Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. It requires people and organisations to work together to prevent harm, reduce risk, and respond appropriately to concerns, while promoting the adult’s wellbeing. This includes considering the person’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, and desired outcomes when deciding on any action.
We recognise that adults may have complex relationships and may be uncertain, ambivalent, or unrealistically optimistic about their circumstances. Safeguarding practice must reflect this complexity whilst maintaining respect, dignity, and autonomy.
Families Out Loud must always promote an adult’s well being within their safeguarding arrangements. Safety is only one aspect of well being. Staff should work collaboratively with the individual to understand what safety means to them and how this can best be achieved. Safeguarding actions must be proportionate and must reflect the principles set out in Section 1 of the Care Act 2014.
Safeguarding Principles
Six statutory principles underpin all adult safeguarding practice:
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Empowerment - Adults are supported to make their own decisions and give informed consent. “I am asked what I want from the safeguarding process, and my views guide what happens.”
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Prevention - Action is taken before harm occurs. “I receive clear information about what abuse is, how to recognise it, and how to seek help.”
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Proportionality - Responses are the least intrusive appropriate to the risk presented. “Professionals act in my best interests and only become involved as much as necessary.”
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Protection - Support and representation are provided for those in greatest need. “I receive help to report abuse and to take part in safeguarding processes to the extent I choose.”
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Partnership - Local services and communities work together, recognising that everyone plays a part in preventing and reporting abuse. “I know that my information is treated confidentially and only shared when necessary, and that professionals work together with me.”
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Accountability - There is transparency in safeguarding practice. “I understand the roles of everyone involved, and so do they.”
Making Safeguarding Personal
Safeguarding should be person-led and outcome-focused.
This means engaging the adult in conversations about how best to respond to concerns in a way that promotes involvement, choice, control, well being, and quality of life.
(Care Act 2014)
Families Out Loud – Adult Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding concerns may arise at any stage of work undertaken by the Support Team. Where concerns are identified, a safeguarding incident form will be completed. All actions taken will align with the Six Key Principles and will be proportionate, person-centred, and tailored to the individual’s circumstances.
Individuals using our services are informed about how safeguarding concerns are handled and that the Clinical Supervisor and Safeguarding Lead may become involved when a concern is raised.
While we aim to involve the adult in all safeguarding decisions, certain situations may require immediate action—for example where there is a risk of imminent harm or where an adult lacks capacity to understand or assess the risks they face. In such cases, Families Out Loud will take appropriate steps to address the concern promptly.
Client Initial Assessment
All individuals accessing Families Out Loud services will undergo an initial assessment with a member of the Support Team. This assessment helps identify whether their needs and desired outcomes are best met through group/family work, counselling, or referral to another agency.
Clinical Supervision
The Clinical Supervisor meets monthly with the Support Team to oversee assessment work, group and family sessions, and counselling practice. Safeguarding concerns may be discussed as appropriate to ensure safe, reflective practice.
Safeguarding Training and DBS Certification
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All Support Team members receive full safeguarding training and are responsible for reporting any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, or Clinical Supervisor.
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Refresher training is completed in line with statutory requirements.
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Relevant team members, trustees, and committee members undergo DBS checks.
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Trustees and committee members also complete required safeguarding training and refreshers.
Safeguarding Leads
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Safeguarding Lead: Lead Counsellor
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Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Trustee responsible for HR
They work with the Clinical Supervisor to ensure that all client safeguarding issues are managed appropriately. They also maintain up-to-date procedures and ensure ongoing training.
Staff & Volunteer Safeguarding
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Safeguarding Lead: Trustee responsible for HR
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Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Lead Counsellor
They ensure staff and volunteer safeguarding issues are addressed correctly and that procedures remain compliant with current legislation.