This policy has been prepared to ensure the protection, well-being and safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults involved in Ashwood activities and those working with them.
As an organisation we believe that:
- Children young people, and vulnerable adults should be respected and valued as individuals.
- We should provide a safe, caring environment with a happy and friendly atmosphere
- We have a responsibility to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults and report suspected or disclosed abuse to the appropriate statutory authorities
- We have a responsibility to support and train those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to provide ongoing support and supervision
- We have a commitment to best practice as far as our work with children, young people and vulnerable adults is concerned
Vulnerable Adults
The term “vulnerable adult” refers to a person aged 18 or over whose ability to protect himself or herself from violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation is significantly impaired through physical or mental disability, illness, old age, emotional fragility, distress, or otherwise; and for that purpose, the reference to being impaired is to being temporarily or indefinitely impaired. They will not always regard themselves as vulnerable. Factors which MAY increase vulnerability include:
- A mental illness, chronic or acute
- A sensory or physical disability or impairment
- A learning disability
- A physical illness
- Dementia
- An addiction to alcohol or drugs
- Failing faculties of old age
- Those who are homeless
- Refugee families or individuals (including those seeking asylum)
- Victims/survivors of domestic abuse – direct violence and/or significant emotional coercion
- Those who have suffered historic abuse in childhood
- A permanent or temporary reduction in physical, mental or emotional capacity brought about by life events – for example bereavement, abuse or trauma
Our Safeguarding Coordinator is Sallie Bates.
Should you need to contact her please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)