‍1.0 PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY - Ensure that all staff and volunteers have access to and are familiar with this safeguarding adult policy and procedure and their responsibilities within it.Ensure concerns raised or allegations of abuse are always taken seriously.Ensure the Mental Capacity Act is used to make decisions on behalf of those adults at risk who are unable to make a particular decision for themselves.  Ensure all staff and volunteers receive training in relation safeguarding adults at a level commensurate with their role.Ensure that adults with care and support needs, their family or representative have access to information about how to report a safeguarding concern.Ensure there is a named lead person to promote safeguarding awareness and practice within the organisation.This policy and procedure is compliant with the Care Act 2014, and is consistent with the Joint Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and City of York, available on this link. 
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2.0 OUR VALUES - Art of Protest aims to minimise the risk of abuse occurringSupporting adults with care and support needs who are at risk of or experiencing abuse or neglectWork with adults at risk and other agencies to end any abuse that is taking place.

‍3.0 LEGISLATION AND GUIDANCE - The principal pieces of legislation governing this policy are:The Care Act 2014Sexual Offences Act 2003Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the Protection of Freedoms Bill Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998The Police Act 1997Mental Health Act 1983Mental Capacity Act 2016NHS and Community Care Act 1990Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974Disability Discriminations Act.

‍WE RECOGNISE THAT - some adults are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues extra safeguards may be needed to keep children who are additionally vulnerable safe from abuse. Find out more about: Safeguarding policy: protecting vulnerable adults.

‍‍4.0 DEFINITIONS - For the purposes of this policy, an adult is aged 18 or over.  An adult at risk, as defined by the Care Act: has needs for care and support (whether or not these are currently being met),is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, andas a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect, or the risk of it. Care and support is the mixture of practical, financial and emotional support for adults who need extra help to manage their lives and be independent - including older people, people with a disability or long-term illness, people with mental health problems, dementia and memory impairments and people who use substances or alcohol and their carers. The definition includes unpaid carers (family and friends who provide personal assistance and care to adults on an unpaid basis). 

4.1 Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) - Making Safeguarding Personal is firmly embedded in the statutory guidance for the Care Act 2014. It is an approach to safeguarding that is person-led and outcomes-focused. The priority should always be placing the adult at risk at the centre of safeguarding to ensure that their wishes and desired outcomes are respected in line with Making Safeguarding Personal.  Ask the adult what they want to have happen to help them “feel safer”. 

‍4.2 Consent from the adult at risk to report a concernIt is a legal requirement under the Care Act 2014 to seek consent from the adult at risk before reporting a safeguarding concern, unless: a. Seeking consent will increase the level of risk posed to them (or a child or other adult at risk); or b. Consent cannot practically be sought (for example, the referrer is being denied access to the adult or the adult cannot be located in a timely way); or c.The adult lacks capacity to consent, and a decision has been made that reporting a concern is in their best interests. A mental capacity assessment must be completed before reaching the conclusion that the adult lacks capacity to consent. For guidance about assessing capacity, see: The Mental Capacity Act 2005 Resource and Practice Toolkit. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 Resource and Practice Toolkit. Where consent has not been sought the reasons should be clearly recorded in line with recording requirements of the relevant agency or partner organisation. If consent has not been sought because it was not possible to locate the adult at risk in a timely way, the adult at risk should be notified that a concern has been reported as soon as possible so that their views and wishes can be considered in any subsequent decision making, ensuring an appropriate and proportionate response.If the adult at risk does not give their consent further questions should be asked as necessary to determine whether or not their wishes should be overridden, and a concern reported.It is only appropriate to report a concern without consent if: It is in the public interest e.g., there is also a risk to others, a member of staff or volunteer is involved, or the abuse has occurred on property owned or managed by an organisation with a responsibility to provide care.The adult at risk lacks mental capacity to consent, and it is in their best interests.The adult at risk is subject to coercion or undue influence, to the extent that they are unable to give consent.It is in the adult at risk’s vital interests (to prevent serious harm or distress or life-threatening situations). Where a decision has been made to report a concern without the adult at risk's consent the reason for doing so should be clearly recorded on the safeguarding concern form.Note: If an adult at risk declines safeguarding support that is not the end of the matter. Consideration should be given to ways in which the risk could be managed or mitigated, taking into account the impact of abuse or neglect on the adult at risk’s wellbeing, including their 'vital interests' and the impact on others in the situation. 

