Safeguarding Adults Policy

Policy Statement

This policy sets out Northern Heartlands CIO’s commitment to safeguarding adults at risk of harm. The Charity is committed to the protection of adults at risk from all forms of harm and abuse. This policy applies to all staff, freelancers, trustees, volunteers, students, or anyone else working on behalf of the Charity that comes into contact with adults at risk through the work of Northern Heartlands.

The Charity will meet the commitment to keeping adults at risk safe by:

Being committed to best safeguarding practice and upholding the rights of all adults to live a life free from harm from abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Recognising that all staff and volunteers who come into contact with adults, including adults at risk through the work of Northern Heartlands, have a commitment to keeping them safe.

Ensuring that all staff and volunteers working on behalf of the Charity understand the definition of an adult at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk.

Ensuring that staff and volunteers recognise forms of abuse and understand how adult abuse, exploitation or neglect manifests itself.

Writing detailed safeguarding adults at risk procedures which include how to report abuse.

Appointing a nominated safeguarding lead and a member of the trustee board who takes lead responsibility for safeguarding at the highest level in the organisation.

Making sure all staff and volunteers understand and follow the safeguarding adults at risk procedures and understand their role with regard to safeguarding.

This policy aligns with the charity’s other policies however the following policies and resources of the Charity are particularly relevant:

Safeguarding Children’s Policy

Health and Safety Policy
Safe Recruitment Policy
Social Media Policy
Trustee Code of Conduct
Whistleblowing Policy

Policy Guidance and Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually by the Charity’s staff and trustees, and has been drawn up in accordance with all relevant and applicable legislation and guidance available to the Charity including the following:

The Care Act 2014
General Data Protection Regulation
Data Protection Act 2018
Durham Safeguarding Adults Partnership
Office of the Public Guardian – Safeguarding Policy: protecting vulnerable adults

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy and accompanying procedures we have set out the following definition:

Adult at Risk:
An adult at risk is someone who, due to care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect, or the risk of it.

Adults at risk are defined primarily under UK safeguarding law, particularly the Care Act 2014.
The definition focuses on circumstances rather than inherent characteristics, emphasizing that risk arises from the situation and support needs rather than labeling someone as inherently vulnerable.

To qualify as an adult at risk:

The person must be 18 years or older.
They have needs for care and support, whether or not these needs are being met.
They are experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.
As a result of their care and support needs, they are unable to protect themselves from
harm or the risk of harm.

Safeguarding Adults/Adult Safeguarding:

The Care Act 2014 defines adult safeguarding as:

Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. This must recognise that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear or unrealistic about their personal circumstances.

Staff and Volunteers:

This refers to all staff, freelancers, trustees, volunteers, students, or anyone else working on behalf of the Charity.

Organisational Safeguarding Roles and Contact Information

The staff and trustees within the organisation that take a lead on Safeguarding are as follows:

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) – Lyndsey Middleton, Creative Communities Coordinator
1. E: Lyndsey.middleton@northernheartlands.org
2. M: 07948 349369
3. T: 01833 200220
Safeguarding Deputy – Katy Milne, Creative Director
1. E: katy.milne@northernheartlands.org
2. M: 07951 939830
3. T: 01833 200220
Trustee with Responsibility for Safeguarding – Ben Tinkler
1. E: ben@bridgecreative.org

Local Authority Safeguarding Contact Details:

County Durham Social Care Direct

E mail safeguardingadults@durham.gov.uk

Website http://www.safeguardingdurhamadults.info/

Phone 03000 267979

County Durham Safeguarding Team

Email scdsecured@durham.gov.uk

Policy Review Date: April 2026

Board Approved Date: 15th May 2026

Next Policy Review Date: April 2027