Safeguarding Policy for Vulnerable Adults

Version	Update	Staff
2.0	03.10.2022	Daniela Prataviera
3.0	08.12.2022	Mohil Shah
3.5	17.08.2023	Daniela Prataviera
4.0	29.09.2023	Daniela Prataviera
5.0	31.08.2024

Introduction- Who it is by and who it is for

This Safeguarding Policy is written in accordance with current legislative rules and maintained by members of the management team. This Policy applies to all students interacting with all services under the brand names ‘Study Mind’, ‘Medic Mind’, Oxbridge Mind’, ‘Dentist Mind’, ‘Law Mind’ ‘Vet Mind’ and any other part of this company. This applies to both direct students, referrals and groups coming from third party organisations. For ease of reference, this policy will refer to the business under the name ‘Study Mind’.

Study Mind acknowledges our legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all vulnerable adults. Safeguarding is a collective responsibility, and everyone connected (including staff, tutors, directors, parents, families, and learners) plays a vital role in ensuring their safety and security.

Every student who participates in a Study Mind course should be able to do so in a safe and comfortable environment.  Study Mind is committed to providing the best possible level of safeguarding and the wellbeing and safety of each student is our primary consideration.  Study Mind is committed to the wellbeing and safety of all our learners. It underpins all areas of our provisions as we believe vulnerable adults have a right to feel safe.  Close monitoring and early identification of safeguarding issues is critical. 

Staff and tutors at Study Mind are encouraged to always consider the possibility of safeguarding issues, adopting a mindset of ‘it could happen here’. When there are concerns about a vulnerable adult’s welfare, the priority is always to act in their best interests.

Study Mind is committed to the principle that the best interests of vulnerable adults are paramount. We believe that all vulnerable adults deserve to have their voices heard and their feelings and wishes considered. Vulnerable adults of all ages, disabilities, genders, races, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations/identities are equally entitled to protection from harm and abuse.

At Study Mind, we strive to offer tuition services within a caring, positive, safe, and stimulating environment. This approach is designed to foster the academic, social, physical, and moral development of each vulnerable adult. We emphasise creating and maintaining an environment where vulnerable adults feel and are safe, where they are respected and encouraged to speak openly.

Our commitment includes ensuring that the wishes and feelings of vulnerable adults are taken into account when deciding on safeguarding actions and services to provide.

All our staff are well-informed about safe professional practices and strictly adhere to our safeguarding policies.

Study Mind has a duty to ensure all service providers of Study Mind courses are given appropriate safeguarding measures and all lessons take place in a safe environment.

As well as students, this safeguarding policy is mandatory for all Study Mind tutors, staff, volunteers and agency workers. Appropriate measures are put in place to ensure that tutors are protected in terms of safety and wellbeing in all communications with Study Mind clients, staff and students.

Study Mind recognises that there may be differences in safeguarding requirements between vulnerable adults with and without special educational needs and circumstances. These differences are addressed below.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Daniela Prataviera, Senior Manager.
The requirements for this position are:
– Level 3 Safeguarding
– FGM
– Self Harm Training
– Domestic Abuse Training
– Child Sexual Exploitation Training

Prevent and Anti-Radicalisation Training

Safer Recruitment Training
Anti-Bullying Training
Online Safety Training

The other members of the safeguarding team are:
– Aashir Akram, Senior Manager
– Dr Mohil Shah, Founder
– Dr Kunal Dasani, Founder

The training requirements for this team are:
– Study Mind Safeguarding Training
– DBS checks – Level 2 Safeguarding Training
– FGM
– Self Harm Training
– Domestic Abuse Training
– Child Sexual Exploitation Training
Prevent and Anti-Radicalisation
Anti- Bullying Training
Online Safety Training

The training requirements for this team are:
Study Mind Safeguarding Training
DBS checks
Anti-Bullying Training
Online Safety Training
Self Harm Training
Safer Recruitment Training

Legislative Framework

This Safeguarding Policy is to ensure all students on a Study Mind course are able to benefit from our services within the remits of the Adult Safeguarding Standards of the United Kingdom Law. This Policy is derived from a variety of legislative provisions and statutory guidance. In particular, it is based on good practice found in:

• Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Sexual Offences Act 2003
• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007
• The Equality Act 2010
• Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
• Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Care Act 2014

2b. Our safeguarding policy and procedures comply with all of this guidance and are updated with agreement between the entirety of the Study Mind Management team.

Definitions

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults is defined for the purposes of 

this guidance as:

• protecting vulnerable adults from maltreatment

• preventing the impairment of vulnerable adults’ mental and physical health or development

• ensuring that vulnerable adults  grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of 

safe and effective care.

Definition of Vulnerable Adults

A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care

of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.

