional protection from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

The safety and wellbeing of adults at risk is a core organisational responsibility. We are committed to creating safe, respectful, and inclusive environments where all individuals are protected from harm.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

2. Definition of an Adult at Risk

In line with the Care Act 2014, an adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who:

• Has care and support needs (whether or not the local authority is meeting those needs), and

• Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, and

• As a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.

3. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• All staff (paid and voluntary)

• Trustees and leadership

• Contractors and partner organisations

• Anyone representing Aspire & Reach

It applies to all organisational activities, including:

• Mentoring and support sessions

• Community events

• Outreach programmes

• Online engagement

• Partnership activities

4. Legal & Regulatory Framework

Aspire & Reach operates in accordance with:

• The Care Act 2014

• The Equality Act 2010

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Charity Commission safeguarding guidance

• Local Authority safeguarding procedures

We cooperate fully with statutory agencies in safeguarding investigations.

5. Types of Abuse

Abuse may be a single act or repeated acts. It may be intentional or unintentional.

Types of abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Financial or material abuse

• Neglect and acts of omission

• Discriminatory abuse

• Domestic abuse

• Organisational abuse

• Modern slavery

• Self-neglect

All concerns must be taken seriously.

6. Responsibilities

Trustees & Senior Leadership

• Ensure safeguarding policies are robust and reviewed regularly

• Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Promote a culture of vigilance, dignity, and respect

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Receive and record safeguarding concerns

• Make referrals to Adult Social Care or Police where required

• Maintain confidential records

• Provide safeguarding guidance to staff and volunteers

Staff & Volunteers

All staff and volunteers must:

• Complete safeguarding training

• Undergo appropriate DBS checks (where required)

• Follow the Code of Conduct

• Report concerns immediately

• Respect professional boundaries

7. Recognising Signs of Harm

Indicators may include:

• Sudden changes in behaviour

• Unexplained injuries

• Withdrawal or fear

• Signs of financial exploitation

• Poor living conditions

• Expressions of distress or coercion

Staff must never ignore warning signs or assume someone else will act.

8. Reporting Procedures

If a safeguarding concern arises:

Immediate Danger

If an adult is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999) immediately.

Report to DSL

All concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible on the same day.

Record

A written factual record must include:

• Date and time

• Observations or disclosure

• Exact words used (where possible)

• Actions taken

Referral

The DSL will determine whether referral to:

• Adult Social Care

• Local Authority Safeguarding Team

• Police

is required.

Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis, prioritising the safety and rights of the adult at risk.

9. Consent & Capacity

Where appropriate, Aspire & Reach will:

• Seek the adult’s consent before making referrals

• Consider the individual’s mental capacity

• Respect the individual’s wishes, where safe and lawful to do so

However, if there is significant risk of serious harm, information may be shared without consent in line with legal obligations.

10. Safer Recruitment

Aspire & Reach applies safer recruitment processes, including:

• Enhanced DBS checks (where required)

• Reference checks

• Identity verification

• Safeguarding interview procedures

• Mandatory safeguarding training

11. Code of Conduct

All staff and volunteers must:

• Treat adults at risk with dignity and respect

• Avoid exploitative or inappropriate relationships

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Avoid financial involvement with participants

• Use approved communication channels only

Any breach of conduct will be addressed promptly and may result in disciplinary action.

12. Whistleblowing

Concerns regarding the behaviour of staff, volunteers, or leadership must be reported to senior leadership or trustees.

Whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation when raising genuine concerns in good faith.

13. Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
[Insert Name]
Email: [Insert Email]
Phone: [Insert Contact Number]

Deputy DSL:
[Insert Name]

Wolverhampton Adult Social Care:
[Insert Contact Details]

Emergency:
Police – 999

Final Statement

Aspire & Reach is committed to protecting adults at risk from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

We are dedicated to creating environments that uphold dignity, respect, inclusion, and safety at all times.

Safeguarding adults at risk is a shared responsibility, and a core value of our organisation.