Safeguarding policy

Reviewed: May 2026 | Next review due: May 2027

Foundations is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its employees and of children and vulnerable adults involved in our work. We strive to achieve excellent standards of safeguarding in all areas.

Safeguarding means protecting peoples’ health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It means protecting people, including children and at-risk adults, from harm that arises from coming into contact with our staff or volunteers or through the programmes we fund.

Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. Foundations will not tolerate abuse and exploitation by or to staff, volunteers or any associated individuals and is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone we meet.

We will do our utmost to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm while they have contact with Foundations. We will do this by:

  1. Ensuring that our staff, volunteers and associated individuals are carefully selected
  2. Ensuring that all staff and volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities, and are provided with appropriate information and training
  3. Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of any child, young person or vulnerable adults in contact with Foundations
  4. Taking all reasonable steps to prevent any member of staff, volunteer or member of the public from putting any child, young person or vulnerable adult in a situation in which there is an unreasonable risk to their health and safety
  5. Taking all reasonable steps to prevent any member of staff, volunteer or member of the public from physically, emotionally or sexually abusing any child or vulnerable adult
  6. Informing staff that they should report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) any evidence or reasonable suspicion that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been or is at risk of any type of harm or abuse.

This policy applies to all employees, seconded staff, volunteers, trustees and other people working with Foundations (e.g. contractors and those organising or taking part in events). Although the guidance refers to staff, this should be taken to also include these other groups.

In contracts and commissioning tenders, this safeguarding policy will be mentioned and attached to contractual arrangements. A safeguarding statement, including contact details will be included on our website and other relevant materials, particularly if those materials are being made available to children or vulnerable adults.

For the purpose of this policy, a child is defined as a person under the age of 18; a young person is a child aged 13 years and over. A vulnerable adult, is defined as “someone who has care and support needs and is therefore unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect”.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the duty and responsibility of Foundations in respect to safeguarding.

The key objectives of this policy are to:

  1. Safeguard and promote the wellbeing of the children and vulnerable adults with whom Foundations works, including those engaging with services that Foundations funds
  2. Ensure that prompt action is taken to minimise the risk of harm occurring from any further abuse
  3. Ensure that all staff and others covered by this policy understand the context within which checking with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) takes place
  4. Guide staff on how to respond to – and report – concerns
  5. Ensure that information relating to safeguarding is kept securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis.

Safeguarding relates to the action taken to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and to protect them from harm. All staff should have a basic awareness of safeguarding issues.

This includes:

  1. Being alert to the possibility of abuse and neglect
  2. Having enough knowledge to recognise an abusive or potentially abusive event or set of circumstances
  3. Knowing who in the organisation to raise concerns with
  4. Being competent to take the appropriate immediate or emergency action.

If any member of staff has any concerns about a child or vulnerable adult, they must alert the DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) immediately. If the DSL is not on site, please contact the DDSL (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead).

If the DSL agrees there is grounds for concern, they must take appropriate action to safeguard the child or vulnerable adult. This may include contacting the relevant local authority children’s social care team or the local police.

The above may include concerns about a member of staff, a suspicion that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, or a suspicion that an activity is taking place that could place a person at risk. If the concern relates to a professional working with a child or vulnerable, the DSL will contact the local authority designated officer (LADO) responsible for advice and liaison in such cases.

In any situation where there is a suspicion of abuse, the welfare needs of the child or vulnerable adult must come first even where there may be a conflict of interest (e.g. where the suspected perpetrator may be a member of staff).

How to report a safeguarding concern

A staff member who has a complaint or concern relating to safeguarding should report it immediately to the responsible DSL or DDSL if the DSL is not on site.

Our DSL is Anna Bacchoo, Director of Finance & Operations. Phone: 07780993376. Email anna.bacchoo@foundations.org.uk

Our DDSL is Maria Baldwin, Head of People. Phone 07739584135. Email maria.baldwin@foundations.org.uk

If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger, the member of staff who first becomes aware of the danger should dial 999 for the police.

If the staff member is not able to report the concern to the DSL, they should report it to the Chief Executive who is the executive lead on safeguarding.