This may include a person who:

● Is elderly and frail

● Has a mental illness including dementia

● Has a physical or sensory disability

● Has a learning disability

● Has a severe physical illness

● Is a substance misuser

● Is homeless

The term “adult/adults” used throughout this policy and procedures refers to individuals who might previously have been described as a “vulnerable adult” or an “adult at risk”. This encompasses adults who are experiencing, or are susceptible to, abuse or neglect. The definition includes adults who are more vulnerable to various forms of abuse due to factors like physical, mental, sensory, learning, or cognitive disabilities or illnesses, substance misuse, or brain injury. It also extends to unpaid carers, family, and friends who provide care for these individuals. 

The criteria for being considered under this definition are: being 18 years or older; having care and support needs (regardless of whether these needs are being met); experiencing or being at risk of abuse or neglect; and being unable to safeguard oneself from this abuse or neglect, or the risk thereof, due to these care needs. 

This definition covers adults who manage their own care through personal budgets, those who self-fund their care, and those whose care is financed by local authorities and/or health services.

Care Act 2014 Definition of an Adult at Risk of Abuse

Where a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult in its area (whether or not ordinarily resident there)

(a) has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs),

(b) is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and

(c) as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

In the safeguarding of adults, Study Mind are guided by the six key principles set out in The Care Act 2014 and Making Safeguarding Personal. Study Mind aims to demonstrate and promote these six principles in our work: 

• 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.

Adult safeguarding responsibilities are equally applicable to all adults with care and support needs. This applies irrespective of whether their needs are currently being met, their mental capacity status, and the setting in which they live.

Having a disability or illness doesn’t automatically imply an inability to self-care or defend oneself from abuse or exploitation. However, research indicates that individuals who rely more on others for daily tasks such as personal and health care, eating and drinking, mobility, and managing finances, tend to be more vulnerable. This vulnerability is particularly heightened when the person also has a degree of mental incapacity or mental disorder that impacts their ability to make informed decisions and choices.

Abuse

Abuse is a violation of a person’s human and civil rights by any other person.  It is where someone does something to another person, or to themselves, which puts them at risk of harm and impacts on their health and wellbeing.

Abuse comes in many forms and can often have a damaging effect on the health and wellbeing of an individual, the effects may be short term, or may last a long time.  The signs of abuse aren’t always obvious, and the victim may not tell anyone what is happening to them – sometimes they may not even be aware they are being abused.

Adults and children are potential victims and perpetrators, so Study Mind has an obligation to monitor and safeguard all interactions to ensure safety across all services.

The Care Act 2014 defines the ten areas of abuse. Study Mind also includes self-neglect as an additional category. These are not exhaustive but are a guide to behaviour that may lead to a safeguarding enquiry

Abuse can be (but not limited to):

• Discriminatory:  Including types of harassment, bullying, derogatory language, isolation, neglect, refusal of access to services or similar treatment due to race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, religion, or because an individual is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. This encompasses racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, or any other form of hate incident or crime.
• Emotional abuse: Continuous maltreatment of an individual resulting in impairment of the individual’s emotional development, self-esteem, and sense of self-worth. This may include, but is not limited to, belittling, berating, bullying (also cyberbullying), constantly criticising, rejecting, emotionally manipulating or ridiculing the vulnerable adult, depriving them of the opportunity to express their views, silencing them, imposing developmentally inappropriate expectations, verbally or nonverbally conveying that they are unloved or worthless, but also witnessing the ill- treatment of somebody else and overprotecting the vulnerable adult, thus impeding their exploration and learning, as well as participation in social interactions. Whilst emotional abuse is usually present in all types of maltreatment of a vulnerable adult, it may also occur on its own. 
• Psychological abuse: Psychological abuse involves the regular and deliberate use of a range of words and non-physical actions used with the purpose to manipulate, hurt, weaken or frighten a person mentally and emotionally; and/or distort, confuse or influence a person’s thoughts and actions within their everyday lives, changing their sense of self and harming their wellbeing. 
• Physical abuse: This involves the hurting or injuring of a vulnerable adult by ways such as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning and suffocating.May involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a vulnerable adult. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a vulnerable adult..
• Sexual abuse: ​​This involves forcing or persuading a vulnerable adult to take part in sexual activities. This could be directly – by touching a vulnerable adult – or indirectly, for example, making a vulnerable adult watch sexual activities or act in a sexualised way online. It includes grooming a vulnerable adult in preparation for abuse, often via the internet. Child sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse.
• Modern slavery: Covers slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters utilise any means available to them to coerce, deceive, and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude, and inhumane treatment.
• Financial abuse: The act of exerting excessive financial control, harm or exploitation of another. This includes theft or financial exploitation, the misuse or misappropriation of possessions or benefits.
• Domestic abuse:  This includes physical, sexual, emotional or psychological and financial abuse mentioned above. This may also include honour-based abuse. Vulnerable adults raised in households when younger where there is domestic violence may suffer from long-term mental health problems. This also includes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Organisational abuse: A form of mistreatment caused by inadequate care or support within an institution, e.g. care homes, young offenders’ institutions, pupil referral units, services for those with learning difficulties, substance treatment centres
• Neglect: A wide array of behaviours, including neglecting to care for one’s basic needs and well-being, e.g. personal hygiene, appropriate clothing, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding. 
• Organisational (also known as institutional) abuse: Includes neglect and substandard care practices within an institution or specific care setting, like a hospital or care home, or regarding care provided in someone’s own home. This can vary from isolated incidents to continuous mistreatment. It can occur through neglect or inferior professional practice due to the organisation’s structure, policies, processes, and practices.

