Lighthouse West Yorkshire Safeguarding Policy 

May 2024

Table of Contents

Section 1: Details of the organisation

Section 2: Introduction

Section 3: Prevention

Section 4: Partnership working

Section 5: Responding to allegations of abuse

Section 6: Pastoral Care

APPENDIX 1: Safeguarding statement

APPENDIX 2: Detailed definitions of abuse

APPENDIX 3: Responding to a disclosure of abuse

APPENDIX 4: Volunteer Policy

APPENDIX 5: Example Risk Assessment (Day Trip)

APPENDIX 6: Lighthouse West Yorkshire behaviour code for working with vulnerable adults

APPENDIX 7: Incident Report form

APPENDIX 8: Action For Adults at risk flowchart

APPENDIX 9: Whistle Blowing Policy

APPENDIX 10: Social Media Guidance

APPENDIX 11: Worship Agreement

Section 1: Details of the organisation

Name of Organisation: Lighthouse West Yorkshire

Address: St George’s Church, Great George Street, Leeds, LS13BR

Tel No: 07542985545

General Email address: hello@lighthousewy.org.uk

Charity Number: 1164239

Regulators: The Charity Commission

Insurance Company: Hine (Aviva)

Trustee for Safeguarding: Jamie Woodhead 

Trustee for Safeguarding Email: woodhead.jamie@gmail.com

Trustee for Safeguarding Number: 07710751509

Designated Safeguarding Lead Name: Jon Swales

Designated Safeguarding Lead Contact Email: jon.swales@lighthousewy.org.uk

Designated Safeguarding Lead Contact Number: 07772386737

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Name: Jack Flowers

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Contact Email: jack.flowers@lighthousewy.org.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Contact Number: 07517260575

Membership Organisation: thirtyoneeight

Membership Organisation Safeguarding Contact Number: 03030031111

The following is a description of our organisation and the type of activities we undertake with vulnerable adults, many of whom have multiple and complex needs.

Lighthouse is a Christian organisation working with those battered and bruised by the storms of life. It seeks to share the love of Christ with those who may have experienced or are experiencing homelessness, addiction, crises in mental health, bereavement, loneliness etc. This takes the form of a Christian worship service followed by a community meal on Sundays and Day Centre provision throughout the week. In addition Lighthouse team provide ongoing pastoral and practical support which includes, but is not limited to:

• Supporting individuals into recovery programmes and residential Christian communities of abstinence

• Hospital visits

• Liaising with Crisis teams

• Attending police interviews and court

• Providing support with accessing doctors, dentists and other social services

• Prison visits and liaising with probation

• Home visits

• Helping with housing options and landlords

• Referring to food and fuel banks

• Ongoing practical and emotional support through the development of pastoral pathway plans

Lighthouse believes that every person has inherent value and dignity which comes directly from our creation in God’s image and is fulfilled by God’s recreation of us in Christ. This implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and a responsibility to protect them from harm.

Section 2: Introduction

Good governance helps an organisation prevent abuse and means it can respond quickly and with integrity when concerns arise. Central to this, is the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees are appointed to have independent authority and legal responsibility for the charity and have a critical role in decision making and compliance as well as setting the values, standards and behaviours of the organisation.

The standards and behaviours may be referred to as the culture of the organisation or “the way we do things around here”. Culture can be shaped in both negative and positive ways.

“The culture of a charity goes beyond mere compliance with legal and regulatory demands. Charity governance is most effective when it provides assurances not just that legal requirements are met, but that the behaviour of people working for the charity, and those who come into contact with it, is proper and ethical. Culture, alongside good governance, can be pivotal to whether a charity achieves its stated object”  (ICSA The Governance Institute, 2017)

Positions of Trust

All adults working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are in a position of trust. All those in positions of trust need to understand the power this can give them over those they care for and the responsibility they have because of this relationship.

It is vital that all workers ensure they do not, even unknowingly, use their position of power and authority inappropriately. They should seek to maintain professional boundaries and avoid behaviour which could be misinterpreted.