CEO: jo.casebourne@foundations.org.uk

Reporting a serious safeguarding incident

If any member of staff or trustee is involved in an actual or suspected serious safeguarding incident, or if a serious safeguarding incident takes place within Foundations’ workplaces or working context, in addition to following the protocols set out within this policy, it should also be reported to the Charity Commission through their online form  ccforms.charitycommission.gov.uk/report-a-serious-incident. It is the responsibility of Trustees to ensure that this takes place. In addition, immediate action should be taken to:

  1. prevent or minimise any further harm
  2. report it to the police, if it is suspected a crime has been committed, and to any other regulators the charity is accountable to
  3. plan what to say to staff, volunteers, members, the public and the media
  4. review what happened and prevent it from happening again – this may include strengthening internal controls and procedures, and/or seeking appropriate help from professional advisers.

Response

Foundations will follow up safeguarding reports and concerns according to policy and procedure, and legal and statutory obligations. The organisation will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to staff found in breach of this policy.

Foundations will offer support to survivors of harm caused by staff or associated personnel, regardless of whether a formal internal response is carried out (such as an internal investigation).  Decisions regarding support will be led by the survivor.

Responsibilities

Foundations’ responsibilities

Foundations will:

  1. Ensure all staff have access to, are familiar with, and know their responsibilities within this policy
  2. Design and undertake all its programmes and activities in a way that protects people from any risk of harm that may arise from their coming into contact with Foundations. This includes the way in which information about individuals in our programmes is gathered and communicated and is in line with our Research Ethics policy
  3. Implement stringent safeguarding procedures when recruiting, managing and deploying staff and associated personnel
  4. Ensure staff receive training on safeguarding at a level commensurate with their role
  5. Follow up on reports of safeguarding concerns promptly and according to due process
  6. Maintain an organisation that is safe for all staff, children and vulnerable adults and an environment where poor practice is challenged.

Designated Safeguarding Officer responsibilities

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will:

  1. Ensure that the senior leadership team receive necessary reports on safeguarding issues
  2. Be responsible for implementing arrangements for safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults throughout Foundations
  3. Be responsible for dealing with all instances relating to safeguarding children or vulnerable adults that arise within Foundations and will respond to all safeguarding concerns and make appropriate referrals to the local authority
  4. Provide support and advice to managers and all staff on safeguarding matters related to children and vulnerable adults
  5. Ensure that all members of staff receive training on child protection and safeguarding as part of their induction, and on an ongoing basis where required
  6. Maintain an overview of safeguarding issues and monitor the implementation of this policy, in conjunction with the Head of People
  7. Liaise with partner organisations and ensure a common approach to dealing with safeguarding matters.

The DSL has responsibility for deciding whether to refer any reported matters onto the police or to the local authority children’s social care team. Where possible, referrals should be made on the same working day and certainly within 24 hours. It is the responsibility of the DSL to decide whether the parents/carers (if applicable) of the child or young person should be informed of the referral.

The DSL should complete training on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults every two years.

Trustee responsibilities

To comply with their legal duties, trustees must react responsibly to reports of safeguarding risks and incidents of abuse and take steps to make sure all staff know how to deal with these. Trustees should report a serious incident to the Charity Commission if:

  1. A child or at-risk adult has been, or are alleged to have been, abused or mistreated while under the care of Foundations, or by someone connected with Foundations, for example a trustee, staff member or volunteer
  2. There has been an incident where someone has been abused or mistreated (alleged or actual) and this is connected with Foundations’ activities
  3. There has been a breach of procedures or policies at Foundations which has put a child or vulnerable adult at risk, including a failure to carry out checks which would have identified that a person is disqualified under safeguarding legislation, from working with children or adults.

Staff responsibilities

All staff have a duty to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. It is everybody’s responsibility to recognise the signs of, and to report, abuse wherever it is seen, suspected or disclosed. Staff must respond appropriately to any disclosure and take any immediate action necessary to protect children and vulnerable adults.

Child safeguarding

Foundations staff and associated personnel must not:

Adult safeguarding

Foundations staff and associated personnel must not:

Protection from sexual exploitation and abuse

Foundations staff, volunteers, workers and agency staff must not:

Additionally, Foundations staff, volunteers, workers and agency staff are obliged to:

Confidentiality and information sharing

It is essential that confidentiality is maintained at all stages of the process when dealing with safeguarding concerns. Information relating to the concern and subsequent case management will only be shared on a need to know basis and will be kept secure at all times. 

If a disclosure is made to a member of staff or a staff member has a concern about the welfare of a child or adult at risk, the staff member should follow the incident procedure set out in this policy (Appendix 1). This includes ensuring that the person making a disclosure is aware that the member of staff may need to share the information and cannot promise to keep it secret.