The response to any concerns of abuse or neglect will be appropriately scaled according to the level of harm that has occurred or might occur. Study Mind has a Risk Threshold Tool that outlines the expected types of responses.

The severity of harm, or the extent of the abuse, may not always be immediately evident at the initial point of concern or referral. Therefore, it is important to treat all reports and suspicions with an unbiased perspective.

Abuse can be inflicted by anyone and can happen within any type of relationship. It is more common for individuals to be abused by someone they are familiar with. Potential abusers can include:

• Spouses or partners
• Other family members
• Neighbours
• Friends
• Acquaintances
• Local residents
• Individuals who intentionally exploit those they perceive as vulnerable
• Paid staff or professionals
• Volunteers
• Strangers

Abuse often occurs in situations where the abuser holds a position of greater power than the victim. In some cases, the abuser themselves might also be at risk of, or vulnerable to, abuse.

Abuse can happen in various locations, including the victim’s own home, the homes of family or friends, public places, care settings like hospitals or care homes, and places of work or education.

Mental Capacity

It is generally assumed that adults are capable of making informed choices about their own lives. However, if an individual is determined to lack the mental capacity to make decisions about their safety, these decisions will be made in their best interests, following the guidelines of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and its Code of Practice.

In cases where an adult with mental capacity chooses to stay in an abusive environment, it’s important to evaluate whether their decision is made without intimidation or coercion, with a clear understanding of the risks, and with access to relevant services in case they decide to seek help later. If there’s a concern that their decision has been compromised by threats or coercion, thus questioning its validity, their best interests must be considered, potentially overriding their consent to take further protective actions.

The MCA defines someone is lacking capacity, because of an illness or disability such as a mental health problem, dementia or a learning disability, who cannot do one or more of the following four things:

• Understand information given to them about a particular decision
• Retain that information long enough to be able to make the decision
• Weigh up the information available to make the decision
• Communicate their decision. Refer to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-capacity-act-code-of-practice. Study Mind will need to involve an advocate if the person lacks capacity to make decisions about a safeguarding concern.

Support and guidance will be sought from Study Mind should anyone have concerns regarding an adult’s capacity.

There are instances where the consent of an adult with mental capacity might need to be overridden, such as when there are risks to others, a threat of serious harm, or the occurrence or likelihood of a serious crime.

Adults who are, or may be, victims of abuse should be provided with information, advice, and support in a manner they can comprehend. Their opinions should be taken into account in all decision-making processes concerning their lives.

Decisions made by professionals regarding an individual’s life should be prompt, reasonable, justifiable, proportionate, ethical, and thoroughly documented.

Confidentiality

Adults are entitled to privacy and confidentiality throughout the safeguarding process, except in situations where it’s necessary to breach this confidentiality, for example, to protect others at risk. The necessity to reveal an adult’s identity should be carefully considered at every step to avoid unnecessary disclosure.

Staff are obligated to promptly report any suspicions or concerns about an adult being, or at risk of being, abused. It’s crucial for staff to fully understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to these policies and procedures, including how to recognize signs of abuse and the appropriate actions to take in response.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) and students with disabilities may require additional other measures in place.
Not all SEN students are considered to be disabled. The Equality Act 2010 describes a disability as:

‘A physical or mental impairment, which has a long term (a year or more) and substantial adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities’. 

This includes sensory impairments, such as those affecting sight or hearing, and long-term conditions such as asthma, epilepsy and cancer.

Vulnerable adults with such conditions don’t necessarily have SEN, but there are significant overlaps between disabled vulnerable adults and those with SEN. 

If a disabled adult needs special educational provision they are also covered by the SEN definition.

Study Mind’s aim is to treat each individual student with good quality care, and additional measures are considered for any student, not just students in this category.

Responsibilities

Study Mind recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with  vulnerable adults and their parents or carers has a role to play in safeguarding them.

Study Mind management are responsible for:

1- Safer Recruitment

Study Mind complies with all legislation around safeguarding during recruitment and all senior management are required to attend Safer Recruitment and general safeguarding training as part of their role. 

