nordic walking with alison

Safeguarding Adults Policy

Last revised

15/08/2025

Minimum frequency of review

Annual

 

Policy Statement

nordic walking with alison has a statutory duty through its employees, directors, freelance Nordic walking instructors and volunteers to safeguard (protect from abuse or neglect) adults with care and support needs with whom they come into contact, who are experiencing or are at risk of abuse. It also recognises a moral duty to safeguard anyone, regardless of whether the statutory duty applies. This policy and procedure applies to all types of abuse.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Alison Findlay   

Contact details: alisonfindlayconsultancy@hotmail.com

Definitions

Under the Care Act 2014, Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of these needs) and;

• Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect; and

• As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.

The statutory guidance enshrines the six principles of safeguarding:

1. Empowerment – presumption of person led decisions and informed consent

2. Prevention – it is better to take action before harm occurs

3. Proportionality – proportionate and least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented

4. Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need

5. Partnership – local solutions through services working in their communities

6. Accountability – accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding

Abuse

Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human and civil rights.  It can be single or repeated acts.  It may be something that is done to the person or something not done when it should have been.  It does not necessarily have to be intentional, the most important thing is whether the adult at risk has been harmed.

Abuse can be:

• physical: any form of assault, over-medication, unnecessary restraint or bad manual handling

• financial: theft, borrowing money and not repaying it, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs and arrangements

• sexual: rape or any sexual act that the victim didn’t consent to or couldn’t understand

• psychological or emotional: threats, intimidation, coercion, harassment or bullying

• neglect: ignoring medical or physical needs, not providing access to care, withholding essentials such as medication, food, water and heating

• discriminatory: all forms of harassment based on a disability, ethnicity, gender or sexuality

• institutional: repeated poor care and treatment of vulnerable adults, and unsatisfactory professional practice

• modern slavery: slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude

• self-neglect: not caring for personal hygiene, health or surroundings, including behaviour like hoarding which puts the person, or others, at risk

Legislation

• The Care Act 2014 and accompanying guidance provides the Legal Framework for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults.

• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975

• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 2002

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 – special measures for ‘vulnerable’ and/or ‘intimidated’ witnesses. Intermediaries for those with difficulty giving their evidence.

• Mental Health Act 1983 – an Approved Mental Health Practitioner can enter and inspect premises if they believe someone with a mental disorder is not receiving proper care (S.115). The police can enter and remove to a place of safety someone with a mental disorder if they suspect they are being neglected or abused by another or by themselves (S.135).

• Mental Capacity Act 2005 – including criminal offences under S.44 around ill-treating and/or wilfully neglecting someone without capacity.

• Equality Act 2010 – in terms of anti-discrimination

• The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations 2002

• Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

• Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Procedure – Introduction

This procedure outlines the steps to be followed if a Responsible Person suspects that a nordic walking with alison participant is at risk of abuse.  It refers to abuse, or suspicion of abuse, of an adult with care and support needs that a Responsible Adult becomes aware of during their work at nordic walking with alison. 

What to do

• Any Responsible Person who becomes aware that an adult with care and support needs is, or is at risk of, being abused should raise the matter immediately with nordic walking with alison’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).  The DSL will support you to decide whether you think the person is at risk of abuse or is experiencing abuse, which they may not be able to protect themselves from as a result of their care and support needs. 

• If there does appear to be abuse, or a risk of abuse, towards an adult with care and support needs, a plan should be agreed which takes account of the nature of the abuse, the seriousness of it, the extent of the vulnerability of the adult, and the risk to them or to others. Where the adult is also a parent, consideration should be given to any possible safeguarding for children that arises out of the abuse or risk of abuse. For any safeguarding concerns for children, Responsible Persons should consider the Safeguarding Children Policy. A decision should be taken on whether it is appropriate to inform an outside agency, and whether there are grounds for not seeking or overriding the participant’s consent. 