The staff member who receives the information should inform the DSL the same working day.

The decision about whether to make a referral will be based on the welfare of the child or adult at risk. Protecting the welfare of the person who may be experiencing abuse will be the only consideration when deciding whether a referral is needed. If there is any doubt as to whether a referral is needed, a referral will be made.

It is not the role of Foundations staff to assess whether abuse has taken place. A referral will be made if information is known that indicates that abuse may have taken place.

In the event of a disclosure, efforts should be made to get informed consent from the person making the disclosure before a referral is made. However, a referral may be made without consent if the person does not give consent and there are concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult.

Information should not be shared with other staff, including line managers or the senior leadership team, as a matter of course. Any information that is shared should be on a strictly need-to-know basis and kept to a minimum.

In the event of a disclosure, the person who made the disclosure will be kept informed about what information has been shared and with whom.

Support for staff

We will provide effective management for staff in relation to safeguarding through training to recognise the signs of abuse and in how to respond to safeguarding concerns. Support will be made available if you are directly affected by a safeguarding incident or allegation.

Where we recruit staff whose roles are likely to have regular contact with children or vulnerable adults through their work, we will incorporate safeguarding into all aspects of our recruitment, including carrying out a check at the enhanced level of the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The People team have a DBS register which will be reviewed annually.

Events

Foundations holds engagement events and conducts research activities with children and vulnerable adults as part of usual business activity. To ensure the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults at these events, one member of staff at each event or activity should be identified as responsible for safeguarding. In most cases this should either be the most senior member of staff present or the DSL.

Where we organise an event, either at our offices or at an external venue, we have primary responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults attending the event, either alone or together with any partners. You must complete a full risk assessment for the event and consider matters such as:

Foundations at third party events

If you attend a third-party event (such as hosting a stall or workshop at a third-party event), you should still carry out a risk assessment for that activity, but you will not normally be responsible for the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults at the event. The event organiser will normally register children and obtain parental consent and you will not normally need to hold or process personal details. Remember to ask the event organiser about permissions for children to participate in activities and whether you can take photos/videos of children at the event. If in doubt, ensure our consent form is completed by the responsible adult before taking photos or filming.

Safeguarding when undertaking research

Our researchers conduct interviews, focus groups and other similar events in the course of collecting data for research studies. Researchers are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of research participants during their interactions. Research projects must be approved by the Research Ethics Committee before data collection commences.

During data collection, participants may disclose information that raises safeguarding concerns for a child or vulnerable adult. Researchers will be trained and supported to identify and respond appropriately to a safeguarding disclosure (see ‘Reporting a concern’). All safeguarding concerns will be reported to the DSL immediately so appropriate action can be taken.

Research participants might share information that raises concerns about their own or another non-vulnerable adults’ wellbeing. All concerns of this nature should be shared with the DSL to make a decision about whether any safeguarding action needs to be taken. Foundations will respond to safety and wellbeing concerns about non-vulnerable adults in line with the principle that they have the right to make unwise decisions about themselves.

Collecting and using data

Wherever possible, you should only use and store anonymised data about children and vulnerable adults. Often it isn’t necessary to collect personal details to carry out research.

If you do need to store and use personal information about children and vulnerable adults – to register for an event or on our website, for example – you may need to obtain parent/guardian or carer’s consent first. A simple parental consent form should be completed. Whether consent is required will depend on the age of the child and how the information will be used – please seek advice on this from the DSL who will consider if legal advice is required.

If you are given personal information about children by someone other than the child or their parent/guardian, you must get written confirmation from the person providing the information that appropriate consents have been obtained.

Keep all signed consent forms on file and only use the information provided for the purpose described in the consent form.

You must store and use any information which can be linked back to a named or identifiable child only in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Appropriate security (including encryption) must be in place and information must not be shared with anyone outside Foundations unless you have specific consent and they sign written undertakings to keep the information securely. Information should be destroyed when no longer required. Contact the Data Protection Officer about how to keep and process the information safely.

Photographs and videos

You must obtain consent to take, store or use photos or film featuring children. Ensure that a consent form has been completed. If you receive photos or film from someone other than the child’s parent/guardian, you must get written confirmation from the person providing the information that appropriate consents have been obtained.

If you provide images to third parties such as journalists or funders, you must ensure this is covered by the consent and obtain assurances from the third party about use of the image. Speak to the DSL if you need help with this.