Safer Recruitment measures at Study Mind include (but not limited to):

• Requiring video interviews of all employees prior to recruitment.
• Requiring references, which include explicit reference to suitability to work with vulnerable adults, from all administrative and management recruitment cycles. For tutors, who sometimes do not have explicit working experience, a history of working with young people in a supervised setting is required.
• Requiring DBS checks and suitability checks on all employees prior to recruitment.
• Yearly mandatory updates in training on safeguarding, in addition to regular training on topics such as online safety.
• Clear procedures and reporting requirements for all tutors and staff. 
• Anonymised methods for whistleblowing and feedback for all staff.

2- Communications monitoring

All communications between staff, students, parents, tutors and organisations are monitored by Study Mind staff to ensure that guidelines are followed. All chats are accessible by multiple members of staff to ensure additional security.

3- Allegations monitoring

Study Mind keeps detailed records of all and any allegations made against, to or by Study Mind to ensure that these are followed up correctly and monitored by the DSL. Where needed, these records are incorporated into training. All records are anonymised if made accessible to staff other than the senior management team.

4- Safeguarding training for all staff

Study Mind provides training to all employees on general safeguarding, reporting procedures and following the Code of Conduct.

All Study Mind tutors are required to:

• Observe and comply with the Study Mind Code of Conduct.
• Attend all relevant training and development provided by Study Mind and be aware of all their responsibilities in line with Care Act 2014.
• If a student discloses to a tutor that they are being abused, the tutor should report this to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for ensuring that  vulnerable adults are identified and the appropriate agency involved.
• Know how to deal with a disclosure of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, overdosing or eating disorders. The Designated Safeguarding Lead should be informed.
• Report instances of actual or suspected abuse or neglect to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or in their absence, the Deputy, in line with the Adult Protection Procedures and legal duty for reporting FGM as set out in this policy.
• Know what to do in the event of an allegation made against someone working with  vulnerable adults. If such a disclosure is made, the tutor should report this to the DSL.
• Be alert to the signs of harm and abuse, including issues that can manifest themselves due to peer on peer abuse. This is most likely to include, but not limited to: bullying (including cyber bullying), gender-based violence/sexual assaults and sexting.
• Tutors should follow the Adult Protection Procedures with regards to peer on peer abuse as outlined in this policy.
• Know the Designated Safeguarding Lead’s name and contact details including telephone numbers and email.
• Be aware of the early help process. This includes identifying emerging problems, liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, sharing information with other professionals to support early identification and assessment and, in some cases, acting as the lead professional in undertaking an early help assessment.
  

Study Mind will:

• Assess the impact of this policy in keeping vulnerable adults safe.
• Contribute any local, contextual information that may support vulnerable adults’ safety and welfare.
• Receive and consider regular reports from tutors about the effectiveness of safeguarding and adult protection at the company
• Keep abreast of training to ensure that tutors have the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to keep all vulnerable adults safe.
  

Study Mind has a duty of care to tutors, who are often young people themselves. Study Mind will:

• Educate and engage tutors on working rights in the UK, ensuring that tutors have clear information around work, fair and prompt payment and policies that ensure that no tutor is disadvantaged through their work at Study Mind.
• Provide safe and open spaces for communication on grievances, so tutors are able to provide feedback on their experience at Study Mind. 
• Ensure that no direct communication between tutors, students or guardians happens outside of the communication set up by Study Mind. At all times a member of Study Mind must be present (either through presence in a group chat or through recording) to review communication and ensure that no abuse takes place.
• Operate a zero tolerance policy on any abuse towards any one associated with Study Mind. Abuse from Study Mind employees or clients will be investigated thoroughly by the DSL and, where necessary, may lead to an immediate termination of contracts, suspension of lessons and referral to local authorities.
  

Any member of Study Mind staff disclosing, investigating or dealing with abuse allegations are given additional support and encouragement for leave if needed and urged to seek out mental health support.

There are two categories of concerns: 

1. Concerns / allegations that may meet the harm threshold.

2. Concerns / allegations that do not meet the harm threshold – referred to for the 

purposes of this guidance as ‘low-level concerns’. (KSCIE, 2023).

Study Mind will create an environment in which there is no such thing as ‘low level concerns’. All allegations are treated seriously and by taking a zero tolerance approach, Study Mind seeks to create an environment in which abuse is spotted early and does not have any chance to embed itself or for toxic practices to go uninvestigated. As such, Study Mind will investigate all allegations in good faith.

Low-Level Concerns

A low-level concern is any concern that an adult (either Study Mind staff, tutor or other) has behaved in a way that:

• is inconsistent with the Study Mind Code of Conduct. This includes inappropriate conduct both inside and outside of work, scheduled lessons and monitored communication.
• does not meet the threshold of harm or is not considered serious enough for Study Mind 

to refer to the local authority.

• Demonstrates a lack of awareness about ‘safe’ behaviour, whether malicious or not.