The following Safeguarding Policy and Statement aims, to not only meet the requirements of ensuring a safe environment for those accessing activities in our organisation but to also build an open culture where:

• those who lead do so by example and are committed to the safeguarding of all 

• those that work or volunteer are safely recruited and trained for their roles 

• accountability structures with codes of conduct are in place

• the values of the organisation are embedded in its day to day actions and behaviours of its people

• there is open, honest and transparent communication

Our commitment

As Leadership we recognise the need to provide a safe and caring environment for vulnerable adults. We acknowledge that vulnerable adults can be the victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect. We accept the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Human Rights, which states that everyone is entitled to “all the rights and freedoms set forth therein, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status”. As a Leadership we have therefore adopted the procedures set out in this safeguarding policy in accordance with statutory guidance. We are committed to build constructive links with statutory and voluntary agencies involved in safeguarding.

A model safeguarding statement for display can be found in APPENDIX 1.

This policy and any attached practice guidelines are based on the ten safeguarding standards published by Thirtyone:eight (thiryoneeight.org/ten-standards)

Section 3: Prevention

3.1 Understanding abuse and neglect

Defining child abuse or abuse against an adult is a difficult and complex issue. A person may abuse by inflicting harm or failing to prevent harm. Children and adults in need of protection may be abused within a family, an institution or a community setting. Very often the abuser is known or in a trusted relationship with the child or adult.

To safeguard those in our places of worship and organisations we adhere to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and have as our starting point as a definition of abuse, Article 19:

• States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.

• Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.

Also for adults the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights with particular reference to Article 5:

• No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Detailed definitions, and signs and indicators of abuse are included in our policy. See APPENDIX 2. Details of how to respond to a disclosure of abuse can be seen in APPENDIX 3. 

3.2 Safer recruitment

The Senior Leadership and Board of Trustees will ensure all workers will be appointed, trained, supported and supervised in accordance with government guidance on safe recruitment. 

For paid employees this includes ensuring that:

• There is a written job description/person specification for the post

• Those applying have submitted a CV and cover letter

• Those shortlisted have been interviewed

• Safeguarding has been discussed at interview and safeguarding training course is completed

• Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate

• A self-declaration form and disclosure and barring check (DBS) has been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information)

• Qualifications where relevant have been verified

• A suitable training programme is provided for the successful applicant

• The applicant has completed a 6 month probationary period

• The applicant has been given a copy of the Employee Handbook

• The applicant has been given a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy and knows how to report concerns

For voluntary roles this includes ensuring that: 

• There is a written role description

• An application form is completed

• Written references have been obtained, and followed up where appropriate

• A self-declaration form and disclosure and barring check (DBS) has been completed where necessary (we will comply with Code of Practice requirements concerning the fair treatment of applicants and the handling of information)

• Safeguarding training has been completed

• The volunteer has been given a copy of the Volunteer Handbook

• The volunteer has access to a copy of the organisation’s safeguarding policy upon request and knows how to report concerns

See APPENDIX 4 for volunteer policy. 

For overseas recruitment: 

Where workers from outside of the UK are being appointed, the necessary background checks on those applying to work with children/vulnerable adults would be carried out. A police check/or relevant alternative from their home country as well as two references would be obtained. If in any circumstances either of these things could not be carried out the following would be stated - “We didn’t follow our policy in this case because [...] but instead we carried out a risk assessment and put in place [...] to ensure the safe recruitment of the person.”

Safeguarding training

The Leadership is committed to on-going safeguarding training and development opportunities for all workers, developing a culture of awareness of safeguarding issues to help protect everyone. All our workers will receive induction training and undertake relevant safeguarding training every three years. 

The Leadership will also ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are provided with information on where to get help and advice in relation to abuse, discrimination, bullying or any other matter where they have a concern. 

Practice Guidelines

As an organisation working with vulnerable adults with multiple and complex needs, we wish to operate and promote good working practice. This will enable workers to run activities safely, develop good relationships and minimise the risk of false or unfounded accusation.

