[ORGANISATION NAME] is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults at risk and children who use our services. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and that no single professional can have a full picture of a vulnerable person's needs and circumstances.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, students, and any person working on behalf of [ORGANISATION NAME]. It reflects the requirements of the Care Act 2014, the Children Act 1989 and 2004, and the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and Care and Support Statutory Guidance (2023).

• All staff have an absolute duty to report any concern about an adult at risk or child to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) without delay
• Staff must not attempt to investigate allegations themselves
• Safeguarding concerns take precedence over confidentiality obligations in most circumstances
• This policy is reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding event

This policy covers all regulated activities provided by [ORGANISATION NAME] and applies at all times — during home visits, in our premises, on outings, during transport, and in any digital or online interaction with service users.

It covers: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, neglect, financial and material abuse, discriminatory abuse, institutional abuse, modern slavery, self-neglect, and domestic abuse.

An adult at risk is defined under the Care Act 2014 as any person aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves.

A child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years under the Children Acts 1989 and 2004.

• Physical abuse — including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, restraining, or burning
• Sexual abuse — any sexual act to which the person has not consented or cannot consent
• Psychological abuse — including threats, humiliation, controlling behaviour, coercive control
• Financial abuse — theft, fraud, exploitation, or pressure regarding financial affairs