1. Introduction and Commitment to Safeguarding
Discobility is committed to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all SEND adults and all other attendees at our events. We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults at risk and to protect them from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We acknowledge the legal duties under the Care Act 2014 and the Charities Act 2011. We acknowledge the duty of trustees to ensure safeguarding is embedded in our charity’s governance and operations. Trustees will actively oversee and monitor safeguarding practices.
2. Definition of an Adult at Risk
For the purpose of this policy, an adult at risk is defined as someone aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect as a result of those needs. This includes SEND adults who may be particularly vulnerable. This definition is based on Section 42 of the Care Act 2014. The trustees will ensure safeguarding processes recognise and protect all individuals who may be considered at risk, in line with current legislation and Charity Commission guidance.
3. Principles of Safeguarding
Our safeguarding principles are:
Governance & Accountability: Trustees will oversee safeguarding practices to ensure compliance with charity laws.
Prevention: Taking proactive steps to prevent abuse and neglect from happening.
Proportionality: Ensuring that any action taken is the least intrusive and most appropriate for the situation.
Protection: Providing support and representation for those who need it.
Partnership: Working collaboratively with individuals, their families, carers, relevant agencies, and other organisations.
These principles reflect the six key safeguarding principles outlined by the Care Act.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
All safeguarding roles and responsibilities will be clearly communicated to staff and volunteers.
Trustees will ensure safeguarding is regularly reviewed, risk-assessed, and embedded across operations.
The Board of Trustees/Management Committee has overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity operates in a safe and legal manner and for approving and reviewing this policy.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Neil Harrington is responsible for overseeing and implementing this policy, being the first point of contact for any safeguarding concerns, and liaising with external agencies.
All Staff and Volunteers have a responsibility to be aware of this policy, promote a safe environment, and report any concerns they may have about the welfare of an adult at risk.
5. Creating a Safe Environment
We will create a safe environment by:
Conducting formal risk assessments and recording safeguarding risks, reviewed annually or as needed.
Ensuring that all staff and volunteers undergo appropriate recruitment checks, including:
- Right to work check
- Identity check
- Employment history & references
- Criminal record check (DBS)
Providing regular safeguarding training and awareness sessions to all staff and volunteers, tailored to the specific needs of SEND adults.
Developing clear codes of conduct for staff and volunteers that emphasise respectful and professional interactions with attendees.
Ensuring appropriate staff-to-attendee ratios to provide adequate support and supervision.
Conducting risk assessments of our events and venues to identify and mitigate potential safeguarding risks. These assessments will be formally recorded as part of ongoing risk management.
Having clear procedures for managing challenging behavior in a way that prioritises the safety and well-being of everyone.
Having clear procedures for the safe handling of personal information in accordance with data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR.
6. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
A structured internal escalation process will be established and documented, ensuring prompt reporting to the DSL and trustee oversight where required.
Concerns involving potential criminal activity will be promptly reported to the relevant external safeguarding bodies, including the Police or Adult Social Care.
7. Reporting Procedures
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will:
- Take all reports of suspected abuse or neglect seriously.
- Ensure trustees are informed of serious incidents and that these are recorded appropriately.
- Follow the charity’s internal procedures for recording and managing safeguarding concerns.
- Assess the information and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include:
- Offering support to the individual.
- Discussing the concern with relevant colleagues.
- Contacting external agencies such as the Local Authority Adult Social Care services, Kent County Council on 03000 41 91 91 , or the Police, in line with local safeguarding procedures.
- Offering support to the individual.
- Keep accurate and confidential records of all safeguarding concerns and actions taken.
- Liaise with the relevant authorities and cooperate fully with any investigations.
- Ensure any serious safeguarding concerns are reported to the Charity Commission, as part of serious incident reporting obligations.
8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
We will maintain confidentiality in accordance with data protection legislation.
Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and when it is necessary to safeguard an adult at risk.
A formal confidentiality and data handling policy will be implemented, reviewed annually, and aligned with safeguarding best practices.
Any decision to share information without consent will be carefully considered and made in line with legal and safeguarding guidance.
9. Training and Support for Staff and Volunteers
Trustees will ensure safeguarding training is embedded as a mandatory requirement for all roles.
All staff and volunteers will receive induction training that includes an overview of this policy and their safeguarding responsibilities.
Regular safeguarding training will be provided, tailored to their roles and responsibilities.
Refresher training will be conducted at least every two years.
The charity will provide ongoing support to staff and volunteers who may be dealing with safeguarding concerns.
10. Review of this Policy
This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if there are changes in legislation or best practice. The review will be led by the trustees, ensuring strategic oversight.
The review will involve consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Any changes made to the policy will be documented, and updated versions will be made accessible to all staff and volunteers.
11. Contact Information
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Neil Harrington
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Karen Lightwood
Police (Non-Emergency): 101
Police (Emergency): 999
By implementing this safeguarding policy, Discobility aims to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where SEND adults can attend our events free from harm. This policy is designed to align with best practices outlined by the Charity Commission and sector-wide safeguarding standards.
12. Visitor and External Contractor Responsibilities
Discobility recognises that visitors and external contractors (including DJs, performers, venue staff, carers, family members, and partner organisations) play an important role in our events. To ensure safeguarding is consistently applied, the following responsibilities apply:
- Awareness
All visitors and contractors must be made aware of this safeguarding policy and the charity’s code of conduct before attending or working at events. A short briefing will be provided where appropriate.
- Conduct
Visitors and contractors are expected to act respectfully towards SEND adults and all attendees, avoiding any behaviour that could be discriminatory, exploitative, or unsafe. They must not take photos, videos, or personal information without explicit consent and safeguarding approval.
3 Reporting Concerns
Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to a staff member or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Visitors and contractors must not attempt to investigate concerns themselves.
- Access Control
Visitors and contractors must remain in designated areas and follow staff instructions. Unsupervised contact with attendees is not permitted unless authorised by the DSL.
- Privacy and Data Protection
Visitors must respect confidentiality and data protection requirements. No personal information about attendees may be shared outside the event.
- Compliance Checks
Regular or contracted visitors (such as DJs, security staff, or venue employees) may be required to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and agree to safeguarding clauses in contracts or partnership agreements.
- Consequences of Breach
Any visitor or contractor who fails to comply with safeguarding responsibilities may be asked to leave the event, excluded from future activities, and referred to relevant authorities if behaviour poses a safeguarding risk.
Version Control – Approval and Review
| Version No | Approved By | Approval Date | Main Changes | Review Period |
| 1.0 | Board | Dec 25 | Initial draft adapted for Discobility | Annually |