‍4.3 What is abuse? - Abuse can take many forms and the circumstances of the individual should always be considered. It may: · Consist of a single act or repeated acts· Be carried out deliberately or unknowingly.People who behave abusively come from all backgrounds and walks of life. They may be professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, advocates, staff members, and or volunteers, or others in a position of trust. They may also be relatives, friends, neighbours, or people who use the same services as the adult experiencing abuse. The Care and support statutory guidance identifies ten types of abuse, these are: Physical abuse - includes hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, unlawful or inappropriate restraint, or inappropriate physical sanctions. Domestic abuse – is defined as Domestic abuse is defined in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 as “any incident or pattern of abusive behaviour between two people that are personally connected to each other”. Domestic violence and abuse may include psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; as well as so called ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Sexual abuse - includes rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult at risk has not consented or could not consent or was pressured into consenting. Psychological abuse - includes emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal from services or supportive networks. Financial and material abuse – includes theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions, or benefits. Modern slavery - includes human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use the means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive, and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude, and inhuman treatment. Neglect and acts of omission - includes ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition, and heating. Discriminatory abuse - includes abuse based on a person’s race, sex, disability, faith, sexual orientation, or age; other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment or hate crime or hate incident. Organisational abuse – includes neglect and poor practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes, and practices within an organisation. Self-neglect - covers a wide range of behaviours, such as neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviours such as hoarding. A safeguarding response in relation to self-neglect may be appropriate where: a person is declining assistance in relation to their care and support needs, andthe impact of their decision, has or is likely to have a substantial impact on their overall individual wellbeing.