Low-level concerns include a spectrum of behaviours which may be

• intentionally designed to facilitate abuse 
• unintentional, inadvertent or thoughtless

The key is that the behaviour is inappropriate and not what Study Mind expects, as set out in our Code of Conduct and our Safeguarding Standards. It may take place across any part of our service, between staff, tutors, students and stakeholders.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• showing favouritism or special treatment
• being over-friendly or displaying non-professional behaviour
• using inappropriate language that is sexual, profane, intimidating or offensive
• inappropriate touching or initiating hugging (if in person), or discussions of such
• intimidation, punishment or degrading treatment 

Study Mind recognises that the appropriate reaction to this kind of low level concern is how escalation of behaviour to further abuse can be prevented. As such, Study Mind staff and tutors:

• are clear about what is meant by appropriate behaviour and can distinguish this from 

concerning, problematic or inappropriate behaviour in themselves and others (the Code of Conduct)

• can recognise the importance of professional boundaries and when to report concerns (through induction training, Code of Conduct and ongoing training in Safer Study Mind)
• feel empowered to share any low-level concerns with the DSL and through the 

reporting system

• know that the response will be measured and proportionate.

Low Level Concerns Procedure
Anyone at Study Mind suspecting or finding evidence of behaviour that fits into this category should take the following steps:

• Complete a Safeguarding Report as per the instructions.
• If preferred, speak to the DSL first. It is their responsibility to address this with the individual staff member and this will be done completely anonymously. It is the responsibility of the DSL to decide how far to escalate the investigation, depending on the proof and allegation.
• Any behaviour found or deemed to be malicious in intent, or part of a wider escalation in behaviour, will result in immediate dismissal from Study Mind and may lead to further investigation by the authorities.
• Where the behaviour is deemed careless and/or due to a lack of awareness of correct procedure, the staff member will be suspended following further training.
• In all cases of low level concern, additional training and monitoring will be available to all Study Mind staff to ensure that expectations are clear and there is no confusion. 

Online Safety and Communication 

All Study Mind online communication is monitored and tracked for safety. These procedures are made clear in the tutor induction documents, Code of Conduct and this document. Study Mind has an Online Safety Policy that provides more in depth information on these policies.

Social media safety is an integral part of this policy. Social media is defined as all methods of direct online communication, including (but not limited to) Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube.

All social media coming from Study Mind must be approved by the management team and must not:

• Include anything amounting to bullying or discrimination
• Include any identifying information of Study Mind staff or students
• Include any images without permission
• Include anything amounting to abuse of any kind
• Divulge any Study Mind intellectual property, policies not public or speak in a disparaging way about interactions
• Misrepresent Study Mind, its services or staff members.

Staff and students must not under any circumstances, either during or after a booking, communicate or add each other on private or personal social media. Discovery of this will lead to immediate termination of contracts on both sides. In cases where staff and students knew each other personally prior to joining Study Mind, then employees must ensure that all communications abide by this policy.

Photography policy- Study Mind recognises that it is vital to protect images of  vulnerable adults from misuse. 

• Study Mind requires all lessons to be recorded for safety and monitoring purposes. Tutors are guided through the Code of Conduct to keep these recordings safe for no more than 3 months and never save them or share them. This means keeping them on their platform and only ever share recordings either directly with students within Study Mind’s messaging platform, via email through Study Mind or to Study Mind directly.
• Any images or recordings used for promotional purposes must be approved by students and guardians and not have any identifying information about anyone involved.
• Strong policies and procedures are clearly put in place where it is clear to all involved what is considered appropriate.

Study Mind recognise the considerable breadth of issues classified within online safety, which have been categorised into the following four areas:

• content: being exposed to illegal, inappropriate or harmful content, for example: pornography, fake news, racism, misogyny, self-harm, suicide, anti-Semitism, radicalisation and extremism
• contact: being subjected to harmful online interaction with other users; for example: peer to peer pressure, commercial advertising and adults posing as vulnerable adults, young people or vulnerable adults with the intention to groom or exploit them for sexual, criminal, financial or other purposes’
• conduct: personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm; for example, making, sending and receiving explicit images (e.g., consensual and non-consensual sharing of nudes and semi-nudes and/or pornography, sharing other explicit images and online bullying; and
• commerce – risks such as online gambling, inappropriate advertising, phishing and or financial scams. If anyone is at risk, please report it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

Study Mind will ensure that safety online is an embedded element of all our procedures, policies and services. 

Tutors are all provided with safeguarding training as a part of their induction. This training is offered through the tutor induction programme, Safer Study Mind training each November and in the Tutor Training sessions throughout the year. 

All online interaction between students is strictly limited. No contact details between students is ever shared by Study Mind, nor visible during group classes, classrooms or events. During group sessions, students are permitted to communicate only via the shared chat box (on Zoom or Teams), which is monitored at all times either by the tutor (for smaller classes or weekly events) or by a member of the safeguarding team for large scale webinars and one-off events, where comments are limited to only hosts to avoid issues.