We have good practice guidelines for every activity we are involved in. For some activities you will need specific forms, e.g. consent forms, risk assessments etc. An example can be found in APPENDIX 5.

Management of Workers – Codes of Conduct

As a Leadership we are committed to supporting all workers and ensuring they receive support and supervision. All workers have been issued with a code of conduct towards children, young people and vulnerable adults and will be given clear expectations about what is expected of them both within their job role and out. They will also receive further training as necessary. See APPENDIX 6. 

Section 4: Partnership working 

The diversity of organisations and settings means there can be great variation in practice when it comes to safeguarding adults. This can be because of cultural tradition, belief and religious practice or understanding, for example, of what constitutes abuse.

We therefore have clear guidelines with regards to our expectations of those with whom we work in partnership, whether in the UK or not. We will discuss with all partners our safeguarding expectations and exchange our safeguarding policies with them. We believe good communication is essential in promoting safeguarding, both to those we wish to protect, to everyone involved in working with adults and to all those with whom we work in partnership. This safeguarding policy is just one means of promoting safeguarding.

Section 5: Responding to allegations of abuse 

Under no circumstances should a volunteer or worker carry out their own investigation into an allegation or suspicion of abuse.  Follow procedures as below:

• Documenting a concern

The worker or volunteer should make a report of the concern in the following way:

• The person in receipt of allegations or suspicions of abuse should report concerns as soon as possible to: 

Name: Jon Swales

Tel: 07772386737

Email: jon.swales@lighthousewy.org.uk

The above is nominated by the Leadership to act on their behalf in dealing with the allegation or suspicion of neglect or abuse, including referring the matter on to the statutory authorities. 

• In the absence of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or, if the suspicions in any way involve the DSL, then the report should be made to: 

Name: Jack Flowers  

Tel: 07517260575 

Email: jack.flowers@lighthousewy.org.uk

If the suspicions implicate both the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Deputy, then the report should be made in the first instance to:

thirtyone:eight PO Box 133, Swanley, Kent, BR8 7UQ. 

Tel: 0303 003 1111. 

Alternatively contact Social Services or the police. 

• The Safeguarding Co-ordinator should contact the appropriate agency or they may first ring the thirtyone:eight helpline for advice. They should then contact social services in the area the adult lives.

Name of local authority: Leeds City Council

Adult Social Services

Tel: 01133760336 

Out of hours Tel: 01133780644

Website Address: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/adult-social-care

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead may need to inform others depending on the circumstances and/or nature of the concern 

• Chair or the trustee responsible for safeguarding may need to liaise with the insurance company or the charity commission to report a serious incident.

• Designated officer or LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) if the allegation concerns a worker or volunteer working with someone under 18.

• Suspicions must not be discussed with anyone other than those nominated above. A written record of the concerns should be made in accordance with these procedures and kept in a secure place.

• Whilst allegations or suspicions of abuse will normally be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the absence of the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy should not delay referral to Social Services, the Police or taking advice from Thirtyone:eight.

• The Leadership will support the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Deputy in their role and accept that any information they may have in their possession will be shared in a strictly limited way on a need to know basis.

• It is, of course, the right of any individual as a citizen to make a direct referral to the safeguarding agencies or seek advice from Thirtyone:eight, although the Leadership hope that members of the place of worship / organisation will use this procedure. If, however, the individual with the concern feels that the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Deputy has not responded appropriately, or where they have a disagreement with the Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) as to the appropriateness of a referral they are free to contact an outside agency directly.  We hope by making this statement that the Leadership demonstrates its commitment to effective safeguarding and the protection of all those who are vulnerable.

The role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead/deputy is to collate and clarify the precise details of the allegation or suspicion and pass this information on to statutory agencies who have a legal duty to investigate. 

Detailed procedures where there is a concern about a child:

Allegations of physical injury, neglect or emotional abuse. 

If a child has a physical injury, a symptom of neglect or where there are concerns about emotional abuse, the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Deputy will:

• Contact Children’s Social Services (or Thirtyone:eight) for advice in cases of deliberate injury, if concerned about a child's safety or if a child is afraid to return home.  

