RNRR Runners Safeguarding Adults Policy

Policy Owner:	RNR Runners
PolicyApproved By:	The RNR Runners Committee Members
Date Policy Approved:	August 2024
Next Review Date:	2 years from publication unless an earlier review date is agreed by the committee

Contents

Section 1. Safeguarding Adults Policy

1. Introduction
2. Policy Statement
3. Purpose
4. Scope
5. Commitments
6. Implementation
7. Definition of an Adult at Risk
8. Definition of Abuse
9. Signs and Indicators of Abuse and Neglect
10. Wellbeing Principle
11. Person Centered Safeguarding / Making Safeguarding Personal
12. Think Family

Section 2. Adult Safeguarding Procedures

1. Recognising a concern about an adult
2. Responding to a disclosure or concern about an adult
3. Recording a concern
4. Reporting a concern

Appendix 1: Process Map

Section 1. Safeguarding Adults Policy

1.1 Introduction

Rock N Road Runners (RNRR) is committed to Safeguarding Adults in line with Jersey and national legislation and relevant local, national and local guidelines.

We will safeguard adults by ensuring that our activities are delivered in a way which keeps all adults safe.

RNRR is committed to creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm to adults which necessitates: the recognition of adults who may be at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk. knowing how adult abuse, exploitation or neglect manifests itself. and being willing to report safeguarding concerns.

This extends to recognising and reporting harm experienced anywhere, including within our activities, within other organised community or voluntary activities, in the community, in the person’s own home and in any care setting.

RNRR is committed to best safeguarding practice and to uphold the rights of all adults to live a life free from harm from abuse, exploitation and neglect.

1.2 Policy Statement

RNRR believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.

RNRR is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution and where action is taken when concerns are raised.

RNRR acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to prevent abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved.

RNRR recognises that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience. We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help. We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people’s lives.

RNRR recognises that whilst there is no specific Jersey Adult Safeguarding Legislation, Jersey draws on research, and follows best practice as described in the UK Care Act 2014. In Jersey, the practice of safeguarding is also framed around the Mental Health (Jersey) Law 2016 and the Capacity and Self Determination (Jersey) Law 2016 and is underpinned by the Human Right (Jersey) Law 2000.

Actions taken by RNRR will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.

1.3 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of RNRR to safeguarding adults and to ensure that everyone involved in RNRR is aware of:

• The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults.
• Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
• What to do or who to speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult within the organisation.

1.4 Scope

Safeguarding is about people and organisations working together to prevent and reduce both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding means protecting the health, well-being and human rights of adults at risk (people), enabling them to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

This safeguarding adult policy and associated procedures apply to all individuals involved in RNRR including Committee members, Staff, Coaches, Volunteers and Members and to all concerns about the safety of adults whilst taking part in our organisation, its activities and in the wider community.

We expect our partner organisations, including for example, affiliated clubs, suppliers and sponsors to adopt and demonstrate their commitment to the principles and practice as set out in this Safeguarding Adults Policy and associated procedures.

1.5 Commitments

In order to implement this policy RNRR will ensure that:

• Everyone involved with RNRR is aware of the safeguarding adult procedures and knows what to do and who to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult.
• Any concern that an adult is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up in line with RNRR Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures.
• The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first and the adult actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to (see the Safeguarding Adults Procedures).
• Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
• Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy.
• RNRR acts in accordance with best practice advice, for example, from Jersey Sport, UK Sport, Sport England, Sport Wales, Sport Scotland, Sport Northern Ireland, National Governing Bodies, NSPCC, Ann Craft Trust.
• RNRR will cooperate with the Jersey Police and the relevant local agencies in taking action to safeguard an adult.
• All Committee members, staff, officials and volunteers understand their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
• Encouragement is given for all committee members, staff, officials and volunteers to have completed up to date safeguarding adult training and/or learning opportunities appropriate for their role.
• RNRR uses safe recruitment practices and continually assesses the suitability of volunteers and staff to prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals in this organisation and within the sporting community.
• RNRR shares information about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies. For example: Single Point of Referral, Adult Safeguarding Team, Disclosure and Barring Service, Services, Police, Social Services. Where possible, the person affected will be supported to share their own information. Where appropriate a person’s consent will be gained before RNRR share relevant information. Where the risks to others e.g. from a source of harm who has access to other adults at risk, then information will be shared - and the person (at risk) notified where safe to do so.
• Actions taken under this policy are reviewed by the Committee on a quarterly basis.
• This policy, related policies and the Safeguarding Adults Procedures are reviewed no less than on a two-yearly basis and whenever there are changes in relevant Jersey legislation and/or government guidance as required by Jersey Sport, UK Sport, Sport England/Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland and/or National Governing Bodies and or as a result of any other significant change or event.

