Outdoor Companionship Safeguarding Policy
Mission Statement/Introduction
We provide a service to assist people with walks in the local park or the countryside, to visit places of interest and local attractions, attend doctor’s or hospital appointments or to spend a couple of hours out for lunch. We also provide a sit-in companionship service for someone who wants to stay in, or to allow their carer some time out, and we can help with domestic tasks such as cleaning, preparing meals and shopping. We aim to always provide the best possible care, putting client’s needs and safety first whilst delivering a service that is suited to their benefit and enjoyment.
Outdoor Companionship:
• believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.
• is committed to the six principles of safeguarding adults which includes: empowerment, protection, prevention, proportionality, partnership and accountability. (England)
• is committed to Safeguarding Adults in line with national legislation and relevant local guidelines by ensuring that our activities are delivered in a way which keeps all adults safe by creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.
• recognises that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience. Outdoor Companionship recognises that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help.
• accepts that we are required to fulfil our duty of care, which means that we must do everything that can be reasonably expected of us to help safeguard and protect people from harm, and to act when we suspect that someone is being harmed, or is at risk of harm.
• is committed to creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm to adults which necessitates: the recognition of adults who may be at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk and being willing to report safeguarding concerns.
Scope
This safeguarding adult policy and associated procedures apply to all individuals involved in Outdoor Companionship.
The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of Outdoor Companionship to safeguarding adults and to ensure that everyone involved in Outdoor Companionship is aware of:
• The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults.
• Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
• What to do or who to speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult within the organisation.
• Outdoor Companionship staff are DBS checked.
• Staff have attended safeguarding adults training.
• All activities include an assessment of, and risk to, the safety of all adults from abuse and neglect and designates a person who will be in attendance as a safeguarding lead for that event.
• All staff follow a code of conduct when working with adults
• All staff are aware of their role and responsibility and duty to report to the DSL any safeguarding adult concerns.
• This policy is made available on our website
Legislation – what is adult safeguarding?
In its wider context, safeguarding adults applies to everyone over the age of 18 and is about:
• protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
• people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse and neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted taking fully into account their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action.
The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the relevant legislation and government guidance which can be found here: https://www.anncrafttrust.org/resources/safeguarding-adults-legislation/
Procedures
Alison Fulcher is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for ensuring that this policy is adhered to. They will be responsible for the monitoring and recording of any safeguarding concerns and for ensuring that all concerns are shared with the appropriate authorities. It is not the role of the DSL to investigate, only to gather and share information as appropriate. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) person can be contacted on 07891 455331.
Raising and Managing a Concern
Below is an example of a reporting route.
• Any safeguarding concerns can be reported via Outdoor Companionship who will refer directly to the DSL.
• Any concern that an adult is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up.
• The DSL will speak to the adult about the issue wherever possible, noting any views that the adult may have regarding how they wish the matter to be dealt with and keeping them informed throughout the process.
• The DSL may seek advice from external sources such as the local Safeguarding Adults Team, the Local Active Partnership, NGB(National Governing Body), police or Ann Craft Trust.
• The DSL will only share information with the people who need to know – such as the Safeguarding Adults Team, police or local Active Partnership. Any referrals or passing on of information will be done with the consent of the adult wherever possible. If consent is withheld, but information is still passed on, the DSL will clearly document this and the reasons why. They will also inform the adult of this action wherever possible.
• The DSL will make a written record of the concern and store it safely in line with Data Protection requirements.
Note:
• If someone is injured or at immediate risk, immediate action should be taken. Seek help by dialling 999 for police or ambulance.
• If someone does not give consent, you can still seek advice as to what you should do from either the police, Adults Safeguarding Team, NGB, Active Partnership or Ann Craft Trust etc, whilst keeping the name anonymous.
Whistleblowing
If the Safeguarding Lead or staff member is implicated or you think has a conflict of interest, then contact your Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team on 0161 217 6029, and if applicable the National Governing Body or Active Partnership.
Recording and Information Sharing
Storing and retaining information in line with data protection.
We retain minimal personal information such as clients medical conditions that we need to be aware of, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and occasionally key safe numbers. This information is stored on paper forms that we keep in a locked filing cabinet and any phone numbers or email addresses that are stored on computer or mobile phones are secure with firewalls and internet security software. Any of this information that we no longer need is safely destroyed or deleted.
Sharing Information— We work to the Seven Golden Rules
1. Data Protection is not a barrier to sharing information
2. Be open and honest
3. Seek advice, if in doubt
4. Share with consent where appropriate
5. Consider safety and wellbeing
6. Necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely and secure
7. Keep a record of your decision and reasons for sharing
Sources of Information and Support
Safeguarding Adults Team: 0161 217 6029
Safeguarding Adults Board: 0161 474 3590
Active Partnership (Greater Manchester Moving): 0161 223 1002
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 7000Email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.ukwww.elderabuse.org.uk
Ann Craft Trust
A national organisation providing information and advice about adult safeguarding. The Ann Craft Trust has a specialist Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Activity team to support the sector
Tel: 0115 951 5400