• Further action may include contacting the police, the participant’s social worker or other support worker, GP, or any other agency that is relevant and appropriate – if in doubt, advice should be sought from the local safeguarding team – see contact details below.  All concerns and actions taken must be documented clearly as a Concerns Log (see below) which is only accessible to the Owner.

• If appropriate and where possible, explain what you have to do and whom you have to tell, to the person involved or the person informing of the abuse.  Ensure that they are kept informed about what will happen next, so they can be reassured about what to expect.

• There may be circumstances when the participant does not give consent, but the Responsible Person believes that the matter is so serious that they are considering breaching participant confidentiality.  Any potential breach of confidentiality should be discussed with the DSL before any action is taken. 

• If a disclosure is to be made/information is to be given to another agency, a decision needs to be taken on who should do this – normally the Responsible Person who has had direct contact with the participant and who has raised the concerns is best placed to do this with support.

• Ensure that the person subject to alleged abuse is safe and supported before proceeding with any other action. In most situations there will not be an immediate threat and the decision about protecting the person will be taken in consultation with Social Services.  In some circumstances it may be necessary to take immediate action to protect the person by calling the police. 

• Direct calls to the police should be reserved for incidents of assault and violence where an element of urgency applies. If you require immediate response and assistance from the police, that is if you cannot stop the incident that is currently happening, or you think that it will re-occur shortly, you should make an emergency 999 call.

• A direct call to the police via the local station on the non-urgent number 101 is appropriate if a crime may have been committed and/or the person subject to alleged abuse wishes to talk to the police at that time, and/or there is evidence to preserve and/or the alleged perpetrator of the offence may come back before you can act to protect the vulnerable adult.

• Record the discussion accurately giving the name and contact details of the person you spoke to, as soon as possible after the event and save in the Concerns Log.

Contact details

Bristol Social Services & Health -

Make an online report via https://www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/social-care-and-health/adults-and-older-people/report-suspected-abuse

Or telephone Bristol Adult Duty Desk (Bristol Care Direct):  Tel:  0117 922 2700 Mon – Fri 8.30 – 5.00 p.m. There’s an answerphone service outside of these hours.

South Gloucestershire Adult Protection services -

https://sites.southglos.gov.uk/safeguarding/adults/i-am-a-carerrelative/concerned-about-an-adult/

Telephone 01454 868007 

The Care Quality Commission (CQC)

For allegations of abuse in care homes or registered home care agencies, or nursing agencies (in addition to reporting to the relevant local authority): http://www.cqc.org.uk/

Support to Responsible Persons

The key contact and/or DSL should make themselves available to any Responsible Person reporting concern or an incident to talk it through and offer additional support.  If Social Services or the Police need further information or involvement, a decision will need to be taken about whether the employee or the DSL will talk with them.

Allegations against Responsible Persons

Responsible Persons may also be subject to allegations of abusing vulnerable people.  While support will be offered, nordic walking with alison will ensure that Social Services or the police are given all assistance in pursuing any investigation. All allegations of this nature will be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) using contact details above.  Suspension and/or the disciplinary procedure may be implemented. 

Confidentiality

nordic walking with alison respects everyone’s right to confidentiality, however we believe that the welfare of vulnerable people has to take priority and we have a duty to disclose abuse to the appropriate agency if deemed necessary. 

Recruitment of Responsible Persons

• In line with good practice guidelines, DBS checks are carried out on recruitment and renewed every three years. Records of DBS checks are held centrally.

• Training in safeguarding is provided for all newly recruited Responsible Persons as part of induction and annual top up training provided.

Whistleblowing

We encourage any Responsible Person with concerns about the behaviours of colleagues or who suspects misconduct on the part of a colleague or a failure to protect individuals to report it without fear of retaliation. Reports should be made to the DSL. If the concern is about the DSL, the report should be made to the deputy DSL. All concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with sensitivity to protect both the whistleblower and those involved.

Review

As part of our commitment to Safeguarding, nordic walking with alison will review this policy and good practice on an annual basis.