• Not tell the parents or carers unless advised to do so, having contacted Children’s Social Services.  

• Seek medical help if needed urgently, informing the doctor of any suspicions.  

• For lesser concerns, (e.g. poor parenting), encourage parent/carer to seek help, but not if this places the child at risk of significant harm. 

• Where the parent/carer is unwilling to seek help, offer to accompany them.  In cases of real concern, if they still fail to act, contact Children’s Social Services directly for advice. 

• Seek and follow advice given by Thirtyone:eight (who will confirm their advice in writing) if unsure whether or not to refer a case to Children’s Social Services.

Allegations of sexual abuse

In the event of allegations or suspicions of sexual abuse, the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Deputy will:

• Contact the Children’s Social Services Department Duty Social Worker for children and families or Police Child Protection Team directly. They will NOT speak to the parent/carer or anyone else.

• Seek and follow the advice given by Thirtyone:eight if for any reason they are unsure whether or not to contact Children’s Social Services/Police. Thirtyone:eight will confirm its advice in writing for future reference. 

Detailed procedures where there is a concern that an adult needs protection:

Suspicions or allegations of abuse or harm including; physical, sexual, organisational, financial, discriminatory, neglect, self-neglect, forced marriage, modern slavery, domestic abuse.

If there is concern about any of the above, Designated Safeguarding Lead/Deputy will:

• Contact the Adult Social Care Team who have responsibility under the Care Act 2014 to investigate allegations of abuse. Alternatively Thirtyone:eight can be contacted for advice.

• If the adult is in immediate danger or has sustained a serious injury contact the Emergency Services, informing them of any suspicions.

If there is a concern regarding spiritual abuse, Safeguarding Co-ordinator will:

• Identify support services for the victim i.e., counselling or other pastoral support

• Contact Thirtyone:eight and in discussion with them will consider appropriate action with regards to the scale of the concern.

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with children/young people

If an accusation is made against a worker (whether a volunteer or paid member of staff) whilst following the procedure outlined above, the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in accordance with Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures will: 

• Liaise with Children’s Social Services regarding the suspension of the worker

• Make a referral to a designated officer formerly called a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) whose function is to handle all allegations against adults who work with children and young people whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. 

• Make a referral to Disclosure and Barring Service for consideration of the person being placed on the barred list for working with children or adults with additional care and support needs. This decision should be informed by the LADO if they are involved.

Allegations of abuse against a person who works with adults with vulnerable adults

The safeguarding co-ordinator will:

• Liaise with Adult Social Services in regards to the suspension of the worker

• Make a referral to the DBS following the advice of Adult Social Services

The Care Act places the duty upon Adult Services to investigate situations of harm to adults with care and support needs. This may result in a range of options including action against the person or organisation causing the harm, increasing the support for the carers or no further action if the ‘victim’ chooses for no further action and they have the capacity to communicate their decision. However, this is a decision for Adult Services to decide, not the church.

Section 6: Pastoral Care

Supporting those affected by abuse

The Leadership is committed to offering pastoral care, working with statutory agencies as appropriate, and support to all those who have been affected by abuse who have contact with or are part of the place of worship/organisation.

Working with offenders and those who may pose a risk

When someone attending the organisation is known to have abused children, is under investigation, or is known to be a risk to adults with care and support needs; the Leadership will supervise the individual concerned and offer pastoral care, but in its safeguarding commitment to the protection of children and adults with care and support needs, set boundaries for that person, which they will be expected to keep. These boundaries will be based on a risk assessment and through consultation with appropriate parties. See APPENDIX 11 for a template worship agreement which will be put in place for the individual. This will be an agreement that will then be signed if the individual agrees to it and will be reviewed annually. 