Safeguarding procedures reporting and managing concerns about a vulnerable adult

The process for recording safeguarding incidents, concerns and referrals in line with current legislation including the Care Act 2014 for vulnerable adults.

Tutors and staff will follow the necessary adult protection procedures if an incident occurs. They will be made aware that:

• Where an individual is in danger or at risk of harm, a referral should be made to the DSL immediately. Tutors can ring the direct number to the DSL in this document, or call the central office on +44 (0) 20 3305 9593 to report the incident. 
• In an emergency always contact the Police or emergency services: 999
• Study Mind staff will then be able to contact relevant authorities and, if needed, 999 in order to disclose the situation with access to the students’ personal information.
• Anyone can make a referral.
• Tutors should make a comprehensive written record of the incident immediately after the session including date, time, initials of the student and detailed notes regarding the event that was witnessed by the tutor, the disclosure made by the student or other party or safeguarding concern. 
• Tutors should not assume that somebody else will take action/share information that might be critical in keeping vulnerable adults safe. All allegations are treated as serious and confidential. 
• Tutors should remain calm and reassure the other person they are doing the right thing. Tutors may offer sympathy and comfort to the other party and listen to them attentively, asking open questions. 
• Where referrals are not made by the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the Designated Safeguarding Lead should be informed, as soon as possible, that a referral has been made.
• The reporting of concerns relating to safety concerns, even if not currently ongoing (for example, historic abuse, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), bullying outside of Study Mind lessons and so on) is mandatory.
• The DSL or deputy DSL will always be available to discuss safeguarding concerns.
  

When a tutor  suspects that any student may have been subject to abuse, or a student has suggested that abuse has taken place either to themselves or another student, the allegation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The DSL will ensure the allegation is acted on within the same day. It is best practice to ensure that all colleagues who are involved in the allegation are informed of the outcome, so there is closure or continual vigilance as necessary. Appendix A shows our Safeguarding Reporting Form

Reporting

All Safeguarding concerns will be investigated within 24 hours of receiving the report. It is vital that incidences are reported as soon as possible to allow prompt investigation. 

To help the Safeguarding team respond and refer appropriately you should follow the guidance below.

• Remember that concern forms are used in court cases and inquiries as evidence.
• Reports should be objective and detailed.
• Please alert the team as soon as possible. It can take several hours to deal with even urgent concerns and the earlier we start the better.

Disclosure

Once a disclosure has been made the Safeguarding Team will consider all the information and if necessary taking advice and will make a decision to either:

• Make an adult protection referral to Adult Social Care
• Keep detailed records of the concern with no further action
• Liaise with the host school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead

It is vital that where a vulnerable adult is likely to suffer from harm or is suffering that a referral to adult’s social care (and if appropriate the police) is made urgently 

Once the decision is made to make a referral the Safeguarding Team will contact the relevant Social Care Team and make a telephone referral. This must be followed up in writing within 24 hours.

Emergency Response

Where a vulnerable adult is identified at immediate risk of harm then the tutor should urgently  contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead who will in turn contact the Police for the areas where the risk is located using 999.  This is especially important when the vulnerable adult  is being tutored at home and there is no school teacher present. For events such as the Work Experience, all Emergency Contracts, whether on site or not, must also be informed, but only once the proper authorities have been first called to deal with the emergency.

Within one working day of a referral being made, a local authority social worker should acknowledge receipt to the referrer and make a decision about the next steps and the type of response that is required.

Where tutors are delivering tuition to vulnerable adults in a school or college, the Study Mind team must inform the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead/ Officer of any safeguarding concern.

Storing Information Regarding Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding issues, discussions, decisions, and the reasoning behind these decisions, should be meticulously documented using the Study Mind Safeguarding Incident Report Form. These records must be promptly forwarded to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) via the [email protected] email address. Staff members unsure about the recording process should consult with the DSL for guidance.

Documentation should be completed as soon as possible following the incident or event. It should use the individual’s own words and be signed and dated by the staff member or tutor. Adult protection records will strictly note facts and avoid personal opinions. If there are observed injuries, a body map should be included.

In cases of immediate concern, staff should consult with a DSL before filling out the form, as the reporting of urgent matters is a priority.

Safeguarding records for each individual will be kept separately from other records, stored in a dedicated ‘safeguarding’ folder on the company’s shared drive, accessible only to DSLs and Deputy DSLs (DDSLs).

These records will be kept confidential and secure, in line with data protection laws. They will be centrally and securely stored by the company.

The DSL at Study Mind will also assess whether it is appropriate to share any information with the DSL at the educational institution the vulnerable adult attends.

When Study Mind receives adult protection files, the DSL will ensure that key staff are informed of relevant details as necessary.