Cross Reference

Concerns log

When documenting adult safeguarding concerns, Responsible Persons should include as much detail as possible, and make sure the report is factual, legible, and signed and dated: 

• When: The date and time of the incident, or when you were told about it 

• Who: Who was involved, and any other witnesses 

• What: What happened, in the person's own words 

• Where: Where the adult is now, and what actions have been taken to keep them safe 

• Evidence: The source of your evidence, and what is fact and what is opinion 

• Needs: The adult's care and support needs, including communication and health needs 

• Risks: Immediate risks, and action taken to address them 

• Communication: The adult's preferred method of communication 

• History: Any relevant history, including previous concerns 

• Consent: The adult's views and wishes, including consent 

• Advocacy: Whether there is any advocacy involvement, such as from family or friends 

 

Code of Conduct

nordic walking with alison requires that all Responsible Persons observe all of the procedures in the Code of Conduct Listed below.

• Treat all participants equally, with dignity and respect.

• Always put the welfare of participants first.

• Maintain a professional and friendly but non-personal, non-sexual dialogue at all times with all participants.

• Maintain a safe and appropriate physical and emotional distance.

• Provide an example of good conduct for others to follow.

• Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback, rather than criticism without the encouragement to improve.

• Recognise and understand the development needs and learning capacity of participants.

• Challenge unacceptable behaviour and language.

​

Cross reference with Safeguarding Children Policy

 

 

nordic walking with alison

Safeguarding Children Policy

Last revised

15/08/2025

Minimum frequency of review

Annual

Policy Statement

nordic walking with alison considers that the welfare of the child is paramount and it is the duty of employees, directors, freelance Nordic walking instructors and volunteers “Responsible Persons” under HM Government’s Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 to implement this policy, and to ensure that it has in place appropriate procedures to safeguard the well-being of children and young people and protect them from abuse.

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Alison Findlay   

Contact details: alisonfindlayconsultancy@hotmail.com

Definitions

Safeguarding is a term which is broader than ‘child protection’ as it also includes prevention. Whilst local authorities play a lead role, safeguarding children and protecting them from harm is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play. We commit to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for children. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined as:

• protecting children from maltreatment

• preventing impairment of children's health or development

• ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care

• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

The statutory guidance enshrines the six principles of safeguarding:

1. Empowerment – presumption of person led decisions and informed consent

2. Prevention – it is better to take action before harm occurs

3. Proportionality – proportionate and least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented

4. Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need

5. Partnership – local solutions through services working in their communities

6. Accountability – accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding

 

Definitions of Abuse

Child abuse is any action by another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to a child. The 1989 Children Act recognises four categories of abuse:

 

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

​

• involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non- penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching the outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse. Sexual abuse can take place online and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children (see Peer on peer abuse).

 

• the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child 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 or unloved, inadequate, or valued only in so far as they meet the needs of another person. It may include not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or “making fun” of what they say or how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond a child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing a child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, though it may occur alone. Amalgamated Safeguarding & Child Protection PolicyV3.16.07.24 Company Registration No.07618182

 

• the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to: a. Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment) b. Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger c. Ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers) d. Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to a child’s basic emotional needs.

 

Safeguarding issues

Historical Abuse There may be occasions when a child will disclose abuse (sexual, physical, emotional or neglect) which occurred in the past. This information needs to be treated in exactly the same way as a disclosure of current child abuse. The reason for this is that the abuser may still represent a risk to children now.

 

Domestic Abuse Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate family partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological; physical; sexual; financial and emotional. Exposure to domestic abuse and/or violence can have a serious, long lasting impact on children. Children experiencing this may demonstrate many of the symptoms listed in section B. Staff will need to treat them sensitively, record their concerns and consider informing First Response.