1.6 Implementation

RNRR is committed to developing and maintaining its capability to implement this policy and procedures. In order to do so the following will be in place:

• A clear line of accountability within the organisation for the safety and welfare of all adults.
• Access to relevant legal and professional advice.
• Regular management reports to the Committee detailing how risks to adult safeguarding are being addressed and how any reports have been addressed.
• Safeguarding adult procedures that deal effectively with any concerns of abuse or neglect, including those caused through poor practice.
• A Safeguarding Lead/ Club Welfare Officer.
• Arrangements to work effectively with other relevant organisations to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, including arrangements for sharing information.
• Codes of conduct for Committee members, Staff, Coaches, Officials, Volunteers and Members and other relevant individuals that specify zero tolerance of abuse in any form.
• Risk assessments that specifically include safeguarding of adults.
• Policies and procedures that address the following areas and which are consistent with this Safeguarding Adults policy.

• Code of Conduct
• Constitution
• Discipline and grievance
• Data protection

1.7 Definition of an Adult at Risk

With the guidance taken from The UK Care Act 2014 (and interpreted for the Jersey context), the definition of an adult at risk applies in respect of any person aged 18 or over who:

Everyone working to support people with care and support needs has a responsibility within these multiagency adult safeguarding procedures to identify and respond to concerns about possible abuse and neglect.

An adult with care and support needs may be:

• A person with a physical disability, a learning difficulty or a sensory impairment.
• Someone with mental health needs, including dementia or a personality disorder.
• A person with a long-term health condition.
• Someone who misuses alcohol or substances to the extent that it affects their ability to manage day-to-day living.
• Someone who is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision relating to their safety and is in need of care and support.

If a person does not meet the criteria of an adult at risk, in line with our multi-agency policy and procedures. this should not preclude agencies seeking advice, thinking prevention, holding MDT's, or making use of partnership arrangements outside of the adult safeguarding procedures.

1.8 Definition of Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons and may be:

Abuse is about the misuse of power and control that one person has over another. Where there is dependency, there is a possibility of abuse or neglect unless adequate safeguards are put in place. Intent is not an issue at the point of deciding whether an act or a failure to act is abuse. it is the impact of the act on the person and the harm or risk of harm to that individual.

People may report abuse to you in many ways, for example:

• They may tell you.
• Another person who knows them may tell you. this may be a family member, colleague or member of the public.
• You may see something such as a bruise or other mark, or notice a change in the person's behaviour.

Abuse can happen anywhere, for example:

• At home.
• In a care home, hospital or day service.
• At work or college.
• In a public place or in the community.

Abuse can be caused by anyone, for example:

• A partner, informal carer, relative, child, neighbour or friend.
• A health, social-care or other worker, whether they are paid or a volunteer.
• A stranger.
• An adult with care and support needs.
• Another Adult at Risk.

1.9 Signs and Indicators of Abuse and Neglect

The different types of abuse described in this chapter may in some cases be criminal offences, e.g. assault, sexual offences. Where a criminal offence is suspected the Police will be notified and should a formal complaint be made, the Police will take primacy in leading any enquiry.

Remedies through the courts are one form of redress but safeguarding adults is also about prevention and part of everyday practice. For example, effective assessment and care planning, being aware of responsibilities and powers available, engaging service users by seeking consent and participation in decision-making are all essential tools in minimising risks and vulnerability to abuse.

The UK Care and Support Statutory Guidance identifies types of abuse, but also emphasises that organisations should not take a limited view of what constitutes abuse or neglect.

The categories below are taken from the Care Act Guidance:

Here is a list of types of abuse with examples and potential indicators. In all examples there may be other signs as each person has unique needs and circumstances which cannot be captured within a single list.