Safeguarding Adult Board

Section 43 of the Care Act requires every local authority to have a Safeguarding Adult Board for its area. They work to help and protect adults in their area from abuse and neglect through co-ordinating and reviewing a multi-agency approach across all member organisations. The local Safeguarding Adult Board for Study Mind is the Hillingdon Safeguarding Adults Board.

Safeguarding Issues

All Study Mind staff should have an awareness of any safeguarding issues that can put vulnerable adults at risk of harm. Behaviours linked to issues such as drug taking/alcohol misuse, deliberately missing education, radicalisation, consensual and non-consensual sharing of nude and semi-nude images and/or videos , and serious violence are all signs that vulnerable adults are at risk. Below are specific issues that Study Mind highlights as key issues

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can encompass a wide range of behaviours and may be a single incident or a pattern of incidents. That abuse can be, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional. Vulnerable adults can be victims of domestic abuse. They may see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse at home and/or suffer domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships (teenage relationship abuse). All of which can have a detrimental and long-term impact on their health, well-being, development, and ability to learn.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 introduces that a vulnerable adult who sees or hears, or experiences the effects of, domestic abuse and is related to the person being abused or the perpetrator, is also to be regarded as a victim of domestic abuse in their own right. This will help to ensure that locally commissioned services consider and address the needs of vulnerable adults affected by domestic abuse.

The definition from the Home Office is as follows:

“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence and abuse between those aged 16 or over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender and sexuality.

This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Violent or threatening behaviour
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Economic abuse
• Psychological, emotional or other abuse
• It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”

Study Mind tutors recognise the importance of domestic abuse as an important element of safeguarding and where there is any suspicion of domestic abuse, immediate contact should be made with Study Mind’s DSL. Study Mind safeguarding staff are provided with basic training in Domestic Abuse and how to help students as part of a disclosure. 

Mental Health

All Study Mind staff including tutors should be aware that mental health problems can, in some cases, be an indicator that a vulnerable adult has suffered or is at risk of suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation.

In order to support spotting signs of severe mental health distress, relevant members of the Study Mind Safeguarding Team have basic training in self harm, to develop a basic awareness of spotting and supporting students and tutors.

Study Mind staff are not appropriately trained professionals to make a diagnosis of a mental health problem however if any staff have a mental health concern about a vulnerable adult that is also a safeguarding concern, immediate action should be taken by speaking to the designated safeguarding lead or a deputy.

Serious Violence

All staff should be aware of the indicators, which may signal vulnerable adults are at risk from, or are involved with, serious violent crime. These may include increased absence from school or college, a change in friendships or relationships with older individuals or groups, a significant decline in performance, signs of self-harm or a significant change in wellbeing, or signs of assault or unexplained injuries. Unexplained gifts or new possessions could also indicate that vulnerable adults have been approached by, or are involved with, individuals associated with criminal networks or gangs and may be at risk of criminal exploitation.

Allegations Against Study Mind Tutors and Staff

Study Mind recognises its duty to report concerns or allegations against its directors, staff, or tutors. All directors, staff and tutors must comply with the relevant Code of Conduct when performing their role in order to promote safer working practices.

Allegations of abuse against directors, staff or tutors can be made by either a child or an adult and should be made immediately to the DSL. Allegations made against the DSL should instead be made to another member of the leadership team who will inform the other team members. Another suitable senior member of staff will then be appointed to take the place of the DSL in response to the allegation.

All allegations of abuse made against tutors must be brought to the attention of the Study Mind immediately. All investigations will be investigated thoroughly and may involve disclosure to third party associations where necessary.

Study Mind is committed to holding any staff member to account and all incidences of abuse allegations, whether confirmed or not, must be accompanied by a full company investigation into the culture and situation that led to it, to ensure that lessons are learned and that policies and procedures are improved.

Study has clear Code of Conduct documents and disciplinary measures in place in order to ensure that clear expectations are set for working with Study Mind.

This guidance should be followed when any Study Mind representative representative has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child or vulnerable adult, or may have harmed a child or vulnerable adult and/or
• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child or vulnerable adult, and/or
• behaved towards a child or vulnerable adults in a way that indicates he or she may pose a risk of harm to vulnerable adults, and/or
• behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with vulnerable adults. This includes in and outside responsibilities at Study Mind 

Study Mind will deal appropriately and promptly with all allegations or concerns and refer all safeguarding concerns or allegations about its directors, staff or tutors immediately to the appropriate local authority designated officer (LADO) in accordance with local safeguarding procedures and practical guidance, in accordance with the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard vulnerable adults, 2018.

Study Mind will consider immediate suspension (without prejudice) if a safeguarding allegation is made against any director, staff member or tutor pending investigation when there is cause to suspect that another child(ren) or vulnerable adult is /are at risk of harm from their continued contact with vulnerable adults. 

Suspension will also be considered even if the allegation is not linked to their role or activity with Study Mind.

