Looking for Change CIC – Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy & Procedure

This policy demonstrates Looking for Change CIC's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable adults who may participate in its activities. It outlines the organisation's responsibility to act appropriately when allegations, reports, or suspicions of abuse arise.

Although not all Looking for Change CIC staff will work directly or unsupervised with vulnerable adults, it is critical that all employees, volunteers, and management understand the policy, are aware of appropriate behavioural boundaries, and adhere to the established procedures to prevent and report abuse. This policy applies to all individuals working on behalf of Looking for Change CIC. 

For the purposes of this policy, vulnerable adults are defined as:

·         Individuals aged 18 or over

·         Receiving or needing community care services due to learning, physical, or mental disabilities, age, or illness

·         Those unable to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation due to their circumstances

Looking for Change CIC will:

·         Promote the freedom and dignity of those experiencing or at risk of abuse

·         Advocate for the rights of all people to live free from abuse and coercion

·         Ensure the safety and well-being of those unable to decide how they want to respond to abuse

·         Manage services in a way that prioritises safety and prevents abuse

·         Provide effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, and training to ensure awareness of safeguarding responsibilities

All Looking for Change CIC staff, volunteers, management, and representatives will: 

·         Treat all individuals with respect and due regard to cultural differences

·         Act as appropriate role models and set a positive example for others

·         Challenge unacceptable behaviour such as bullying, ridiculing, or cyberbullying, and refuse to tolerate abusive activities

·         Provide constructive feedback and avoid negative criticism during activities

·         Be cautious in their use of language, behaviour, and terminology, avoiding comments or actions that may be interpreted as inappropriate or sexual in nature

·         Take particular care when discussing sensitive issues with vulnerable individuals

Abuse can take many forms and can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s development, health, and wellbeing. According to the Care Act 2014, the following types of abuse may raise safeguarding concerns:

·         Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control: Psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse, including 'honour-based violence'.

·         Discriminatory Abuse: Discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or any protected characteristic under the Equality Act.

·         Organisational Abuse: Neglect or poor care practice within institutions, hospitals, care homes, or home care settings

·         Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, or inappropriate sanctions

·         Sexual Abuse: Rape, sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, and non-consensual acts.

·         Financial or Material Abuse: Theft, fraud, coercion regarding finances, or misuse of property or benefits.

·         Neglect: Failing to meet basic care needs, provide medical attention, or ensure proper nutrition and warmth

·         Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Threats, intimidation, humiliation, controlling behaviour, and isolation

It is not the role of Looking for Change CIC employees or volunteers to determine whether abuse has occurred however we are obliged to report any concerns about vulnerable adults to the appropriate authority.

Looking for Change CIC will:

·         Act in accordance with its confidentiality policy, usually seeking permission from the adult before sharing information with other agencies

·         Inform individuals that if a person is in danger, a child is at risk, or a crime has been committed, a decision may be made to share information without consent

·         Pass information to the Independent Safeguarding Authority if more than one individual is at risk, or if concerns relate to a worker or organisation providing services to vulnerable adults

·         Report any incidents where a vulnerable person is accidentally hurt during an activity to the activity coordinator and, if necessary, their support worker

·         Fulfil its legal obligation to remove anyone who has caused harm, or poses a risk of harm, to vulnerable adults

·         Stay informed of national developments regarding safeguarding vulnerable adults

Looking for Change will always strive to make safeguarding personal by:

·         Considering the adult’s wishes and involving them in decisions where possible, but informing them that concerns must be reported

·         Keeping the person informed about decisions and actions taken and consider their needs and wishes throughout

·         Documenting concerns as soon as possible. Making a note of what the person has said, using their own words

·         Obtaining their view on what they would like to happen but informing them that the concern must be reported

·         Clearly differentiating between fact, observation, allegation, and opinion to ensure that information is accurate

·         Maintaining confidentiality at all times, sharing information only with the relevant authority

Looking for Change CIC is committed to staying current on safeguarding issues and ensuring the safety and dignity of vulnerable adults in its care.

This policy was last reviewed 10/3/2025