Adoption of the policy

This policy was agreed by the leadership and will be reviewed annually on:

Signed by: Jamie Woodhead Position: Trustee

Signed by: Jon Swales Position:Mission Priest

Date: 13/05/24

A copy of this policy is also lodged with: Jamie  Woodhead (Trustee)

APPENDIX 1: Safeguarding statement

Policy Statement on Safeguarding

To be displayed in a prominent place in St George’s Church and St George’s Crypt

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS POLICY STATEMENT

Name of Place of worship/organisation*: Lighthouse West Yorkshire___________________________________________________________

The following statement was agreed by the leadership/organisation* on: 01/09/2023____________________

• This organisation is committed to the safeguarding of adults with care and support needs and ensuring their well-being.

We recognise that we all have a responsibility to help prevent harm or Abuse to adults with care and support needs in all their recognised forms.

• We recognise the personal dignity and rights of adults and will ensure all our policies and procedures will reflect this.

• We believe all people should enjoy and have access to every aspect of the life of the organisation.

• We undertake to exercise proper care in the appointment and selection of those who will work with adults with care and support needs.

• We believe every adult should be valued, safe and happy. We want to make sure that all those we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they are experiencing significant harm.

We are committed to:

• Following statutory denominational and specialist guidelines in relation to safeguarding adults and will ensure that as an organisation all workers will work within the agreed procedure of our safeguarding policy.

• Implementing the requirements of all relevant legislation including, but not limited to; the Disability Discrimination Acts 1995 and 2005 and Equality Act 2010 and referring concerns about adults with care and support needs to the local authority under the Care Act 2014.

• Supporting, resourcing and training those who undertake this work.

• Ensuring that we are keeping up to date with national and local developments relating to safeguarding.

• Ensuring that everyone agrees to abide by these recommendations and the guidelines established by this organisation.

• Supporting all in the organisation affected by abuse.

We recognise:

• Adult Social Care has lead responsibility for investigating all allegations or suspicions of abuse where there are concerns about an adult with care and support needs.

• Where an allegation suggests that a criminal offence may have been committed then the police should be contacted as a matter of urgency.

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

We will review this statement and our policy annually.

If you have any concerns for a child or adult, then speak to one of the following who have been approved as safeguarding co-ordinators for this organisation.

Jon Swales ____________________________________________ Safeguarding Co-Ordinator

Jack Flowers __________________________________________ Deputy Safeguarding Co-Ordinator

A copy of this organisation’s policy can be seen on the Lighthouse West Yorkshire Website https://www.lighthousewestyorkshire.org.uk

Signed by organisation

Signed _________J. Swales _________________

Date _________13/05/23_________________

APPENDIX 2: Detailed definitions of abuse

Abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of action, that happens within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to another person or violates their human or civil rights.

It is the misuse of power and control, and can be perpetrated by a wide range of people, including those who are close to the person or those who have no previous connection to them.

Below are some definitions of different types of abuse. 

1. Physical abuse: Physical abuse is the deliberate use of physical force by one person against another to cause harm. It may result in physical harm or injury to the other person or it may not, and may be a one-off act or ongoing. 

Physical abuse can include:

• Hitting, slapping, biting or pinching.

• Rough handling, shaking, pushing, or throwing.

• Burning or scalding.

• Drowning, or suffocating

• Poisoning, misuse of medication or the denial of treatment.

• Intentional exposure to extreme heat or cold, or force feeding.

• Misuse or illegal restraint, inappropriate physical punishment, or depriving someone of their liberty.

Possible signs and indicators:

• Visible injuries and bruising.

• Unexplained cuts, marks or scars.

• Injuries that don't match the explanation given.

• Getting injured often

• Unexplained falls

• Subdued or changed behaviour

• Changes in weight, being excessively under or overweight or malnourished.

• Failing to get medical treatment or changing Doctors often.

1. Domestic violence:Domestic abuse (or Domestic Violence) is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse by one person against another where they are or have been intimate partners or family members. It can include violence by a son, daughter, mother, father, husband, wife, life-partner, or by an extended family member, and happens across all sections of society, regardless of gender, age, ability, religion, race, ethnicity, financial background or sexual orientation. Both men and women can be victims, although a greater number of women experience all forms of domestic violence. Children and Young People can suffer this form of abuse directly or be impacted by the effects of witnessing or living in a household where domestic abuse is happening. Domestic abuse is a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour by one person over another that is usually frequent and persistent. It can happen inside and outside the home and can continue even after a relationship has ended.

Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse used to harm, punish, or frighten another person. It is designed to make a person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Domestic abuse can include:

• - Emotional abuse

• - Physical abuse

• - Sexual abuse

• - Financial abuse

• - Forced marriage, Female Genital Mutilation, and ‘honour crimes’.

Possible signs and indicators:

• Low self-esteem, attachment issues, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders.

• Signs of distress, tearfulness or anger

• Reluctance to be alone with a particular person

• Visible injuries and bruising.

• Injuries that don't match the explanation given.

• Unexplained falls

• Subdued or changed behaviour

• Changes in weight, being excessively under or overweight or malnourished.

• Signs of coercive control

• Feeling that the abuse is their fault when it is not

• Isolation – not seeing friends and family

• Limited access to money

1. Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse (or Sexual violence) is any behaviour perceived to be of a sexual nature which is unwanted or takes place without consent or understanding.The abuse may involve physical contact and touching or non-contact activities.Sexual abuse is found across all sections of society, irrelevant of gender, age, ability, religion, race, ethnicity, personal circumstances, financial background or sexual orientation. It can be perpetrated by family or non-family members, women, men and other children. 

Sexual abuse of a adults can include:

• Penetrative or non-penetrative sexual acts, whether they aware of what is happening or not eg. sexual assault, oral sex, rape, attempted rape, and date rape.

• Indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, groping, sexual teasing or innuendo,

• Being made to look at or be involved in the production of sexually abusive material, or being made to watch sexual activities

• Stalking and grooming.

Possible signs and indicators:

• Physical injuries and bruising, particularly to the thighs, buttocks, upper arms and neck. 

• Bleeding, pain or itching in the genital area or when walking or sitting.

• Sexually transmitted diseases or infections.

• Pregnancy in a woman who is unable to consent to sex.

• Uncharacteristic or age-inappropriate use of sexual language or significant changes in sexual behaviour or attitude.

• Self-harming.

• Poor concentration, withdrawal, sleep disturbance.

• Excessive fear/apprehension of, or withdrawal from, relationships or being alone with a particular person.

1. Psychological or emotional abuse: Psychological or Emotional abuse involves harming a person emotionally and includes any persistent emotional ill-treatment that causes severe and long-lasting adverse effects on a person’s emotional development. Some level of emotional abuse is present in all types of abuse and ill treatment of one person by another, but it can also occur on its own.

Emotional abuse can include:

• - Consistently telling someone that they are worthless, unloved or inadequate.

• - Using intimidation, coercion, and harassment.

• - Having inappropriate expectations for a person’s age or development.

• - Seeing or hearing another person being mistreated, such as in domestic abuse.

• - Not giving someone opportunity to express their views or to take part in normal social interaction.

• - Bullying, including online bullying.

• - Causing someone to frequently feel frightened or in danger.

• Possible signs and indicators:

• Low self-esteem, attachment issues, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders. 

• Signs of distress, tearfulness or anger

• Reluctance to be alone with a particular person

1. Financial or material abuse: financial abuse or material abuse is the attempted or actual misappropriation or misuse of a person's money, property, benefits, or other assets, my means of intimidation, coercion, deception, or other ways to which the person does not or can not consent to. Financial abuse includes having money or other property stolen, being defrauded or put under pressure in relation to money or other property, and having money or other property misused. 

Financial abuse can include:

• - Theft, burglary, or fraud (including internet scamming).

• - Exploitation and embezzlement.

• - Coercion or being put under pressure concerning a person's finances (including wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions).

• - Misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

• - Withholding pension or other benefits.

Possible signs and indicators:

• - Unusual financial activity such as making an unexpected change to a will, a sudden sale or transfer of a property, or unusual activity in a bank account.

• - Sudden inclusion of additional names on a bank account or where a signature does not resemble the person’s normal signature.

• - Reluctance or anxiety by a person when discussing their finances.

• - A substantial gift to a carer or other third party.

