SAFEGUARDING

The purpose and scope of this policy statement

The purpose of this policy statement is:

·         To protect adults who receive LEAPS services from harm

·         To provide committee and group members with the overarching principles that guide our approach to adult safeguarding

This policy applies to anyone representing LEAPS, including volunteers, Committee members, and group members.



Legal framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect adults in England.



Supporting documents

This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies, procedures, guidance, and other related documents, including:

·         LEAPS Constitution

·         LEAPS

We believe that:

·         Adults should never experience abuse of any kind

·         We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of adults, to keep them safe and to practice in a way that protects them

We recognise that:

·         The welfare of vulnerable adults is paramount in all the work LEAPS do and in all the decisions we take

·         All adults, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse

·         Some adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues

·         Working in partnership with vulnerable adults and other agencies is essential in promoting adult’s welfare

We will seek to keep adults safe by:

·         Valuing, listening to, and respecting them

·         Appointing a nominated LEAPS Safeguarding Lead

·         Adopting adult protection and safeguarding best practice through our policies, procedures and Code of Ethics and Conduct

·         Providing effective guidance for group members through supervision, support, training, and quality assurance measures so that all group members know about and follow our policies, procedures and behaviour codes confidently and competently

·         Recruiting and selecting Committee members safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made

·         Recording, storing, and using information professionally and securely, in line with data protection legislation and guidance

·         Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with group members via leaflets, posters, group work, and one-to-one discussions

·         Making sure that vulnerable adults know where to go for help if they have a concern

·         Using our safeguarding adult protection procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving carers where appropriate

·         Using our procedures to manage any allegations against Committee members and group members appropriately

·         Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment

·         Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our group and Committee members by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance

·         Building a safeguarding culture where Committee and group members treat each other with respect and are comfortable about sharing concerns

Contact details:

Nominated Safeguarding Lead:

Name: Aimee Wilson

Phone/email: aimeewilson@live.co.uk

This policy statement came into force on 06/05/2020

We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually

Signed: a. wilson

Date: 06/05/2020