 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) FGM has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985. In 2003 it also became a criminal offence for UK nationals or permanent residents to take their child abroad to have female genital mutilation (Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003) Anyone found guilty of the offence faces a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. Section 73 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 amended the Female Genital Mutilation Act to include FGM protections orders (FGMPOs). An FGM protection order is a civil measure which can be applied for through a family court. The FGM protection order offers the means of protecting actual or potential victims from FGM under civil law. It is helpful if you can have conversations at the earliest opportunity with parents and carers and provide information in leaflets and posters about FGM from this website All agencies have a statutory responsibility to safeguard children in terms of preventing girls from FGM and identifying children who have already survived the procedure.

Additional safeguarding action

• Bullying, including online bullying (cyberbullying)and prejudice-based bullying

• Racist, disability and homophobic or transphobic abuse

• Gender-based violence/violence against women and girls

• Peer on Peer Abuse (bullying, physical abuse, sexual violence, sexual harassment, up skirting, sexting and initiation/hazing)

• Child Sexual Exploitation and trafficking Modern slavery/trafficking/children from abroad

• Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines (Serious violence)

• Gang activity or youth violence • Risks linked to using technology and social media, including online bullying; the risks of being groomed online for exploitation or radicalisation; and risks of accessing and generating inappropriate content, e.g.: “sexting” and accessing pornography

• Teenage relationship abuse

• Substance abuse

• Homelessnes

• Forced marriage

• So-called “honour-based” violence HBV (this includes Forced Marriage, FGM and Breast Ironing)

 

The Prevent Duty/Radicalisation

As with managing other safeguarding risks, staff should be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection. It is important to take action if staff observe behaviour of concern. The Police Prevent Team can give advice, contact 01278 647466 or ring 101 and ask for the Prevent team, explaining you are calling about extremism or radicalisation. Any concerns about a child will be dealt with using the usual safeguarding routes.

Legislation

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65cb4349a7ded0000c79e4e1/ Working_together_to_safeguard_children_2023_-_statutory_guidance.pdf

Procedure – Introduction

This procedure outlines the steps to be followed if a Responsible Person suspects that a nordic walking with alison participant is at risk of abuse.  It refers to abuse, or suspicion of abuse, of a child that Responsible Persons become aware of during their work at nordic walking with alison. 

What to do

• Any Responsible Person who becomes aware that a child is, or is at risk of, being abused should raise the matter immediately with nordic walking with alison’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).  The DSL will support you to decide whether you think the person is at risk of abuse or is experiencing abuse, which they may not be able to protect themselves from as a result of their care and support needs. 

• In a medical emergency, your first action may need to be one of the following: • Telephone for an ambulance, or; • Ask the parent to take the child to the hospital at once, or; • Take the child yourself. The child is the legal responsibility of the parent/carer and they must be involved as soon as practical, unless to do so would put the child at immediate risk of harm.

• If there does appear to be abuse, or a risk of abuse, towards a child, a plan should be agreed which takes account of the nature of the abuse, the seriousness of it, and the risk to them or to others. For any safeguarding concerns for vulnerable adults, employees should consider the Safeguarding Adult’s Policy. A decision should be taken on whether it is appropriate to inform an outside agency, and whether there are grounds for not seeking or overriding the participant’s consent. 

• Further action may include contacting the police, the participant’s social worker or other support worker, GP, or any other agency that is relevant and appropriate – if in doubt, advice should be sought from the local safeguarding team – see contact details below.  All concerns and actions taken must be documented clearly in Concerns Log (see below) which is only accessible to the Directors.

• If appropriate and where possible, explain what you have to do and whom you have to tell, to the child involved or the person informing of the abuse.  Ensure that they are kept informed about what will happen next, so they can be reassured about what to expect.

• If a disclosure is to be made/information is to be given to another agency, a decision needs to be taken on who should do this – normally the employee who has had direct contact with the child and who has raised the concerns is best placed to do this with support.

• Ensure that the child subject to alleged abuse is safe and supported before proceeding with any other action. In most situations there will not be an immediate threat and the decision about protecting the child will be taken in consultation with the parent/carer unless to do so would put the child at immediate risk of harm and Social Services.  In some circumstances it may be necessary to take immediate action to protect the child by calling the police. 