• - A sudden interest by a relative or other third party in the welfare of the person.

• - Bills remaining unpaid.

• - Complaints that personal property is missing.

• - Signs of coercive control or neglect.

1. Modern slavery: Modern slavery (or Human Trafficking) is the recruitment, movement, and holding of a person by improper means, such as force, threat or deception, for the purposes of exploitation or abuse. Victims of human trafficking can be male or female, children or adults, and may come from migrant or indigenous communities. Modern slavery is different from illegal immigration as people who are trafficked are tricked, coerced, lured or forced by criminals to work for them or others in their criminal networks around the world. People are forced into and held by threats of violence and intimidation against them or their family, fear, debt bondage, isolation and the removal of identification or travel documents, or imprisonment and torture. Children living in the UK can also be targeted and trafficked internally. 

Modern slavery can include:

• - Forced labour

• - Domestic servitude

• - Sexual exploitation such as prostitution and pornography

• - Bonded labour (forcing someone to pay a debt that can't be paid).

• - Criminal activity

• - Private fostering

• - Forced marriage

Possible signs and indicators:

• - Signs of physical abuse or emotional abuse

• - Signs of neglect

• - Isolation from the community

• - Seeming under the control or influence of others

• - Lack of personal effects or identification documents

• - Avoidance of eye contact, appearing frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers

• - Fear of law enforcers

1. Discriminatory abuse: Discriminatory abuse is when a person is treated unfairly, bullied, or abused because of a particular characteristic. It is against the law to discriminate against someone because of: 

• - Age

• - Disability

• - Gender reassignment

• - Marriage and civil partnership

• - Pregnancy and maternity

• - Race

• - Religion or belief

• - Sex

• - Sexual orientation

These are called protected characteristics.

Discriminatory abuse links to other forms of abuse and may have similar effects e.g. Physical abuse motivated by racism would be classified as Discriminatory abuse.

Discriminatory abuse can include:

• - Unequal treatment

• - Verbal abuse, derogatory remarks or inappropriate use of language related to a protected characteristic

• - Physical abuse and emotional abuse

• - Denying access to communication aids, not allowing access to an interpreter, signer or lip-reader

• - Harassment or deliberate exclusion on the grounds of a protected characteristic

• - Denying basic rights to healthcare, education, employment and criminal justice relating to a protected characteristic

• - Substandard service provision relating to a protected characteristic

Hate crime

Hate crime is any incident which constitutes a criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice, discrimination or hate towards a person’s actual or perceived race, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability, political opinion or gender identity.

Possible signs and indicators:

• - Low self-esteem, attachment issues, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders.

• - Signs of distress, tearfulness, anger or anxiety

• - The person appears withdrawn and isolated

• - The support on offer does not take account of the person’s individual needs in terms of a protected characteristic

1. Self-Neglect: Self-neglect is when an adult lives in a way that puts their own health, safety or well-being at risk.It is an extreme lack of self-care that is often related to deteriorating health and ability in older age, poor mental health, or other issues such as addictions, however not everyone who self-neglects needs to be safeguarded.Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple, and affect one person or more. People who self-neglect will often decline help from others.

Self-neglect can include:

• - Neglecting to care for personal hygiene, health or surroundings to the extent that it threatens personal health and safety.

• - Inability to avoid self-harm

• - Failure to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs

• - Inability or unwillingness to manage one’s personal affairs

• - Behaviours such as hoarding. 

Possible signs and indicators:

• - Very poor personal hygiene

• - Unkempt appearance

• - Lack of essential food, clothing or shelter

• - Malnutrition and/or dehydration

• - Living in squalid or unsanitary conditions

• - Neglecting household maintenance

• - Hoarding

• - Collecting a large number of animals in inappropriate conditions

• - Non-compliance with health or care services

• - Inability or unwillingness to take medication or treat illness or injury

1. Spiritual abuse: this is when someone uses spiritual or religious beliefs to hurt, scare or control someone. This can happen within a religious organisation or a personal relationship.