• Physical abuse.
• Sexual abuse.
• Financial abuse.
• Discriminatory abuse.
• Emotional/Psychological abuse.
• Neglect (and acts of omission).
• Self-neglect.
• Organisational/institutional abuse.
• Domestic abuse.
• Modern slavery.
• Hate and Mate Crime.
• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

1.10 Wellbeing Principle

“The success of sport, in terms of helping people achieve their potential, making the most of existing talent, and attracting new people to sport relies on putting people – their safety, wellbeing and welfare – at the centre of what sport does”. Duty of Care in Sport Independent Report to Government Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, DL.

The concept of ‘well-being’ is threaded throughout UK legislation and is part of the Law about how health and social care is provided. Our well-being includes our mental and physical health, our relationships, our connection with our communities and our contribution to society.

Being able to live free from abuse and neglect is a key element of well-being.

The legislation recognises that statutory agencies have sometimes acted disproportionately in the past. For example, removing an adult at risk from their own home when there were other ways of preventing harm. In the words of Justice Mumby ‘What good is it making someone safe when we merely make them miserable?’ What Price Dignity? (2010)

For that reason any actions taken to safeguard an adult must take their whole well-being into account and be proportionate to the risk of harm.

1.11 Person Centered Safeguarding / Making Safeguarding Personal

The concept of ‘Person Centred Safeguarding’/’Making Safeguarding Personal’ means engaging the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their situation in a way that enhances their involvement, choice and control, as well as improving their quality of life, well-being and safety. Organisations work to support adults to achieve the outcomes they want for themselves. The adult’s views, wishes, feelings and beliefs must be taken into account when decisions are made about how to support them to be safe. There may be many different ways to prevent further harm. Working with the person will mean that actions taken help them to find the solution that is right for them. Treating people with respect, enhancing their dignity and supporting their ability to make decisions also helps promote people's sense of self-worth and supports recovery from abuse.

Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) is a UK approach to promote responses to safeguarding situations in a way that enhances a person's involvement, choice and control as well as improving quality of life, well-being and safety. It is about seeing people as experts in their own lives and working alongside them to identify the outcomes they want, with the aim of enabling them to resolve their circumstances and support their recovery.

MSP means that safeguarding:

The key focus is on developing a real understanding of what people wish to achieve. This includes agreeing, negotiating and recording their desired outcomes, working out with them (and their representatives or advocates if they lack capacity) how best those outcomes might be reached, and the extent to which desired outcomes have been realised.

In England, the Care Act 2014 safeguarding principles are (these are adopted in Jersey):

• Empowerment – people being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent
• Prevention – it is better to take action before harm occurs
• Proportionality – the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
• Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need
• Partnership – local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse
• Accountability – accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding

1.12 Think Family

Jersey recognises that family structures are dynamic and varied far beyond those defined by blood relationships or partners. Family is often constituted by the individuals themselves and is unique to their diverse and individual needs, including class, culture, race, ethnicity, religion and sexuality. Whilst the nature of family will change, the importance of understanding how it impacts on the person and the interdependence of individual support and wellbeing remains vital. Adopting a Think Family approach strengthens safeguarding.

The Think Family approach is a reminder that people do not live in isolation, and so when there are concerns about possible abuse or neglect within a 'family' situation, there is a need to think about the needs of the whole family regardless of whether it is an adult or child that you are working with. This approach is important in helping to understand the unique circumstances of an adult (or child) at risk, and the strengths and resources within the family to provide for their needs.

If there are concerns, for example, about neglect of a person with dementia at home, it is necessary to understand the strengths and needs of the family as a whole to ensure the person is provided with the support they want and need in the future. It also means considering if there are reasons to be concerned about unmet care and support needs of other members of the family, including those of children.

Any concerns relating to a child or young person, please contact the RNRR Club Welfare Officer/Children and Families Hub or in an emergency dial 999.

Section 2: Adult Safeguarding procedures

RNRR are expected to maintain an up-to-date record of all safeguarding concerns/allegations that are made to the club.