‍4.4 What is Prevent? Prevent is part of the national counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST.Prevent aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism and extremism. This includes the following.
‍Challenging ideology - All terrorist groups have an ideology and frequently use the internet to air their views.
‍Supporting vulnerable people - Radicalisation is a process, not one event and during that process it is possible to intervene and safeguard the vulnerable.
‍Working with key sectors - A wide range of agencies are working to help deliver Prevent, including education, health, faith, criminal justice and charities. For more information regarding prevent access information here: https://nypartnerships.org.uk/prevent Safeguarding concerns regarding Prevent include the following:
Vulnerabilities – have you identified any vulnerabilities with the individual?
– does the individual associate with groups or people that cause you concern?
‍Associations – does the individual associate with groups or people that cause you conce
rn?
‍Ideology – Do you have any concerns about the individuals’ social media and internet usage? Provide social media usernames if known. Internet and social media – has the individual discussed previous or future travel to areas of conflict? Suspicious travel – has the individual discussed previous or future travel to areas of conflict?
‍Grievance – has the individual discussed feelings of injustice, trigged by racism, discrimination, or aspects of Government policy? If you have concerns regarding the above report through adult safeguarding.4.5 Mental Capacity AssessmentThe Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides a statutory framework to empower and protect people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves; and establishes a framework for making decisions on their behalf. This applies whether the decisions are life-changing events or everyday matters. All decisions taken in the adult safeguarding process must comply with the Act. The Mental Capacity Act outlines five statutory principles (paid or unpaid) have responsibility to follow the guidance provided in this policy and related policies, and to pass on any welfare concerns using the required procedures.We expect all staff (paid or unpaid) to promote good practice by being an excellent role model, contribute to discussions about safeguarding and to positively involve people in developing safe practices.The Executive Trustee has responsibility to ensure the policy is in place and appropriate. The Senior Management Team have responsibility to ensure The policy is accessibleThe policy is implemented The policy is monitored and reviewed Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure the policy can be effectively implemented Designated Safeguarding Lead (Safeguarding Concerns Manager:decides whether it is appropriate to raise a safeguarding concern with the local authority on behalf of their organisation or to respond to the concerns in an alternative manner.Check that the adult at risk has given consent for the safeguarding concern to be raised establishing the desired outcomes of the adult at risk and what they would like to happen to help them feel safer now and in the future.Senior Management and the Designated Safeguarding Lead have responsibility to ensure:Promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults Ensure staff  (paid and unpaid) have access to appropriate training/information  Receive staff concerns about safeguarding and respond to all seriously, swiftly and appropriately Keep up to date with local arrangements for safeguarding and DBS Develop and maintain effective links with relevant agenciesTake forward concerns about responses and ensure appropriate and timely record keeping. 5.0 RESPONSIBILITIESAll staff (paid or unpaid) have responsibility to follow the guidance provided in this policy and related policies, and to pass on any welfare concerns using the required procedures.We expect all staff (paid or unpaid) to promote good practice by being an excellent role model, contribute to discussions about safeguarding and to positively involve people in developing safe practices.The Executive Trustee has responsibility to ensure the policy is in place and appropriate. The Senior Management Team have responsibility to ensure The policy is accessibleThe policy is implemented The policy is monitored and reviewed Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure the policy can be effectively implemented Designated Safeguarding Lead (Safeguarding Concerns Manager:decides whether it is appropriate to raise a safeguarding concern with the local authority on behalf of their organisation or to respond to the concerns in an alternative manner.Check that the adult at risk has given consent for the safeguarding concern to be raised establishing the desired outcomes of the adult at risk and what they would like to happen to help them feel safer now and in the future.Senior Management and the Designated Safeguarding Lead have responsibility to ensure:Promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults Ensure staff  (paid and unpaid) have access to appropriate training/information  Receive staff concerns about safeguarding and respond to all seriously, swiftly and appropriately Keep up to date with local arrangements for safeguarding and DBS Develop and maintain effective links with relevant agenciesTake forward concerns about responses and ensure appropriate and timely record keeping 5.1 SAFER RECRUITMENT Art of Protest ensures safe recruitment through the following processes: Interviews are conducted according to equal opportunity principles and interview questions are based on the relevant job description and person specificationDBS checks will be conducted for specific roles for all staff (paid or unpaid) working with children and vulnerable adults. It is a criminal offence for individuals barred by the ISA to work or apply to work with children or vulnerable adults in a wide range of posts.No formal job offers are made until after checks for suitability are completed (including identity checks, right to work, DBS and 2 references).
‍5.2 Disclosure and Barring Service Gap ManagementThe organisation commits resources to providing Disclosure and barring service checks on staff (paid or unpaid) whose roles involve contact with children and /or vulnerable adults.In order to avoid DBS gaps, the organisation will ensure that their established staff and roles are regularly reviewed through maintaining and review a list of roles across the organisation which involves contact with children/ vulnerable adults’.In addition to checks on recruitment for roles involving contact with children/ vulnerable adults, for established staff the following processes are in place A 3 year rolling programme of re-checking DBS’s is in place for holders of all identified posts.Existing staff (paid or unpaid) who transfer from a role which does not require a DBS check to one which involves contact with children / vulnerable adults will be subject to a DBS check. 5.3 COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING AND SUPPORT FOR STAFF D