When publishing photos or films featuring children or vulnerable adults, whether online or in publications, be mindful of how the images could be adapted or misused. Some tips for safe use:

Expectations of our partners

Foundations is responsible for ensuring that organisations acting on its behalf are doing so in accordance with this safeguarding policy and that the safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults is paramount at all times. This includes working with data about children and vulnerable adults.

Foundations will only work with a third party organisation when there is a formal agreement in place. Before entering into a formal agreement, Foundations will conduct due diligence to ensure that staff interacting with children and vulnerable adults have the appropriate training and enhanced DBS checks. This will be part of formal agreements with partners and Foundations reserves the right to terminate an agreement if this is not adhered to.

Prior to making a formal agreement with a partner, Foundations will require partners to demonstrate they have working policies to cover data consent, collection and sharing and that they have an appropriate process for reporting safeguarding concerns internally. Foundations will require partner organisations to report safeguarding concerns to Foundations’ DSL where the concern relates to work conducted on behalf of the organisation.

Code of behaviour

If you come into contact with children or vulnerable adults during your work for Foundations, you are expected to:

Record keeping

In the event of a disclosure or safeguarding concern, a detailed written record must be made by the person who receives the information, as soon as possible and always on the same day, following Foundations’ procedure for recording concerns and disclosures (Appendix 2). These records must be stored securely, in a locked drawer or password protected file, indefinitely. Staff may not access these records except on a need-to-know basis.

Reviewing the policy and procedure

This policy and procedure will be reviewed every year. This will include checking phone numbers, accuracy of personnel details and any updates required by a change in local or national policy.

Further information and guidance

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following: data protection policy, disciplinary procedure, equality policy, grievance procedure, anti-harrassment and bullying policy, recruitment policy, whistleblowing policy, IT acceptable use policy, research ethics policy.

Appendix 1.  Reporting Procedure

It is important that children, young people and vulnerable adults are protected from abuse.  All complaints, allegations or suspicions must be taken seriously, including those received anonymously.  This procedure must be followed by staff whenever a disclosure of abuse is made or when there is a suspicion of abuse.

1. Make sure the individual is safe

If the person is in immediate danger, the police or ambulance must be called straight away on 999.  Ensure prompt action is taken to minimise the risk of harm from any further abuse, maltreatment or neglect.  This is particularly important if:

  1. the person remains in or is about to return to the place where the alleged abuse occurred
  2. the alleged abuser is likely to have access to the person or others who might be at risk

2. In the event of a disclosure

  1. Reassure the person concerned
  2. Listen to what they are saying 
  3. Accept what is said.
  4. Record what you have been told/witnessed as soon as possible
  5. Remain calm and do not show shock or disbelief
  6. Tell them that the information will be treated seriously
  7. Reassure the child/person, but only as far as is honest. Do not make promises you may not be able to keep eg: ‘Everything will be alright now’, ‘You’ll never have to see that person again’.
  8. Do reassure and alleviate guilt if the child/person refers to it.  For example, you could say, ‘You’re not to blame’.
  9. Do not start to investigate or ask detailed or probing questions. Only ask questions to clarify the basic facts of what they are already telling you
  10. Do not promise to keep it a secret you have a duty to share this information
  11. Explain what you have to do next and who you have to talk to.

3. Record the information

  1. Take notes if possible or write up your conversation as soon as possible afterwards.
  2. Record the date, time, place any non-verbal behaviour and the words used by the child (do not paraphrase).
  3. Record statements and observable things rather than interpretations or assumptions.
  4. Make a full record of the disclosure, allegation or incident as soon as possible, within one working day.  Refer to Appendix 2: recording concerns and disclosures.

4. Report to Designated Safeguarding Lead

Report the disclosure or concern to the DSL immediately or as soon as possible within one working day. If the DSL is not on site- please conatact the DDSL. In the first instance this may need to be done verbally. If neither the DSL or DDSL are available, report to the Chief Executive. Do not report the information to more than one member of staff.

5. Support the individual

Ask for their permission before sharing information, but make sure they know you may have to share it without permission. Keep them informed about who the information has been shared with.

6. Dealing with allegations made against a member of staff or trustee

The protection and welfare of children and vulnerable adults should be considered paramount when making decisions regarding managing allegations against members of staff and trustees.

Any allegation about a member of staff or a trustee either in relation to any suspicion, allegation or incident of abuse or non-adherence to these procedures should be reported to the DSL in the first instance, following the procedure above.  Concerns about the DSL should be reported to the Chief Executive.