• Record the discussion accurately giving the name and contact details of the person you spoke to, as soon as possible after the event and save in the Concerns Log.

Contact details and further information

South West Child Protection Procedures provide detailed online information on all aspects of child protection, e.g : Staff allegations https://swcpp.trixonline.co.uk/

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65cb4349a7ded0000c79e4e1/

Working_together_to_safeguard_children_2023_-_statutory_guidance.pdf

First Response online Request for Help form- (Please note you cannot print off a copy of this form, so keep a record of the information sent)

Do not send any child or family details by unsecured email.

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/social-care-health/make-a-referral-to-first-response

https://bristolsafeguarding.org/policies-and-guidance/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance

Support to Responsible Persons

The key contact and/or DSL should make themselves available to any Responsible Person reporting concern or an incident to talk it through and offer additional support.  If Social Services or the Police need further information or involvement, a decision will need to be taken about whether the Responsible Person or the DSL will talk with them.

Allegations against Responsible Persons

Responsible Persons may also be subject to allegations of abusing children.  While support will be offered, nordic walking with alison will ensure that Social Services or the police are given all assistance in pursuing any investigation. All allegations of this nature will be reported to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) using contact details above. Suspension and/or the disciplinary procedure may be implemented. 

Confidentiality and Appropriate Disclosure of Information

nordic walking with alison respects everyone’s right to confidentiality, however the welfare of the child is paramount and we have a duty to disclose abuse to the appropriate agency if deemed necessary.  The law does not allow anyone to keep concerns relating to abuse to themselves. Therefore, confidentiality may not be maintained if the withholding of information will prejudice the welfare of the child

Recruitment of Responsible Persons /Appointment of Directors

• In line with good practice guidelines, DBS checks are carried out on recruitment and renewed every three years. Records of DBS checks are held centrally.

• Training in safeguarding is provided for all newly recruited Responsible Persons as part of induction and annual top up training provided.

Whistleblowing

We encourage any Responsible Person with concerns about the behaviours of colleagues or who suspects misconduct on the part of a colleague or a failure to protect individuals to report it without fear of retaliation. Reports should be made to the DSL. If the concern is about the DSL, the report should be made to the deputy DSL. All concerns will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with sensitivity to protect both the whistleblower and those involved.

Review

As part of our commitment to Safeguarding, nordic walking with alison will review this policy and good practice on an annual basis.

Cross Reference

Concerns log

When documenting child safeguarding concerns, Responsible Persons should include as much detail as possible, and make sure the report is factual, legible, and signed and dated: 

• When: The date and time of the incident, or when you were told about it 

• Who: Who was involved, and any other witnesses 

• What: What happened, in the person's own words 

• Where: Where the child is now, and what actions have been taken to keep them safe 

• Evidence: The source of your evidence, and what is fact and what is opinion 

• Needs: The child’s care and support needs, including communication and health needs 

• Risks: Immediate risks, and action taken to address them 

• Communication: The child’s preferred method of communication 

• History: Any relevant history, including previous concerns 

• Consent: The child’s views and wishes, including consent 

• Advocacy: Whether there is any advocacy involvement, such as from family or friends 

 

Code of Conduct

nordic walking with alison requires that all Responsible Persons observe all of the procedures in the Code of Conduct Listed below.

• Treat all participants equally, with dignity and respect.

• Always put the welfare of participants first.

• Maintain a professional and friendly but non-personal, non-sexual dialogue at all times with all participants.

• Maintain a safe and appropriate physical and emotional distance.

• Provide an example of good conduct for others to follow.

• Give enthusiastic and constructive feedback, rather than criticism without the encouragement to improve.

• Recognise and understand the development needs and learning capacity of participants.

• Challenge unacceptable behaviour and language.

​

Cross reference with safeguarding adults policy