LloydysWorld CIC Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

LloydysWorld CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, including prison leavers, ex-offenders, homeless individuals, and people experiencing crisis or significant life transitions.

We recognise that many people accessing our services may be at heightened risk of abuse, exploitation, neglect, coercion, or unsafe living conditions, and we will take all reasonable steps to protect them.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

●       CIC directors and managers

●       Staff and volunteers

●       Workshop assistants and support workers

●       Delivery/collection staff

●       Partner organisations acting on behalf of LloydysWorld CIC

Children are not involved in any CIC activities. All safeguarding procedures relate exclusively to adults aged 18+.

3. Legal & Regulatory Framework

This policy is informed by:

●       The Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding)

●       Local authority adult safeguarding procedures

●       Charity Commission safeguarding guidance

●       Data protection legislation

●       CIC regulatory requirements

4. Definition of a Vulnerable Adult

A vulnerable adult is any person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation due to:

●       Homelessness

●       Poverty or crisis

●       Mental health challenges

●       Disability

●       Substance misuse

●       Imprisonment or recent release

●       Social isolation

●       Domestic abuse

●       Learning difficulties

●       Other circumstances affecting their ability to stay safe

5. Responsibilities

Management

●       Promote a safeguarding culture across all CIC activities.

●       Maintain and review safeguarding policies.

●       Support reporting and investigation of concerns.

●       Work with adult safeguarding teams, probation services, housing providers, and police.

Staff & Volunteers

●       Treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and non-judgement.

●       Stay alert to signs of abuse, exploitation, or vulnerability.

●       Report concerns immediately.

●       Maintain professional boundaries.

●       Follow CIC safeguarding procedures and training.

Partner Organisations

●       Share safeguarding concerns promptly.

●       Uphold LloydysWorld CIC’s safeguarding standards.

6. Safer Recruitment & Vetting

LloydysWorld CIC will:

●       Verify identity and right-to-work documentation.

●       Conduct DBS checks where roles involve direct support or regulated activity.

●       Assess suitability of volunteers and staff.

●       Maintain accurate recruitment and training records.

7. Recognising Adult Safeguarding Concerns

Examples include:

●       Unexplained injuries

●       Signs of physical neglect

●       Fearful, distressed, withdrawn, or confused behaviour

●       Indicators of domestic abuse, coercion, or control

●       Signs of exploitation (financial, sexual, labour, criminal)

●       Human trafficking or modern slavery indicators

●       Unsafe living conditions

●       Disclosure of abuse or violence

●       Individuals unable to make safe decisions due to intoxication or crisis

8. Reporting Concerns

Immediate Danger

If a vulnerable adult is at immediate risk:

●       Call 999

●       Notify CIC management

Non-Emergency Concerns

●       Record factual observations

●       Report to management immediately

●       Cooperate with adult safeguarding teams, probation, housing providers, and police

9. Conduct Standards

Staff and volunteers must not:

●       Share personal contact details with service users

●       Form inappropriate relationships

●       Use discriminatory or offensive language

●       Photograph individuals without consent and lawful purpose

●       Share confidential information without authority

●       Provide support beyond their training (e.g., counselling, financial advice)

10. Training

LloydysWorld CIC will ensure:

●       All staff and volunteers receive adult safeguarding training

●       Training includes recognising abuse, exploitation, and vulnerability

●       Regular refresher training

●       Safeguarding induction for new staff and volunteers

11. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

Information will only be shared when necessary to:

●       Protect individuals from harm

●       Comply with legal obligations

●       Support multi-agency safeguarding work

Records will be accurate, secure, and restricted.

12. Record Keeping

The CIC will maintain:

●       Incident reports

●       Safeguarding referrals

●       Training records

●       Recruitment and vetting documentation

●       Partnership safeguarding agreements

13. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:

●       Legislation changes

●       Local safeguarding requirements change

●       A safeguarding incident requires revision

Policy Owner: Managing Director, LloydysWorld CIC Review Cycle: Annual