Safeguarding Adults Policy

1. Our Commitment

At AINT Foundation CIC, safeguarding is central to providing safe, respectful and trauma-informed support.

We are committed to protecting adults from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation while respecting their dignity, independence and rights.

Our safeguarding procedures apply across online, telephone and home-based working environments.

2. Who This Policy Covers

This policy applies to all AINT Foundation CIC staff, volunteers, contractors, students and representatives.

Our approach follows the principles of the Care Act 2014 concerning adults with care and support needs who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

3. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may involve:

• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
• Domestic abuse and coercive control.
• Financial abuse or exploitation.
• Neglect or self-neglect.
• Organisational abuse.
• Digital abuse, online harassment, stalking or technology-facilitated coercion.

We take safeguarding concerns seriously, including those arising during remote sessions.

4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Gillian Teoli

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Mr Mamadu Djalo

All staff and practitioners must report safeguarding concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead through AINT's established reporting procedures.

Practitioners receive annual safeguarding training in accordance with AINT's internal policy.

5. Safeguarding During Online Sessions

To support safety during remote services, practitioners must:

• Confirm the client's location at the beginning of each online session.
• Assess relevant risks, including digital safety concerns.
• Maintain a private and confidential working environment.
• Record safeguarding concerns securely.
• Follow safeguarding escalation procedures when a concern arises.
• Contact emergency services local to the client when there is immediate danger.

Practitioners must follow AINT's lone-working and confidentiality procedures.

6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We respect the confidentiality of information shared during our services.

However, confidentiality may need to be limited where disclosure is necessary and legally justified to protect someone from harm.

Information is shared only when appropriate, proportionate and consistent with applicable safeguarding and data-protection responsibilities.

7. Responding to Concerns

When a safeguarding concern arises, our procedures require staff to:

1. Recognise and document the concern.
2. Report it immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
3. Assess the risk and take appropriate protective action.
4. Involve relevant safeguarding agencies or emergency services when necessary.
5. Maintain accurate and secure records.

AINT works with relevant safeguarding authorities and partner agencies where appropriate.

8. Safeguarding Records

Safeguarding information is handled securely and confidentially.

Under AINT's Data Protection Policy, safeguarding records are retained for 10 years, subject to applicable legal requirements.

9. Reporting a Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern involving AINT Foundation CIC services, please contact:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 03000 301309

Concerns involving immediate danger should be reported directly to emergency services rather than waiting for an AINT response.

10. Emergency Support

AINT Foundation CIC is not an emergency or crisis-response service.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

For urgent NHS advice, contact NHS 111.

For emotional support, contact Samaritans on 116 123.

11. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure that safeguarding procedures remain appropriate and effective.