Worcestershire CALC Safeguarding Policy for Adults

1. Introduction

Worcestershire CALC is committed to Safeguarding Adults in line with national legislation and relevant national and local guidelines.

Worcestershire CALC is committed to creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm to adults which necessitates: the recognition of adults who may be at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk; knowing how adult abuse, exploitation or neglect manifests itself; and being willing to report safeguarding concerns.

This extends to recognising and reporting harm experienced anywhere, including within our organisation, within other organised community or voluntary activities and in the community.

Worcestershire CALC is committed to best safeguarding practice and to uphold the rights of all adults to live a life free from harm, abuse, exploitation and neglect.

2. Policy Statement 

Worcestershire CALC believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status. 

Worcestershire CALC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.

Worcestershire CALC acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to prevent abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved.

Worcestershire CALC recognises that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience.  We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help.   We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people’s lives.

Worcestershire CALC will act in accordance with the relevant safeguarding adult legislations and with local statutory safeguarding procedures.

Actions taken by Worcestershire CALC will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.

3. Scope 

This safeguarding adult’s policy applies to all individuals involved in Worcestershire CALC including all staff, council members, volunteers and contractors whilst covering all interactions with adults in the course of our work with member councils, parish and town clerks and the general public including at organisation ativities, particularly those who may be vulnerable or at risk

4. Commitments

To implement this policy Worcestershire CALC will ensure that:

• Everyone involved with Worcestershire CALC is aware of the safeguarding adult procedures and knows what to do and whom to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult.
• Any concern that an adult is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up in line with Worcestershire CALC Safeguarding Reporting Procedures

• The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first and the adult actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to.

• Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
  
  
• Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy and Procedures
  
  
• Worcestershire CALC will cooperate with the Police and the relevant Local Authorities in taking action to safeguard an adult.
  
  
• All individuals involved with Worcestershire CALC understand their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults and have completed and are up to date with safeguarding and learning opportunities appropriate for their role.
  
  
• Worcestershire CALC uses safe recruitment practices and continually assesses the suitability of volunteers and staff to prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals in this organisation and within the parish councils.
  
  
• Worcestershire CALC shares information about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies. For example: Disclosure and Barring Services, Police, Local Authority/Social Services.
  
  
• Actions taken under this policy are reviewed by the Board and senior management team on an annual basis.
  
  
• This policy, related policies (see below) and the Safeguarding Adults Procedures are reviewed no less than annually and whenever there are changes in relevant legislation and/or government guidance as required by the Local Safeguarding Board and Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire or because of any other significant change or event.

5. Definitions

Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who:

• Has care and support needs
• Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect
• May be unable to protect themselves because of those needs

Abuse: A violation of a person’s rights or dignity by another individual or group. Abuse can be:

• Physical – assault, hitting, misuse of medication
• Emotional/Psychological – intimidation, threats, isolation
• Sexual – unwanted touching, sexual harassment, exploitation
• Financial/Material – theft, fraud, coercion regarding finances
• Neglect – failure to meet basic needs
• Discriminatory – unequal treatment based on race, gender, disability, etc.
• Organisational – poor practice within care settings

6. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Christopher Wayman, the CEO of Worcestershire CALC (07926 620274) is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and is responsible for:

• Acting as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns
• Ensuring all reports are logged and managed appropriately
• Liaising with local safeguarding authorities
• Leading on policy review and implementation

All Staff, Council Members, Contractors, and Volunteers Must:

• Read and comply with this policy
• Report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL immediately
• Undertake safeguarding training appropriate to their role

7. Recognising Abuse of Adults 

Abuse can happen in any setting and may be perpetrated by someone the individual knows or a stranger. Warning signs include (but are not limited to):

• Unexplained injuries or deterioration in health
• Withdrawal, fearfulness, confusion
• Poor living conditions or hygiene
• Unexplained financial difficulties
• Behaviour indicating distress during digital interactions

8. Responding to Concerns 

When a safeguarding concern arises:

1. Ensure immediate safety of the individual.
2. Report the concern to the DSL without delay.
3. Record the details factually, noting date, time, what was said or observed.
4. Refer to appropriate authority with support from the DSL if needed.

Key Contacts for Safeguarding Adults:

• Adult Social Care Access Centre – 01905 768053
• Out-of-Hours Emergency Duty Team – 01905 768020
• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance) – 999 (if someone is at immediate risk)

9. Confidentiality and Information Sharing 

Safeguarding concerns must be shared appropriately to protect the adult at risk. Information will only be shared:

• On a need-to-know basis
• In accordance with the law (including the Care Act 2014 and Data Protection Act 2018)
• With the individual’s consent, unless doing so would place them or others at greater risk

10. Safer Recruitment 

Worcestershire CALC will ensure robust recruitment practices are in place for all individuals working with vulnerable adults, including:

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where required
• Verification of identity and qualifications
• Reference checks and safeguarding competency assessments

11. Training and Awareness 

To promote effective safeguarding:

• All staff, volunteers, and council members will receive appropriate safeguarding training
• Refresher training will be provided periodically and appropriately
• Worcestershire CALC will promote safeguarding awareness among member councils

12. Monitoring and Review 

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

• Legislation or guidance changes
• A safeguarding incident requires procedural updates
• Learning from audits or reviews highlights improvements

Policy Adoption Date: 20^th February 2026
Next Review Due: February 2027
Approved by: Worcestershire CALC Executive

Safeguard reporting