Safeguarding Policy

This policy is written to bring awareness to members of possible safeguarding incidents or situations which may occur during ESNTA activities. During ESNTA activities we and all members have a duty of care to other members. Matters of concern will be reported to the relevant authorities as appropriate.

Our response and reporting procedures:-

Listen and observe.

• We will always listen to the voices of the person involved, adult or child, and where appropriate, understand what has taken place from their point of view.

• If we witness or are made aware of a concern that someone is at risk of harm or abuse, we take safe steps to intervene.

• We will respect an adult’s choice around the steps they want us to take unless they do not have the capacity to make safe decisions.

• If we are aware that a criminal offence has taken place, or there is an immediate risk of harm or abuse to an individual, we will contact the police.

Make Safe.

• If there is an immediate risk of harm or abuse to an adult or child, we will take whatever action is required to make them safe and minimise risk. This could include calling emergency services, removing the person causing the risk, taking the injured party to a place of safety, calling a responsible adult where appropriate, or putting measures in place such as additional supervision of an individual.

• If the situation cannot be made safe by volunteers alone, the appropriate emergency service will be called immediately.

• Anyone reporting a concern will be treated with respect and will be supported.

• Referrals to social care will be made where required to share information where necessary.

• Information will only be shared with the relevant people, ensuring confidentiality.

Record and review

Relating to anything that we see, hear or are made aware of, as defined under the Safeguarding Acts and occurring during ESNTA activities, we will take notes as soon as possible (signed and dated),and referred to the appropriate authority as soon as possible.

If necessary we will take appropriate action at the time. We will record any action that is deemed necessary.

For example we are aware of the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative.

If one of our members raises a safeguarding concern with us we will record the information and refer to 999 or the Safeguarding Hub on 0345 606 1499 (Suffolk) as needed by the situation and our policy.

Safeguarding Adults at risk.

• We do not assume or decide that an adult is an ‘adult at risk’ without information from the individual, a parent, carer, or local authority.

• As per the Mental Capacity Act 2005, we will always assume an adult has the mental capacity to make their own choices and decisions. Where there may be concerns around mental capacity, we will gain professional advice.

• When we have concerns for an adult, through face to face, phone, or written communication, we will aim to speak to them in the first instance before making any necessary referrals.

• Safeguarding adults includes their safety and welfare. Their wellbeing and mental health forms part of our care and we aim to ensure that any concerns about their wellbeing or mental health are explored with the adult by taking the time to speak with them.

• We gain expert advice around specific diagnosis such as mental health illness, and dementia to better understand individual needs.

• Safeguarding adults also includes domestic abuse. We aim to create a safe supportive environment for people to be able to share any

experience of domestic abuse. We will always take a disclosure seriously and speak to the individual to ask what support they require from us, supporting them to remain in control.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

• In line with our commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) we welcome everyone, and we are for everyone.

• We recognise that the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk is paramount regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. These are all defined as protected characteristics within the Equality Act 2010 and have the right to equal protection from all types of harm and abuse.

• Where an individual may have diverse needs due to; being neurodiverse, having a learning difference, disability, or health need, where it is possible, we aim to remove barriers and increase access to support them, such as changes to the physical environment, the way things are done, or the support provided.

v1 August 2025