Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy

October 2025

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the commitment of Pups in the Park to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all adults, and details the procedures for safeguarding adults who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. It aims to ensure that all adults are treated with dignity and respect, and that support is available to those who need it.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all Pups in the Park organisers, volunteers, and attendees in their interactions with other adults at our events and in our online spaces.

3. Definitions

4. Guiding Principles

Pups in the Park adopts the principles of adult safeguarding outlined in the Care Act 2014:

• Empowerment: People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.
• Prevention: It is better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
• Protection: Support and representation for those in greatest need.
• Partnership: Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
• Accountability: Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

5. Policy Statements

5.1. Our Commitment

Pups in the Park is committed to practices that protect adults from harm. We recognise that some adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of discrimination, previous experiences, their level of dependency, or communication needs, and we will take proactive steps to include and protect them.

5.2. Equality and Diversity

We will give equal priority to keeping all adults safe regardless of their age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

5.3. Consent

We will always try to gain the adult’s consent to share any information or to take action. Their desired outcome is important. Where they lack capacity, or others are at risk, we may need to act in their best interest, or to protect others.

5.4. Confidentiality

Information about safeguarding concerns will be shared on a strict need-to-know basis. However, our duty to safeguard adults at risk may override an individual's right to confidentiality. All information will be managed in line with UK data protection legislation.

Volunteers must never promise an adult at risk that they will keep a secret; they must explain that information may need to be shared with others who can help.

5.5. Safer Recruitment & Training

Any relevant organisers and volunteers who have contact with adults at risk will be recruited in line with our safer recruitment procedure including enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and references.

All organisers and volunteers will receive a safeguarding induction alongside refresher training ahead of each event. The DSL will undertake specific training for their role.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Is responsible for being the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns, maintaining confidential records, providing support and guidance to volunteers, and making statutory referrals when required.
• Volunteers: Are responsible for being familiar with this policy and the code of conduct, modeling good practice, identifying and reporting concerns to the DSL without delay, and helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• All Attendees: Are responsible for adhering to the code of conduct and reporting any concerns they may have.

7. Procedures

7.1. Recognising Concerns

Recognising abuse or neglect is not always easy, and it is not the responsibility of volunteers or attendees to decide whether abuse has occurred. However, everyone has a duty to be alert to indicators that something may be wrong. Concerns may arise from direct observation, a disclosure from the individual, or information from a third party.

Common indicators of abuse or neglect in adults may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruising, cuts, or burns; injuries inconsistent with the explanation given; flinching or showing fear when touched or approached.
• Psychological/Emotional Abuse: Being withdrawn, anxious, or frightened; showing low self-esteem; appearing controlled or coerced by another person; deferring to another person for answers to questions.
• Financial Abuse: A sudden shortage of money; not having money for basics (food, transport); another person controlling their finances or possessions; unexplained disappearance of valuables.
• Neglect (including Self-Neglect): Poor personal hygiene; unkempt appearance; inappropriate clothing for the weather; untreated medical conditions; appearing malnourished or dehydrated.
• Sexual Abuse: Unexplained difficulty in walking or sitting; torn, stained, or bloody underwear/clothing; sexually explicit language or behaviour; flinching from physical contact.
• Discriminatory Abuse: Remarks, slurs, or harassment based on age, disability, gender, race, or sexuality.
• Modern Slavery: Appearing under the control of others; lacking personal identification or travel documents; appearing fearful of law enforcers; signs of physical abuse or malnutrition.

Volunteers should also be aware of changes in an adult's usual behaviour or character, as these can often be the first sign that something is wrong.

7.2. Responding to and Reporting Concerns

1. If you believe an adult at risk is in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
2. If an adult discloses:
   1. Listen carefully and patiently. Do not promise confidentiality.
   2. Reassure them you are taking their concerns seriously. Ask the adult what they want to happen.
   3. Explain that you will share the information with the DSL to get them the right support, but it will be on a “need-to-know” basis.
   4. Do not investigate or confront the alleged person(s).
3. Report your concern as soon as possible to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Beck) or another identifiable volunteer. Provide a factual account of what you have seen or heard. Do not attempt to investigate yourself.
4. The DSL will make a written, confidential record of the concern, detailing the date, time, location, persons involved, and the nature of the concern, using the adult’s own words where possible, including their desired outcome(s). This record will be stored securely.
5. The DSL will assess the information, considering the adult’s wishes and capacity, and decide on the appropriate course of action. This could involve: a referral to the local authority's Adult Social Care team, liaising the police if a crime is suspected, or agreeing on a plan to support the adult respecting their desired outcomes.

7.3. Allegations Against Volunteers or Organisers

Any allegation made against a volunteer or organiser will be dealt with swiftly. The DSL will report the allegation to the relevant Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for investigation, in line with statutory guidance. Volunteers may be suspended during any investigations against them.

8. Supporting Documents

This policy is supported by a set of detailed procedures and additional policies that outline the steps all volunteers and organisers must take to keep adults at risk safe.

• Code of Conduct
• Safer Recruitment Procedure
• Online Safety Policy
• Event Safety Procedures (Including Risk Assessments)

9. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or in response to changes in legislation or guidance. The next scheduled review date is October 2026

10. Contact

For any questions regarding this policy, or to report a non-urgent concern, please contact the DSL via safeguarding@pupsinthepark.uk.

If you have a concern about a child and cannot reach the DSL, or wish to seek external advice, you can contact:

• Ann Craft Trust (for advice on safeguarding adults): 0115 951 5400
• In an emergency where an adult is at immediate risk of harm, call the police on 999