Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

Last updated – June 2025

1. Introduction and Purpose

This policy sets out how Moving On Inverclyde operates to protect adults at risk of harm from abuse or neglect. It applies to all staff, volunteers, and contractors who support our work.

Moving On Inverclyde has a Duty of Care to its service users and volunteers. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment and to promoting the wellbeing, dignity, and rights of all adults who engage with our services.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every staff member and volunteer has a role in keeping people safe from harm.

2. Legal and Policy Framework

This policy is based on the following Scottish legislation and national guidance:

• Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
• Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
• National Guidance for Adult Protection in Scotland

It aligns with Moving On Inverclyde’s internal policies on data protection, confidentiality, recruitment, and whistleblowing.

3. Definitions

An ‘adult at risk’ is someone aged 16 or over who:

• Is unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or other interests;
• Is at risk of harm; and
• Because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, is more vulnerable to being harmed.

Harm may include physical, emotional, financial, or psychological abuse; neglect; self-neglect; and exploitation.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

Everyone at Moving On Inverclyde is responsible for safeguarding. Specific responsibilities include:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Bev Thow, CEO

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL):

• Colleen Docherty, Delivery Manager
• Sean Gallacher, Senior Recovery Worker
• James Bryce, Senior Harm Reduction and Stabilisation Practitioner (NFOD)

1. Oversees safeguarding practice
2. Provides advice and support to staff and volunteers
3. Responds to and records safeguarding concerns – makes referrals to external agencies such as Social Work or Police Scotland where required.

Staff will be supported through supervision and guidance when responding to safeguarding concerns, particularly where situations are complex or high risk.

All staff and volunteers:

• Must complete safeguarding induction training
• Are expected to report concerns without delay
• Are supported to follow the safeguarding procedure confidently

5. Safeguarding Commitments

• We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or neglect.
• All safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.
• Staff and volunteers will receive appropriate training and supervision.
• We will work in partnership with other agencies when appropriate.
• We will carry out appropriate checks, including PVG, when required.
• We will support individuals at risk and empower them to make decisions whenever possible.
• We will act in a timely and proportionate manner to reduce risk and prevent harm.

As part of our Non-Fatal Overdose (NFOD) service, we recognise that staff may engage with individuals at heightened risk or vulnerability, including those not currently engaged in structured support. Our safeguarding approach ensures that staff are

equipped to respond appropriately in these situations, with clear pathways for escalation, decision-making, and partnership working.

6. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

If you see it – Recognise it – Report it.

Concerns should be reported as soon as possible and should not be delayed.

It is not your job to investigate suspected abuse. It is your duty to report any concerns to the DSL.

Where possible, the adult at risk should be involved in decisions about next steps, taking into account their capacity to consent.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

**Make a written record:**

• Record what was said using the person’s own words
• Note the date, time, and context
• Keep opinions separate from facts
• Sign and date your notes
• Store notes securely

7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding concerns will be handled with sensitivity and in line with our Data Protection Policy. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in line with legal and ethical obligations.

8. Safer Recruitment and Training

• All volunteers and staff are subject to safer recruitment checks as appropriate to their role.
• Safeguarding is covered as part of induction.
• Refresher training is provided at least every three years.
• Code of Conduct guidance is in place to ensure safe working practices.

PVG Checks for Trustees, Staff, and Volunteers

• All staff, trustees, and volunteers whose roles involve regulated work (i.e., working directly with vulnerable adults or children) will undergo PVG checks before starting their role.
• Trustees who engage in service delivery or have direct, unsupervised contact with service users will be required to join the PVG Scheme.
• Regular PVG renewals will be conducted to ensure continued compliance with safeguarding standards.

9. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there is a change in legislation or guidance.

10. Safeguarding Referral and Escalation Flowchart

1. Do you have a concern? (Something seen, heard, or disclosed)

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2. Is there immediate danger or risk of serious harm?

• Yes → Call 999 immediately Then inform the DSL as soon as possible
• No → Continue below

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3. Report the concern

Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately

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4. Record the concern

• Use the person’s own words
• Include date, time, and context
• Separate fact from opinion
• Sign and date

5. Do not investigate

Your role is to report, not prove

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6. DSL Action

The DSL will:

• Review the concern
• Assess risk
• Decide next steps
• Refer to Social Work or Police Scotland where required

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7. Follow-up and Support

• Individual supported appropriately
• Actions recorded securely
• Ongoing monitoring if required