Appendix 2. Recording concerns and disclosures

It is important to ascertain and establish the basic facts, based on evidence of what is seen or heard and to make careful notes, clearly distinguishing fact from opinion. A full record of the disclosure, allegation or incident must be recorded as soon as possible and always on the same day.

Records should ideally be electronic. But if writing by hand, use black ink so that documents can be photocopied if necessary. If you make a mistake, put a line through it – do not use correction fluid.

Be aware that the report may be required later as part of legal action or disciplinary procedure and that you may need to appear at a hearing or court (although this is unlikely).

What to include

  1. Exactly what the person has told you, or exactly what you have witnessed. Do not include opinions or assumptions.
  2. A description of any injuries observed and the exact location of the injuries. Give as much detail as possible.
  3. Any immediate actions that you have taken to reduce risk.
  4. The name of the person making the disclosure and, where different, the name of the child, young person or adult at risk who has allegedly been abused.
  5. Where and when disclosure was made, including date, time and the names of others present.
  6. If you witnessed abuse, write down the date, time and place that it happened. Also include any of this information that is known to you:
  7. When and where the alleged abuse took place, including date(s) and time(s).
  8. Whether anybody else was present when the alleged abuse took place or was involved in the abuse.
  9. Details about the alleged perpetrator (including name, address, place of work).

Print, sign, date and time the record.

Appendix 3.  Types and indicators of abuse

Abuse, maltreatment and neglect can be passive or active; it can consist of a single act or repeated acts.  It may be physical, verbal or psychological, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter a relationship to which he or she has not consented or cannot consent.

Abuse can vary from treating someone with disrespect in a way that significantly affects the person’s quality of life, to causing actual physical suffering or failing to prevent harm.  It is behaviour towards a person that can be either deliberate or an act of neglect or an omission to act, perhaps as a result of ignorance, or lack of training, knowledge or understanding.

Individuals may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger.  Anyone can be a perpetrator of abuse; it could be a paid carer, volunteer or a health or social care worker; a relative, friend, neighbour or an occasional visitor; another resident or service user, or someone who is providing a service.

Abuse of children

Children may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.  The government guidelines “Working Together to Safeguard Children” identify the following types of abuse.  The NSPCC identifies possible indicators of abuse (detailed below).

Physical abuse

This may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.  Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child.

Indications of possible physical abuse include: bruising on the head, ear, neck, abdomen, back, buttocks, upper arm, back of leg, hands or feet; burns and scalds; bite marks; scarring; broken bones (including those in different stages of healing); effects of poisoning such as vomiting and drowsiness; respiratory problems.

Emotional abuse

This is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development.  It may involve conveying to a child that they are worthless, unloved or inadequate.  It may involve bullying, causing children to feel frightened or in danger, humiliating them, or ignoring them.  It may also involve a child witnessing domestic abuse.

Babies and younger children who are experiencing emotional abuse may:

Older children may:

Sexual abuse

This type of abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.  Examples of physical contact include: sexual touching of any part of the body whether the child’s wearing clothes or not; rape or penetration by putting an object or body part inside a child’s mouth, vagina or anus; forcing or encouraging a child to take part in sexual activity; making a child take their clothes off, touch someone else’s genitals or masturbate.

Examples of non-contact abuse include: encouraging a child to watch or hear sexual acts; not taking proper measures to prevent a child being exposed to sexual activities by others; meeting a child following sexual grooming with the intent of abusing them; online abuse including making, viewing or distributing child abuse images; allowing someone else to make, view or distribute child abuse images; showing pornography to a child; sexually exploiting a child for money, power or status (child exploitation).

Children who are being sexually abused may: avoid being alone with people, such as family members or friends; seem frightened of a person or reluctant to socialise with them; become sexually active at a young age; be promiscuous; use sexual language or know information that you wouldn’t expect them to; have physical symptoms such as anal or vaginal soreness, unusual discharge, STIs or pregnancy.

Neglect

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs and is the most common form of child abuse.  A child may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care.  A child may be put in danger or not protected from physical or emotional harm.  They may not get the love, care and attention they need.  Neglect is dangerous and can cause serious long-term damage.  It can be just as damaging as other types of abuse.

Children who are being neglected may: have poor appearance and hygiene (eg be smelly and dirty); be hungry; have untreated medical conditions; be tired; be underweight; not have appropriate clothing (eg no warm coat in winter); be caring for other family members.

