Safeguarding policy

1. Introduction

1.1 In line with Royal Voluntary Service values, Royal Voluntary Service is committed to safeguarding adults (adult protection in Scotland) in line with national legislation and relevant national and local guidelines. We will safeguard adults by ensuring that our activities are delivered in a way which keeps all adults safe.

1.2 Royal Voluntary Service is committed to creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm to adults. We will support our people to recognise adults who may be at risk of harm and the circumstances which may increase risk harm; recognise the signs of adult abuse and neglect; and be willing to report safeguarding concerns. This extends to recognising and reporting harm experienced anywhere, including within our activities, within other organised community or voluntary activities, in the community, in the person’s own home and in any care setting.

1.3 Royal Voluntary Service is committed to safeguarding best practice and to upholding the rights of all adults to live a life free from harm, from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

2. Policy statement

2.1 Royal Voluntary Service 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 and will not tolerate abuse or exploitation in any form.

2.2 Royal Voluntary Service recognises that there is a legal framework within which the organisation needs to work to safeguard adults who have needs for care and support and for protecting those who are unable to take action to protect themselves. Our people will act in accordance with relevant safeguarding adults’ legislation, with local statutory safeguarding procedures and with Charity regulation.

2.3 Actions taken by Royal Voluntary Service will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.

3. Purpose

3.1 The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of Royal Voluntary Service to safeguarding adults and to ensure that everyone involved in organisation 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.

4. Scope

4.1 The safeguarding adults policy relates to all staff, volunteers and any beneficiaries that come into contact with the organisation, in line with Charity Commission and OSCR requirements. This includes Trustees and branch members.

5. Commitment

5.1 Royal Voluntary Service commits to having the following in place to implement this policy:

Ensure all staff and volunteers have access to, are familiar with, and know their responsibilities within this policy.
Design and undertake all its activities in a way that protects people from any risk of harm that may arise from coming into contact with Royal Voluntary Service. This includes the way in which information about individuals is gathered and communicated.
Implement stringent safeguarding procedures when recruiting and managing staff and volunteers.
Share information about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies. For example: Disclosure and Barring Service, Police, Local Authority/Social Services.
Ensure staff and volunteers receive training on safeguarding at a level commensurate with their role in the organisation.
Follow up on reports of safeguarding concerns promptly and according to due process.
Put the well-being of those at risk of harm first and actively support the adult to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to (see the Safeguarding Adults Practice Guidance and Procedures).
Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.

6. Implementation

6.1 Royal Voluntary Service is committed to enabling our people to implement this policy. To do this, the following will be in place:

A clear line of accountability within the organisation for the safety and welfare of all adults.
Access to relevant safeguarding advice and support.
Regular management reports to Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees detailing how organisational risks are being identified, managed, and addressed.
Safeguarding adult procedures that deal effectively with any concerns of abuse or neglect, including those caused through poor practice.
An organisational designated safeguarding Lead.
A safeguarding lead at Leadership and Board of Trustee level.
A regular case review meeting with a clear Terms of Reference to be chaired by the Head of Safeguarding to ensure consistency in management of safeguarding cases and to identify serious safeguarding incidents.
Arrangements to work effectively with other relevant organisations to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, including arrangements for sharing information where needed.
Codes of conduct for staff and volunteers that specify zero tolerance of abuse in any form.
Risk assessments that specifically include safeguarding of adults.
Policies and procedures that address the following areas and which are consistent with this policy:
- Safeguarding children
- Bullying and harassment
- Social media
- Equality, diversity, and inclusion
- Risk assessments
- Code of conducts
- Discipline and grievance
- Concerns, complaints and compliments
- Whistle-blowing
- Safe Recruitment (staff and volunteers)
- Contract compliance
- Information policy
- Data protection