ADULT SAFEGUARDING POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

The Footlights Group is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals participating in our activities, including adults who may be vulnerable. This Adult Safeguarding Policy outlines our approach to protecting adults at risk from abuse, neglect, and harm. The policy applies to all staff members, volunteers, contractors, and anyone associated with The Footlights Group.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1 Adult at Risk: Any person aged 18 or over who may be in need of care and support due to their age, disability, illness, or other factors that may make them vulnerable and unable to protect themselves against abuse or harm.

2.2 Abuse: Any act or failure to act that causes or may cause significant harm to an adult at risk, including but not limited to physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or neglectful abuse.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 The Senior Leadership Team (SLT): SLT is responsible for ensuring that robust safeguarding procedures are in place, monitoring their effectiveness, and taking appropriate action to address any safeguarding concerns.

3.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy, providing advice and support, and ensuring that all concerns or allegations are appropriately addressed. The DSL for The Footlights Group is Joanne Fisher, and their contact details are Jfisher@footlightstheatre.co.uk / 0161 713 3026

3.3 Staff and Volunteers: All staff members and volunteers have a responsibility to be vigilant, report any concerns promptly, and cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigations.

4. RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING

4.1 Safer Recruitment: The Footlights Group follows safer recruitment practices to ensure that individuals working with adults at risk are suitable for their roles. This includes conducting background checks (DBS), obtaining references, and ensuring that appropriate qualifications are held where required.

4.2 Training: All staff members and volunteers who work directly with adults at risk are required to undergo safeguarding training. This training will be regularly updated to reflect current legislation and best practices.

5. RECOGNISING AND RESPONDING TO SAFEGUARDING CONSERNS

5.1 Reporting Concerns: Any staff member or volunteer who has concerns about the welfare or safety of an adult at risk must report them to the DSL immediately. Concerns can be reported in person, via phone, or through email. Contact details for the DSL are displayed prominently throughout the organisation.

5.2 Confidentiality: All concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, sharing information only with those who need to know and in line with data protection laws. The principle of confidentiality should not prevent reporting safeguarding concerns.

5.3 Responding to Allegations: The Footlights Group will take all allegations of abuse or harm seriously and will respond promptly, sensitively, and proportionately. The DSL will coordinate any necessary investigations involving appropriate external agencies if required.

6. PREVENTING AND MINIMISING RISK

6.1 Risk Assessment: The Footlights Group will regularly assess and review the potential risks to adults at risk involved in its activities. These assessments will inform the development of appropriate measures to prevent and minimise those risks.

6.2 Support and Empowerment: The Footlights Group will promote an environment where adults at risk are treated with dignity and respect. Efforts will be made to empower individuals, enable their active participation, and support their decision-making capacity where appropriate.

7. POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to ensure that it remains up-to-date and in line with current legislation and best practices.