Safeguarding

Safeguarding

Introduction 

CHEER’s mission is to provide advice, friendship and support to help older people in Elmbridge lead full, dignified and independent lives. 

We aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness, alleviate financial hardship, and promote health and wellbeing for older people. 

We believe that everyone has the right to live free from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.  We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.    

Purpose and aim of the policy 

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate CHEER’s commitment to safeguarding adults and to ensure everyone involved in our work is aware of: 

  • The legislation and CHEER’s policy and procedures for safeguarding adults
  • Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults
  • What to do or who speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult involved in CHEER activities
  • The requirement to take seriously and respond promptly to any concern that an adult is not safe. 

Scope of the policy 

This safeguarding policy and the associated procedures apply to all individuals involved in CHEER, including the board of trustees, staff, volunteers, and others working on our behalf who may come into contact with vulnerable adults whilst taking part in CHEER’s services and activities. 

CHEER has appointed a staff Safeguarding Designated Lead and two trustee Safeguarding Designated Leads.  The Board of Trustees will review and approve this safeguarding policy annually.  

Partner organizations with whom we work will be required to have their own safeguarding policies and procedures that must, as a minimum, meet CHEER’s standards and any additional legal or regulatory requirements specific to their work.  

The definition of adults that adult safeguarding processes may apply to is set out in Section 42 of the Care Act 2014. They are people who: 

  • are aged 18 years or more, and 
  • have care and support needs, and 
  • are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect, and 
  • are unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it as a result of those care and support needs. 

An adult with care and support needs may be: 

  • an older person
  • someone with a physical or learning disability or a sensory impairment
  • someone with mental health needs, including dementia or a personality disorder
  • someone with a long-term health condition
  • someone who misuses substances or alcohol which affects their ability to manage day-to-day living. 

Equality statement 

CHEER’s Equality Policy sets out our commitment to ensuring equality of access and opportunity for service users, staff and volunteers.  We recognize that the Equalities Act 2010 allows us to provide services solely for older people where age-based treatment is justified or beneficial.  

CHEER is committed to anti-discriminatory practice and to providing genuine equality of opportunity.  We aim to ensure that every vulnerable person in our organization or who we deal with has the same protection regardless of age, disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.  We recognize any additional needs of vulnerable people from minority groups and older groups at risk who may have cognitive impairment or dementia and the barriers they may face.   

Relevant guidance 

CHEER is committed to safeguarding adults in line with legislation and government guidance to protect adults as laid out in: 

  • the Care Act 2014
  • the Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • the Data Protection Act 2018 and other legislation about different forms of abuse and information sharing
  • Charity Commission guidance
  • Care and Support Statutory Guidance
  • Surrey County Council’s Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) policy and procedures guidance. 

In addition, all trustees, staff and volunteers will follow: 

  • This Safeguarding Policy and CHEER’s Safeguarding Procedures
  • the CHEER Code of Conduct which includes the standards of behaviour expected to protect from harm everyone involved in CHEER activities
  • the Code of Fundraising Practice and the Institute of Fundraising guidance on keeping fundraising safe
  • Other relevant CHEER policies and procedures such as data protection and confidentiality, safe recruitment and DBS checks. 

There is a legal duty on Local Authorities to provide support to adults at risk.  This is carried out in Surrey by the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB).  Safeguarding concerns raised by CHEER and other organizations are referred to Surrey County Council’s Adult Social Care Services via the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).  Further information is available from Surrey County Council: https://www.surreysab.org.uk/information-for-professionals/ssab-policies-and-procedures/