iscussion of the Safeguarding Policy (and confirmation of understanding)Discussion of other relevant policiesEnsure familiarity with reporting processes, the roles of line manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead (and who acts in their absence)Initial training on safeguarding or evidence of completion. 5.4 INDUCTIONS INCLUDE Discussion of the Safeguarding Policy (and confirmation of understanding)Discussion of other relevant policiesEnsure familiarity with reporting processes, the roles of line manager and Designated Safeguarding Lead (and who acts in their absence)Initial training on safeguarding or evidence of completion 5.7 TRAINING All staff who, through their role, are in contact with children and /or vulnerable adults will have access to safeguarding training at an appropriate level.  Communications and discussion of safeguarding issuesCommitment to the following communication methods will ensure effective communication of safeguarding issues and practice:During team meetings Senior Board meetings One to one meetings A safeguarding training log is held recording the training that has been undertaken by all staff, volunteers, contractors and other third parties who come into contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This log is monitored and updated regularly.
‍SupportWe recognise that involvement in situations where there is risk or actual harm can be stressful for staff concerned. The mechanisms in place to support staff include: Debriefing support for paid and unpaid staff so that they can reflect on the issues they have dealt withSeeking further support as appropriate e.g. access to counselling.Staff who has initiated protection concerns will be contacted by the Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Lead within a week. 6.0 WHAT YOU MUST DO IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A VULNERABLE ADULT If any Art of Protest staff or volunteer has reason to believe that abuse is or may be taking place you have a responsibility to act on this information. It does not matter what your role is. Doing nothing is not an option.If an adult discloses abuse to you directly, use the following principles to respond to them: Assure them that you are taking the concerns seriouslyDo not be judgemental or jump to conclusionsListen carefully to what they are telling you, stay calm, get as clear a picture as you can. Use open ended questions Do not start to investigate or ask detailed or probing questionsExplain that you have a duty to tell your manager or the Safeguarding Concerns Manager/ Lead.Reassure the person that they will be involved in decisions about themYour responsibilities are: To take action to keep the person safe if possibleIs an urgent police presence required to keep someone safe – call 999Does the person need urgent medical assistance, do they need an ambulance – call 999If a crime has occurred, be aware of the need to preserve evidence, when reporting a crime make a record of the crime reference number.Always inform the Safeguarding Concerns Manager/Lead for your organisation. You cannot keep this information secret, even if the person asks you to.Clearly record what you have witnessed or been told, record your responses and any actions taken. If consulting with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Safeguarding Concerns Manager) will lead to an undue delay and thereby leave a person in a position of risk, you should raise a safeguarding concern yourself. 6.1 Reporting a safeguarding concernSafeguarding concerns must be reported as soon as possible to ensure that the local authority is able to provide a timely and appropriate response. Never assume that another person or organisation will report the concern, even if they tell you they will.There is an expectation that safeguarding concern(s) are reported to the local authority within 24 hours of identification. Safeguarding concerns should be reported whenever there is a reasonable belief that first 2 criteria of the safeguarding duty apply:1.    The adult has need for care and support (regardless of whether these have been assessed or are being met by the local authority); and2.    They are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.Raising a safeguarding concern, means reporting a concern about abuse or neglect to the local authority under the safeguarding adult’s procedure. Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern; often however this is undertaken by a manager in the organisation. This person is referred to as the Safeguarding Concerns Manager or Lead. Please refer to Appendix A-D for more information. Art of Protest operates across the UK and all staff and volunteers when delivering provision to a local area will follow relevant local procedures and arrangements. To raise a safeguarding concern in North Yorkshire, complete the online safeguarding concern via this link Or you can contact the North Yorkshire Customer Service Centre on:03000 131 2 131 (24h hours)·         The person you speak to will ask you for details about the safeguarding concern.·         If you have reported the incident to the police, tell the person this as well.To raise a safeguarding concern in York, find out more information via this linkcontact the City of York Adult Social Care, on telephone: 01904 555111, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm7.0  KEY CONTACTS Designated Safeguarding Lead - Gemma Waygood gemma.aopprojects@gmail.com 07969398388 07969398388.
RELATED PROCEDURES The scope of this Policy is broad ranging and in practice, it will be implemented via a range of policies and procedures within the organisation. These include:Safeguarding Children and Young People Health and safety Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Safeguarding Adult Policy Anti-bullying Positive behaviour and restraint policy Managing allegations against staff and volunteers Complaints procedureWhistleblowingData protection and confidentiality Code of conductIncident and RIDDORSafer recruitment ‍POLICY REVIEW DATESMost recent ratification dateDate policy shared with staffProcess for confirming that staff have read and understood this policyOctober 2024 November 2024List below the procedures that you have in place to ensure that all staff have read and understood:·  Staff signatures collected – stored in safeguarding training folder.·  Staff training delivered on October 2024 training day – attendance register stored in safeguarding training folder.·  Policy included with induction checklist for new staff – checklist stored in safeguarding training folderThis policy will be due for review in September 2025 but may be reviewed sooner if there are changes to government legislation or school practice and proceduresI confirm that I have been made fully aware of, and understand the contents of, the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for Art of Protest Please complete the details below and return this completed form to Gemma Waygood Name :  _____________________                                              Signature:  _____________________Date:                   _____________________