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WRBBAC Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

WRBBAC is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all individuals involved in ballooning

Policy Statement

Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who has care and support needs, which enable them to protect themselves from the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.

Making safeguarding personal is the concept that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focused. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice, and control, as well as improving quality of life, well-being and safety. 

Wherever possible, discuss safeguarding concerns with the adult to get their view of what they would like to happen and keep them involved in the safeguarding process, seeking their consent to share information outside of the organisation where necessary. The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) state that every individual has the right to make their own decisions and provides the framework for this to happen. In addition WRBBAC recognises the following principles which underpin all groups and individuals who may have additional needs for support and protection.

Policy Aims 

  • To provide vulnerable adults with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the club and also help them to enjoy their experience of the sport 
  • To ensure all vulnerable adults feel safe when participating in ballooning activities.
  • To provide support to the Committee and Safeguarding lead to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues and to fulfil their role effectively

Principles

  • It is every adult’s right to be protected from abuse irrespective of their age, gender identity, faith or religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, background, economic position, marital status, disability or level of ability. 
  • All Committee members and club members share the responsibility for the protection of adults at risk, and will show respect and understanding for their rights, safety, and welfare. 
  • The additional vulnerability of disabled adults (including those with invisible disabilities, learning, and communication differences) is recognised. 
  • Allegations of abuse or concerns about the welfare of any adult will be treated seriously and will be responded to swiftly and appropriately.
  • WRBBAC recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in safeguarding adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adults Boards.
  • Confidentiality will be maintained appropriately at all times and the adult’s safety and welfare must be the overriding consideration when making decisions on whether or not to share information about them (to appropriate agencies).
  • WRBBAC will support all Committee members to understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding and protecting adults at risk, including the responsibility to report all concerns in line with WRBBAC safeguarding adults’ policy and procedures. 
  • All participants involved in ballooning activities have the right to be listened to with respect and to be heard
  • All club members have a responsibility to report concerns to the Club Committee or Safeguarding Lead 
  • Committee Members/ Safeguarding Lead will be supported to understand their role and responsibility with regard to the duty of care and protection of vulnerable adults
  • Committee members to be aware of and understand best practice of how to manage any welfare or safeguarding issues that may come to light. 

Guidance and Legislation

The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the UK and legislation and Government Guidance and have been developed to complement the Safeguarding Adults Boards policy and procedures, and take the following into consideration

  • The Care Act 2014 
  • The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 
  • Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2012
  • The Equality Act 2010 
  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005 
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003 
  • The Human Rights Act 1998 
  • The Data Protection Act 2018

Responsibilities and Implementation

WRBBAC will seek to promote the principles of safeguarding by:

  • Reviewing WRBBAC policy and procedures every year or whenever there is a major change in legislation. 
  • Following procedures to report welfare concerns and allegations about the behaviour of adults and ensure that all members are aware of these procedures. 
  • The Committee and Safeguarding Lead have responsibility for responding to any allegations, concerns or incidents, passing information to the appropriate National Governing Body and informing the appropriate club members. Any convictions of a safeguarding nature will be looked into and appropriate action will be taken.

    Report any concerns you might have, the message goes directly to the safeguarding officer and is confidential.