Safeguarding Adults Policy

1. The Context of Safeguarding Adults

We have an ethos within ACGP that everyone we work with is cared for, supported and valued with a hope that their wellbeing is enhanced. The aim in doing this is to provide an environment that assists in safeguarding against potential abusive situations and minimises risks before they escalate. This policy exists to show how our work fits with the current law and recommendations, as well as the steps we need in the case of a concern arising.

Our context involves working with adults in the following ways:

  • Training online
  • CPD online
  • Conferences
  • Meetings of Trustees, committee members and contracted workers

2. The Definition of Safeguarding Adults

The Care Act 2014 signals a change in adult safeguarding towards a person-centred approach, where the focus is on achieving the outcomes that the adult wants. ACGP recognises the importance of keeping the adult at the centre and will work closely to communicate and keep them engaged at all stages in order to achieve their self-determined outcomes. As a guideline, we follow the principle of “Nothing about me without me”, keeping any adult constantly informed and empowered about any decisions their care or protection.

The Department of Health Guidance (2014) sets out 6 principles of safeguarding:

  • Empowerment – presumption of person led decisions and informed consent
  • Prevention — it is better to take action before harm occurs
  • Proportionality — proportionate and least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
  • Protection — support and representation for those in greatest need
  • Partnerships — local solutions through services working with their communities
  • Accountability — accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding

The Care Act 2014 says that safeguarding adults is about protecting anyone over 18 who is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect and who is unable to protect themselves as a result of their care and support needs. People with care and support needs are not inherently vulnerable, but they may come to be at risk of abuse or neglect at any point due to a physical or learning disability, mental-health needs, old age or illness, or substance misuse.

3. Definitions of Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. It is any action that harms the physical, verbal, sexual, emotional/psychological, financial or material wellbeing of a vulnerable person.

It can happen anywhere and by anyone, most commonly by someone the victim knows and trusts. It may be systematic and repeated or may consist of a single incident. Harm may be caused by direct acts, or by failure to provide adequate care. Abuse can be direct or through internet/social media.

There are several types of abuse, including but not limited to the following:

  • Discriminatory abuse — harassment, insults or similar treatment because of someone’s race or culture, sexuality, gender identity, age, disability or religion.
  • Domestic abuse — any type of abuse which takes place within a home setting or by a family member. This can include ‘honour-based’ violence.
  • Financial or material abuse — theft, fraud, forgery and embezzlement. This may include misusing or dishonestly taking property, possessions or benefits.
  • Modern slavery — covers slavery (including domestic slavery), human trafficking and forced labour.
  • Neglect — ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failing to provide access to appropriate support or services and withholding basic necessities such as food, clothing, medication, hygiene and mental stimulation.
  • Organisational abuse — neglect and poor care in an institution such as a hospital, care home or care agency.
  • Physical abuse — injury or mistreatment directly or with an object/weapon. Includes hitting, slapping, pushing, unreasonable restraining or locking someone in a room.
  • Psychological/emotional abuse — can take the form of threatening, bullying, isolating, shouting, blackmailing and blaming.
  • Self-neglect — covers a wide range of behaviour which shows that someone isn’t caring for their own personal hygiene, health or surroundings.
  • Sexual abuse — forcing a person to take part in any sexual activity without their consent.
  • Spiritual abuse and radicalisation — coercion and control in a spiritual context. This may include exploitation, misuse of scripture, manipulation and pressure to conform.

4. Recognising Signs of Abuse

It is common for an adult at risk of abuse to be experiencing more than one type of abuse at the same time. Any act of abuse may also constitute a criminal act. The following is a guide of some signs that may cause concern:

  • Cuts, burns, bruises and scratches
  • Injuries that do not match the explanation given for them
  • Under or over use of medication
  • May appear depressed, withdrawn, frightened, agitated, anxious or aggressive
  • An unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
  • Lack of money for basic necessities, such as food, heating or clothes, despite an adequate income
  • Disappearance of possessions, bank statements or other documents
  • Lack of social stimulation
  • Deterioration in appearance or personal hygiene
  • Unhygienic and unsafe environment
  • Rashes, sores and ulcers and unexplained weight loss
  • Secretive behaviour or change in use of internet and social media sites

5. Reporting and Accountability Pathways

Responding to, reporting and recording concerns about the safety of an adult at risk of abuse is everybody’s responsibility. All staff and volunteers have a responsibility to act where they suspect abuse may be taking place or when an allegation of abuse has been made. Doing nothing is not an option.

The pathway for dealing with concerns is as follows:

  1. Complete Incident Report Form
  2. Report to Safeguarding Officer/Designated Safeguarding Lead
  3. Discuss, review and plan course of action together
  4. Contact Police/Local Safeguarding Authority/Charity Commission as appropriate

ACGP’s designated Safeguarding Officer is Sarah Gough (safeguarding@acgp.org.uk). If she is unavailable or is the subject of an allegation of abuse, the next contact is Chair of Trustees Helen Watts (chair@acgp.org.uk).

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Ross Bryson. If he is unavailable the Chair of Trustees should be contacted instead.

6. What to do if you Suspect that an Adult is at Risk of Harm

  • Where emergency medical attention is necessary, seek it immediately by telephoning for an ambulance. Only administer first aid if trained. Inform your Line Manager or the ACGP Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Make notes as soon as possible (preferably within one hour of any relevant conversation or incident), writing down what was said and when. Include dates and times of conversations and observations. Keep all handwritten notes even if subsequently typed up.
  • Record the following details if possible: adult’s name, address, date of birth, information about the circumstances or injuries which cause concern, where the incident happened, what happened, when it happened, what you were asked to do with the information, any explanation or comment that may have been made.
  • The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) should be informed of your concern immediately. The relevant staff member will complete an Incident Report Form, which will be kept in a safe and confidential place.
  • The staff member responsible and the DSL will discuss the situation and possible action plans. A plan of action will be discussed and permissions gained — this may include a referral to the Adults & Communities Access Point or contact to the police.
  • Should further action need to be taken, ACGP will contact the relevant local organisations and/or the Police.
  • Once the referral has been made, we will continue to keep records and will co-operate with relevant local organisations and/or the Police as required.
  • The DSL will keep the Board of Directors informed at all stages, maintaining confidentiality.
  • If suspicions or allegations involve the DSL, the report should be made to the Chair of ACGP Trustees.
  • Suspicions and/or allegations should remain confidential and must not be discussed outside ACGP.

All of this is to happen on the same working day or as soon as appropriately possible.

7. How to Deal With Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

If you have a concern about another volunteer or staff member behaving inappropriately, or contrary to the principles outlined in this policy, then these concerns should be raised immediately with the DSL or a member of the Board of Directors. You are not required to raise the issue with the volunteer or staff member in question.

Your concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon immediately and in accordance with our staff disciplinary procedures. Your concerns will be dealt with confidentially and with respect for any desire you may have to remain anonymous.

8. Training

All trustees, staff and volunteers receive appropriate training on safeguarding during their induction, through briefings and at regular training days. Concerns, issues and reminders about good practice in terms of safeguarding will be approached in all staff supervision sessions.

All new trustees and staff will be required to:

  • Disclose and detail any criminal record they have
  • Complete DBS checks in line with their role and responsibilities
  • Provide two references which will be followed up before a position can be taken up

Version 2.1 — Approved by the Trustees February 2026 and amended at an online Trustees’ meeting 13th July 2026

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Trustees.

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