1. Neglect: Neglect (or acts of omission) is the failure to meet a person’s basic physical or emotional needs which is likely to have a serious negative impact on their health or development. It happens when a person deliberately withholds, or fails to provide an appropriate level of care and support which is needed by another person. It can involve a Parent/Carer and can also happen during pregnancy e.g. as a result of maternal substance abuse. Neglect may happen because of a lack of knowledge or awareness, or through a failure to take reasonable action whether deliberate or not. In its extreme form, neglect can be a significant risk as it can lead to serious long-term effects and even be life-threatening.

Neglect is the most common form of child abuse in the UK.

Neglect can include:

• - Not providing adequate food, clothing, or assistance with personal hygiene.

• - Not providing adequate shelter and heating.

• - Failing to protect someone from harm or danger.

• - Not ensuring appropriate supervision (including the use of inadequate care-givers)

• - Failing to give prescribed medication or provide access to appropriate health care or treatment.

• - Failing to provide access to educational services.

• - Ignoring a person's basic emotional needs.

• - Failing to take action when a person is taking unnecessary risk (especially when the person lacks capacity to properly assess risk).

Possible signs and indicators:

• - Poor appearance or hygiene e.g. being smelly or dirty

• - Living in an unsuitable home environment e.g. having no heating

• - Inappropriate or inadequate clothing

• - Signs of malnutrition or not being given enough food

• - Having frequent and untreated medical issues or an accumulation of untaken medication.

• - Body issues such as sores, skin complaints, poor muscle tone or prominent joints.

• - Poor language or social skills

• - Being left alone for a long time

• - Being withdrawn, depressed or anxious

• - Tiredness or finding it hard to concentrate or take part in activities

• - Self-soothing behaviours such as drug or alcohol misuse and self-harm.

• - Poor school attendance or performance

1. Organisational abuse: Organisational abuse (or Institutional abuse) is when a person is abused or mistreated within an institution such as a care home or hospital, or by an organisation providing care in the person's own home. It can include one-off incidents or long-term mistreatment, and can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of inadequate resources, structures, policies, processes and practices within an organisation. The abuse may happen because of a culture that denies or restricts privacy, dignity, choice and independence, and involves the collective failure of a service provider or an organisation to provide safe and appropriate services, and to ensure that the necessary preventative and protective measures are in place.

Organisational abuse can include:

• - A run-down or overcrowded environment

• - Insufficient staff or high staff turnover resulting in poor quality care

• - Abusive and disrespectful attitudes towards people using the service

• - Not offering choice or promoting independence.

Possible signs and indicators:

• - Signs of neglect

• - Inadequate staffing levels

• - Poor standards of care

• - Lack of adequate procedures

• - Absence of visitors

• - Few social, recreational and educational activities

• - Unnecessary exposure during bathing or using the toilet

• - Lack of management overview and support

• - Signs of physical abuse or emotional abuse

APPENDIX 3: Responding to a disclosure of abuse

(1) A user of Lighthouse begins to disclose abuse

↓

(2) Reassure them that it is OK to disclose

↓

(3) Tell them that you will not be able to keep the information to yourself

↓

(4) Listen carefully without asking any leading questions. If a crime has been committed, evidence should be preserved.

↓

(5) Do you think there is someone else at immediate risk of abuse now?

Yes: go to (6)

No: go to (10)

(6)Find out who might be at risk, who might pose the risk and where each of them might be now. 

    ↓ (7)Phone the police on 999 and get support from the Safeguarding Officer if appropriate.

      ↓

(8)Fill in an incident report (See APPENDIX 7).

      ↓

(9)Find out if the user wants the information passed to the authorities. Explain that confidentiality may not be possible, if for example someone is at risk or needs protection. 

       ↓

(10)Carry out a dynamic risk assessment to determine appropriate next steps, then fill in an incident report.

       ↓

(11)If appropriate/necessary contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Remember you do not investigate any allegation

APPENDIX 4: Volunteer Policy

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VUa99uCatjCEyvGCQLBAG8EmeqZP2d2y/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=111581719319966180873&rtpof=true&sd=true