Safeguarding Policy

Referral and Reporting Procedures

If you have concerns about a child or adult at risk, you can refer these to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), who manages such allegations. If you believe the Safeguarding Officer has not addressed your concern appropriately or you disagree with their decision on the referral, you have the right and responsibility to make a direct referral to the local authority safeguarding service. In cases where the Safeguarding Coordinator is implicated, report your concern to another appropriate representative within Equinox Therapy, who will follow the established procedures.

We understand that expressing concerns or receiving disclosures about potential abuse can be uncomfortable or distressing. It is crucial to report any concerns to the Safeguarding Officer without attempting to judge or assess the situation. Evaluating risk is the responsibility of others. Equinox Therapy members, staff, or consultants must ensure that they report any concerns or disclosures. When someone confides in you, allow them to speak freely without interruption, reflecting back their words to show understanding, regardless of how unlikely their account may seem. Maintain a calm demeanor, even if you feel differently inside.

Guidelines

Equinox Therapy will adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Ensure the safety and well-being of the individual at risk, calling emergency services if there is immediate danger.
  • Demonstrate that their concerns are taken seriously.
  • Reassure them that they are not to blame.
  • Be honest about the need to report the concern to someone else (e.g., the Safeguarding Officer).
  • Inform them that a record will be made of what has been said as soon as possible.
  • If the individual decides not to proceed with the disclosure, respect their decision but inform them that you are always available to listen and that you must still notify the Safeguarding Officer that a conversation took place.
  • Use language appropriate to the individual’s age.
  • For those with communication difficulties, such as hearing or sight impairments, learning difficulties, or non-native English speakers, ensure an appropriate interpreter is available.

Do not conduct your own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse. Report any information or concerns to the Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible. The Safeguarding Officer will then collect and clarify details using the template provided in Annex A and pass these details to the relevant statutory agencies responsible for investigation.

Understanding Abuse

Abuse is the misuse of power by someone in a dominant position, occurring in family, institutional, or community settings. The abuser is often someone known and trusted by the victim, and abuse involves exploitation and a violation of human and civil rights. Whether intentional or not, the key factor is the harm caused.

Forms of abuse include:

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing, or misuse of medication.
  • Sexual abuse: Sexual assault, rape, or coerced sexual acts.
  • Psychological abuse: Threats, emotional abuse, humiliation, verbal abuse, intimidation, coercion, harassment, and deprivation.
  • Material/financial abuse: Fraud, theft, exploitation, and misappropriation of resources.
  • Neglect & Acts of Omission: Ignoring physical care needs, withholding basic necessities, and failure to provide appropriate health and social care.
  • Discrimination: Harassment or exclusion based on race, creed, culture, gender, or other characteristics.

Bullying

Bullying involves deliberate, repeated harm that targets individuals who struggle to defend themselves. It can be physical (e.g., hitting), verbal (e.g., insults), or emotional (e.g., social exclusion). The impact of bullying can be severe, affecting health and development and potentially causing significant harm.

Other Types of Abuse

  • Spiritual abuse: Intimidating leaders imposing their will on others.
  • Domestic violence: Threatening behavior among intimate partners or family members.
  • Modern Slavery: Encompassing slavery, human trafficking, forced labor, and domestic servitude.
  • Organisational Abuse: Poor care practices within institutions.
  • Self-Neglect: Neglecting personal hygiene, health, or surroundings.

Indicators of Abuse

Equinox Therapy focuses on the treatment of adults at this time therefore all policies related to safeguarding are relevant to adults only.

Adults:

  • Disclosures of abuse, frequent unexplained injuries, depression, neglected personal care, sudden behavior changes, confusion, financial hardship, denial of problems, and reluctance to attend medical appointments.

Code of Conduct

  • Treat all vulnerable adults with respect and sensitivity.
  • Maintain the safety and dignity of those in your care.
  • Ensure vulnerable adults know about designated staff members who can help with concerns.
  • Be familiar with and follow Equinox Therapy’s Safeguarding Policy and reporting procedures.

Sharing Information

  • Volunteers must report any concerns about potential abuse of vulnerable adults to staff as part of their Duty of Care.
  • Accurate, dated records of concerns and disclosures must be made by volunteers.
  • Designated staff will liaise with relevant agencies and forward records of concern, keeping copies on file for designated staff members only.

Confidentiality and respect for the involved individuals are paramount. Avoid making assumptions and discussing concerns indiscriminately.

Monitoring

Equinox Therapy will review this policy annually to ensure its effectiveness. The designated Safeguarding Officer is Anette Haug.