Abuse of adults

Adult abuse can occur in any relationship and it may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it.  The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) identifies the following types of abuse and possible indicators.

Physical abuse

Including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, pushing, rough handling, force feeding, misuse of medication, restraint, or inappropriate sanctions (eg deprivation of food, clothing, warmth and healthcare).

Possible indicators of physical abuse include: no explanation for injuries or inconsistency with the account of what happened; injuries inconsistent with the person’s lifestyle; bruising, cuts, welts, burns and/or marks on the body or loss of hair in clumps; frequent injuries; unexplained falls; subdued or changed behaviour in the presence of a particular person; signs of malnutrition; failure to seek medical treatment.

Domestic abuse

Domestic violence and abuse include any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.  It also includes so called ‘honour’ -based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Possible indicators of domestic abuse include low self-esteem; feeling that the abuse is their fault when it is not; physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts, broken bones; verbal abuse and humiliation in front of others; fear of outside intervention; damage to home or property; isolation – not seeing friends and family; limited access to money.

Sexual abuse

Including 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.

Possible indicators of sexual abuse include: bruising, particularly to the thighs, buttocks and upper arms and marks on the neck; bleeding, pain or itching in the genital area; unusual difficulty in walking or sitting; infections, unexplained genital discharge, or sexually transmitted diseases; pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sexual intercourse; the uncharacteristic use of explicit sexual language or significant changes in sexual behaviour or attitude; incontinence not related to any medical diagnosis; self-harming; poor concentration, withdrawal, sleep disturbance; excessive fear/apprehension of, or withdrawal from, relationships; fear of receiving help with personal care; reluctance to be alone with a particular person.

Psychological and emotional abuse

Including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, enforced social isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.

Possible indicators of psychological and emotional abuse include: an air of silence when a particular person is present; withdrawal or change in the psychological state of the person; insomnia; low self-esteem; uncooperative and aggressive behaviour; change of appetite, weight loss/gain; signs of distress: tearfulness, anger.

Financial or material abuse

Including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Possible indicators of financial or material abuse include: missing personal possessions; unexplained lack of money or inability to maintain lifestyle; unexplained withdrawal of funds from accounts; the person allocated to manage financial affairs is evasive or uncooperative; the family or others show unusual interest in the assets of the person; recent changes in deeds or title to property; rent arrears and eviction notices; disparity between the person’s living conditions and their financial resources, eg insufficient food in the house; unnecessary property repairs.

Neglect and acts of omission

Including failure to meet medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social-care or educational services, withholding of necessities of life, such as medication, clothing, adequate nutrition and heating, failure to give privacy and dignity.

Possible indicators of neglect or acts of omission include: poor environment – dirty or unhygienic; poor physical condition and/or personal hygiene; pressure sores or ulcers; malnutrition or unexplained weight loss; untreated injuries and medical problems; inconsistent or reluctant contact with medical and social care organisations; accumulation of untaken medication; uncharacteristic failure to engage in social interaction; inappropriate or inadequate clothing.

Modern slavery

Types of modern slavery include human trafficking; forced labour; domestic servitude; sexual exploitation; debt bondage – being forced to work to pay off debts that realistically they never will be able to.

Possible indicators of modern slavery include: signs of physical or emotional abuse; appearing to be malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn; isolation from the community, seeming under the control or influence of others; living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation and or living and working at the same address; lack of personal effects or identification documents; always wearing the same clothes; avoidance of eye contact, appearing frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers; fear of law enforcers.

Discriminatory abuse

Including racist or sexist abuse and abuse based on a person’s disability, age or sexuality and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

Possible indicators of discriminatory abuse include: the person appears withdrawn and isolated; expressions of anger, frustration, fear or anxiety; the support on offer does not take account of the person’s individual needs in terms of a protected characteristic.

Organisational and institutional abuse

This is systematic abuse by an organisation to service-users who are at risk. It includes failure to meet physical, medical, emotional and social needs.

Indicators of organisational or institutional abuse include people being hungry, cold, dirty or inappropriately dressed; people not receiving suitable medical care; absence of visitors; lack of social activities.

Self-neglect

Self-neglect may require intervention if the person is unable to take care of themselves.  Types of self- neglect include: lack of self-care to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety; neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings; inability to avoid self-harm; failure to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs; inability or unwillingness to manage one’s personal affairs.

