Safeguarding Policy

Lambourn Almshouses: Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction

Lambourn Almshouses is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all residents, staff, volunteers, and visitors. As a charity providing housing to individuals facing financial hardship, we recognise the importance of safeguarding vulnerable adults and ensuring their well-being. This policy outlines the steps that Lambourn Almshouses will take to protect all individuals from abuse, neglect, or exploitation, in line with UK safeguarding legislation and best practices.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All residents of Lambourn Almshouses
  • Trustees, staff, and volunteers
  • Visitors, contractors, and anyone else engaging with residents or working on behalf of the charity

The policy is particularly focused on safeguarding vulnerable adults, as defined by the Care Act 2014, who may be at risk of abuse due to age, illness, disability, or financial hardship.

3. Legal Framework

This policy complies with the following UK laws and regulations:

  • Care Act 2014
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Equality Act 2010
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Guidance from the Charity Commission on safeguarding duties for charity trustees

4. Key Principles

Lambourn Almshouses is committed to the following safeguarding principles:

  • Zero tolerance of abuse: We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harassment of any kind.
  • Empowerment: All individuals have the right to make their own decisions and are supported in making informed choices.
  • Prevention: We aim to prevent abuse through awareness, training, and clear reporting mechanisms.
  • Proportionality: Any safeguarding action taken will be proportionate and in the best interest of the individual at risk.
  • Partnership: We work closely with local authorities, healthcare providers, and safeguarding boards to protect our residents.
  • Accountability: Trustees, staff, and volunteers will take full responsibility for safeguarding within the charity and adhere to the safeguarding procedures outlined.

5. Types of Abuse

Lambourn Almshouses recognises the following forms of abuse that may affect vulnerable adults:

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, misuse of medication, or restraint
  • Emotional abuse: Threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation
  • Financial abuse: Misuse of an individual’s money or property
  • Neglect and self-neglect: Failing to provide necessary care or ignoring health and safety needs
  • Sexual abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact or exposure to inappropriate content
  • Domestic abuse: Abuse between partners or family members
  • Discriminatory abuse: Harassment or unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, or disability
  • Organisational abuse: Poor care practices in a residential or housing setting

6. Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities

  • Trustees: The Trustees hold ultimate responsibility for safeguarding within the charity. They must ensure that safeguarding is a core part of the charity’s operations and comply with legal requirements.
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): A Trustee or senior staff member will be appointed as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding issues, coordinating safeguarding actions, and being the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  • Staff and Volunteers: All staff and volunteers must be aware of this safeguarding policy, understand how to recognise signs of abuse, and report any concerns to the DSL. All staff and volunteers must undergo basic safeguarding training.
  • Residents: Residents are encouraged to report any concerns they may have regarding their own safety or the safety of others. Residents will be informed of the safeguarding policy and reporting procedures during their induction.

7. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

7.1 Raising a Concern:

  • Any person, whether a resident, staff member, volunteer, or visitor, can raise a safeguarding concern if they suspect that an individual is at risk of harm.
  • Concerns can be reported directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in person, by phone, or via email.
  • If the concern involves the DSL, the concern should be reported to the Chair of Trustees.

7.2 Responding to a Concern:

  • The DSL will assess the concern and decide whether further investigation or referral to external authorities is needed.
  • All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual at risk.
  • The DSL will work with local safeguarding authorities, such as Adult Social Care or the police, if required.

7.3 Emergency Action:

  • If a resident is in immediate danger, emergency services (police or ambulance) should be called immediately by dialling 999.
  • The DSL should be notified as soon as possible following this action.

8. Safeguarding Procedures

  • Induction and Training: All staff, volunteers, and Trustees will receive safeguarding training during their induction and regular refresher courses thereafter. This will include how to recognise the signs of abuse and how to report concerns.
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks: All staff, volunteers, and contractors who work directly with residents will be subject to DBS checks. Only individuals who pass the relevant checks will be allowed to engage with vulnerable adults.
  • Confidentiality and Record-Keeping: All safeguarding concerns will be recorded and stored securely. Records will be kept confidential and only shared with relevant safeguarding authorities when necessary.

9. Whistleblowing

Lambourn Almshouses supports a whistleblowing policy that encourages individuals to report concerns regarding malpractice or safeguarding failures without fear of retaliation. Any concerns raised in good faith will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Trustees to ensure it is up-to-date and effective in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Any updates or changes in legislation will be incorporated as required.

11. Approval

This policy has been approved by the Board of Trustees of The Lambourn Almshouses:

Signature:

Name: Christian Noll
Position: Chair of Trustees
Date: 1 November 2024

Skip to content