2.1 Recognising a concern about an adult

You may be concerned about harm to another person because of something you have seen or heard, information you have been told by others, or because someone has confided in you about things that are happening or have happened to them. It is not your responsibility to prove or decide whether an adult has been harmed or abused. It is, however, everyone’s responsibility to respond to and report concerns they have. There are many signs and indicators that may suggest someone is being abused or neglected. There may be other explanations, but they should not be ignored. The signs and symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries – or lack of medical attention when an injury is present
• Person has belongings or money going missing
• Person is not attending/no longer enjoying their sessions. You may notice that a participant in a team has been missing from practice sessions and is not responding to reminders from team members or coaches
• Someone losing or gaining weight/an unkempt appearance. This could be a player whose appearance becomes unkempt, does not wear suitable sports kit and there is a deterioration in hygiene
• A change in the behaviour or confidence of a person. For example, a participant may be quiet and withdrawn when their brother comes to collect them from sessions, in contrast to their personal assistant whom they greet with a smile
• Self-harm
• A fear of a particular group of people or individual
• A parent/carer always speaks for the person and doesn’t allow them to make their own choices
• They may tell you/another person they are being abused (i.e. a disclosure)

2.2 Responding to a disclosure or concern about an adult

If an adult indicates to you that they are being harmed or abused, or information is received which gives rise to a concern, you should follow the guidance below.

If it will not put them or you at further risk, discuss your safeguarding concerns with the adult and ask them what they would like to happen next. Inform them that you need to pass on your concerns to the RNRR Club Welfare Officer.

• Do not contact the adult before talking to the RNRR Club Welfare Officer if the person allegedly causing the harm is likely to find out.
• Take their concern seriously.
• Stay calm.
• Listen carefully to what is said, allowing the adult to continue at their own pace.
• Be sensitive.
• Keep questions to a minimum – only ask questions if you need to identify/clarify what the person is telling you.
• Reassure the person that they have done the right thing in revealing the information.
• Explain what you would like to do next.
• Explain that you will have to share the information with the Club Welfare Officer.
• Ask for their consent for the information to be shared with other agencies.
• Make arrangements for how you/the Club Welfare Officer can contact them safely.
• Help them to contact other organisations for advice and support (e.g. Police, Domestic Abuse Helpline, Victim Support).
• Act swiftly to report and carry out any relevant actions (see below).

Do not confront the person thought to be causing the harm. It is important not to:

• Dismiss or ignore the concern
• Panic or allow shock or distaste to show
• Make negative comments about the alleged perpetrator
• Make assumptions or speculate
• Come to your own conclusions
• Probe for more information than is offered
• Promise to keep the information secret
• Make promises that cannot be kept
• Conduct your own investigation of the case
• Confront the person thought to be causing harm
• Take sole responsibility
• Tell everyone (the information is confidential).

If someone has a need for immediate medical attention, call an ambulance on 999. If you are concerned someone is in immediate danger or a serious crime is being committed, contact the Police on 999 straight away. Where you suspect that a crime is being committed, you must involve the Police.

2.3 Recording a concern

• Make a note of what the person has said, using his or her own words, as soon as practicable.
• Completing the Adult Safeguarding Concern Form may assist in the recording of information.
• Ensure you describe the circumstances in which the concern came about and what action you took/advice you gave.
• It is important to distinguish between things that are fact and things that have been observed or overheard, in order to ensure that information is as accurate as possible.
• If someone has told you about the harm or abuse, use the words the person used. If someone has written to you (including by email or social media) include a copy with the form.

2.4 Reporting a concern

• Use the Reporting a concern about an adult process map to guide you (Appendix 1)
• Submit a copy of the Adult Safeguarding Report Form to the RNRR Club Welfare Officer without delay.
• This information is confidential and must only be shared with your RNRR Club Welfare Officer and others that have a need to know, in order to keep the person safe whilst waiting for action to be taken.
• Alternatively, if the concern is about someone not connected to a club, speak to the RNRR Club Welfare Officer who can then liaise (where appropriate) with the Home County Athletics Federation (HCAF) Welfare Officer.

In the first instance, you should report any adult safeguarding or welfare concerns to the RNRR Club Welfare Officer. This can be done my emailing: [email protected].

If the Club Welfare Officer is not immediately available, concerns should be raised to the chair or vice chair of the Committee or the Single Point of Referral (SPOR) team via email: [email protected] or Phone: 01534 444440. Please ensure that if the RNRR Club Welfare Office is not available, a copy of the concern is made available to them.

In case of an emergency please dial 999/112 Opening times for SPOR:

Mon to Thurs 08:30am to 5pm

Friday 08:30-4:30pm

Appendix 1: Process Map