Possible indicators of self-neglect include: very poor personal hygiene; unkempt appearance; lack of essential food, clothing or shelter; malnutrition and/or dehydration; living in squalid or unsanitary conditions; neglecting household maintenance; hoarding; collecting a large number of animals in inappropriate conditions; non-compliance with health or care services; inability or unwillingness to take medication or treat illness or injury.

Appendix 4: Glossary of terms

Harm: Psychological, physical and any other infringement of an individual’s rights 

Sexual exploitation: Means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.  This definition incudes human trafficking and modern slavery.

Survivor: The person who has been abused or exploited.  The term ‘survivor’ is often used in preference to ‘victim’ as it implies strength, resilience and the capacity to survive, however it is the individual’s choice how they wish to identify themselves.

Regulated activity: The full, legal definition of regulated activity is set out in Schedule 4 of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, as amended (in particular, by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012).  The following summary of the definition is derived from this document: www.gov.uk/government/publications/disclosure-and-barring-informationleaflets.  Regulated activity excludes family arrangements, and personal, non-commercial arrangements.

Regulated activity relating to children

  1. Unsupervised activities: teach, train, instruct, care for or supervise children, or provide advice/guidance on well-being, or drive a vehicle only for children
  2. Work for a limited range of establishments (‘specified places’), with opportunity for contact:  for example, schools, children’s homes, childcare premises.  Not work by supervised volunteers.

 Work under (i) or (ii) is regulated activity only if done regularly by the same person:

Regulated activity relating to adults

Regulated activity relating to adults no longer labels adults as ‘vulnerable’.  Instead, the definition identifies the activities which, if any adult requires them, lead to that adult being considered vulnerable at that particular time.  This means that the focus is on the activities required by the adult and not on the setting in which the activity is received, nor on the personal characteristics or circumstances of the adult receiving the activities.

There are six categories of people who fall within the definition of regulated activity (and so will anyone who provides day to day management or supervision of those people).

  1. Providing health care
  2. Providing personal care
  3. Providing social work
  4. Assistance with cash, bills and/or shopping
  5. Assistance in the conduct of a person’s own affairs
  6. Conveying.

Responsibility for children, young people and vulnerable adults

Responsibility for a child ultimately lies with the parent or whoever is in loco parentis for that child.  This is usually a teacher, social worker, carer or guardian, whichever applies.  Responsibility for an adult at risk ultimately lies with the person undertaking regulated activity relating to that individual.

Children aged 12 or under must be accompanied at all organised events by a responsible adult; at school visits, the teacher is in loco parentis.  These adults are responsible for supervising the children in their care at all times and this is clearly stated in communications between Foundations and the organisation/responsible adult prior to the visit.

Adult to pupil rations for facilitated school visits

To protect students, employees, workers, contractors and agency workers we require the following adult to pupil ratios for facilitated school visits:

Cost ratings:

Rated 1: Set up and delivery is low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of less than £100.

Rated 2: Set up and delivery is medium-low cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £100–£499.

Rated 3: Set up and delivery is medium cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £500–£999.

Rated 4: Set up and delivery is medium-high cost, equivalent to an estimated unit cost of £1,000–£2,000.

Rating 5: Set up and delivery is high cost. Equivalent to an estimated unit cost of more than £2,000.

Set up and delivery cost is not applicable, not available, or has not been calculated.

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Child Outcomes:

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Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing child maltreatment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Enhancing school achievement & employment: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing crime, violence and antisocial behaviour: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing substance abuse: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing risky sexual behaviour & teen pregnancy: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Preventing obesity and promoting healthy physical development: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient.

Evidence ratings:

Rated 2: Has preliminary evidence of improving a child outcome from a quantitative impact study, but there is not yet evidence of causal impact.

Rated 2+: Meets the level 2 rating and the best available evidence is based on a study which is more rigorous than a level 2 standard but does not meet the level 3 standard.

Rated 3: Has evidence of a short-term positive impact from at least one rigorous study.

Rated 3+: Meets the level 3 rating and has evidence from other studies with a comparison group at level 2 or higher.

Rated 4: Has evidence of a long-term positive impact through at least two rigorous studies.

Rated 4+: Meets the level 4 rating and has at least a third study contributing to the Level 4 rating, with at least one of the studies conducted independently of the intervention provider.

Rating has a *: The evidence base includes mixed findings i.e., studies suggesting positive impact alongside studies, which on balance, indicate no effect or negative impact.

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