Compliance, DBS Requirement and Duty to Report

All tutors and students using Study Mind’s services have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding Policy. 

Any tutor who is reported for a breach of the Safeguarding Policy will be suspended from Study Mind tutoring effective immediately. The final decision for a minor breach will be the responsibility of Study Mind. 

Any tutor reported for illegal activity whilst using Study Mind services will be reported to policy and appropriate authorities including the General Medical Council and General Dental Council if necessary. This also includes tutoring students independently outside of Study Mind contracted hours and sharing of materials without notifying Study Mind.

Staff found to be not following this policy will be subject to disciplinary measures and may also be reported if they fail to undertake the duties to the best of their ability. There may also be penalties in place for responsible staff members who are found to have not disclosed information that was vital to an investigation or to withholding information. 

Under legal duties to make referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service, Study Mind will report any concerns about unsafe practice by any of its directors, staff or tutors to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This applies where an individual has engaged in conduct that has either harmed (or is likely to harm) a child or vulnerable adult; or if a person otherwise poses a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult.

If at any time Study Mind dismisses a director, member of staff or tutor due to relevant conduct, risk of harm or receiving a caution or conviction for a relevant offence (or the person has resigned or left that post in circumstances where they may have been removed), then a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service will be made by the DSL.

Safeguarding Governance and Learning Lessons

Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone in Study Mind. The senior management team are however responsible for ensuring that procedures are followed, clear and that records are kept up to date.

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Name: Daniela Prataviera

Role: Senior Manager

Email: [email protected]

Number: +447586361308

Study Mind is committed to quality assurance of the Safeguarding procedures and policy. All disclosures are reviewed as part of regular updates to this policy. One full review is completed each year (next one due October 2023) and smaller updates are added throughout the year to ensure that this policy is fit for purpose. The senior management team at large are responsible for this oversight to ensure that it is kept to a high standard.

Study Mind is committed to learning any lessons, alongside support and guidance with the LADO to determine whether there are any improvements to be made to our procedures, or to help prevent similar events in the future. This includes lessons learned about suspension, reinstatement after suspension.

Prevent, extremism and anti-radicalisation

Radicalisation is defined as the introduction of extreme views that are detrimental to society to any member of the public. Vulnerable groups such as students are especially susceptible.

Study Mind has a specific Prevent and anti-radicalisation policy that details the measures and procedures in place to protect students, staff and partners. In summary, this policy forms part of the overall provision of safeguarding support and any disclosures are made under the same procedures as in this document.

Study Mind has an Anti-Radicalisation risk assessment in Annex A on the Prevent policy.

Anti-Bribery

Bribery is the offering or accepting of any gift, loan, payment, reward or advantage for personal gain as an encouragement to do something which is dishonest, illegal or a breach of trust. Bribery is a criminal offence.

Study Mind operates a zero tolerance policy for any form of bribery from staff, students and organisations. 

Offence

It is a criminal offence to:

• offer a bribe
• accept a bribe
• bribe a foreign official
• as a commercial organisation,
• to fail to prevent a bribe

You should be aware that if you are found guilty by a court of committing bribery, you could face up to 10 years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Study Mind could also face prosecution and be liable to pay a fine.

Definitions of Bribery and Corruption

Corruption is the misuse of office or power for private gain. Bribery is a form of corruption which means in the course of business giving or receiving money, gifts, meals, entertainment or anything else of value as an inducement to a person to do something which is dishonest or illegal.

Gifts and Hospitality

We realise that the giving and receiving of gifts and hospitality where nothing is expected in return helps form positive relationships with third parties where it is proportionate and properly recorded. However, as an online based business dealing with high stakes educational services, Study Mind has opted to err on the side of caution.

No employee of Study Mind is permitted to accept gifts from any client or organisation that is or has purchased a service from Study Mind. 

Clients that wish to demonstrate appreciation in the form of gifts may approach Study Mind as an organisation to discuss what they would like to. Study Mind recommends that customers consider donations towards their charitable work and write positive online reviews.

Employees may accept gifts from Study Mind as a company, who reserves the right to send tokens of thanks for high performance to staff. These do not come under this policy, as they do not fit the criteria above.

Policy

It is prohibited, directly or indirectly, to offer, give, request or accept any bribe i.e. gift, loan, payment, reward or advantage, either in cash or any other form of inducement, to or from any person or company in order to gain commercial, contractual or regulatory advantage for the Company, or in order to gain any personal advantage for an individual or anyone connected with the individual in a way that is unethical.

It is also prohibited to act in the above manner in order to influence an individual in his capacity as a foreign public official. You should not make a payment to a third party on behalf of a foreign public official.

If you are offered a bribe, or a bribe is solicited from you, you should not agree to it unless your immediate safety is in jeopardy. You should immediately contact [insert name/position] so that action can be taken if considered necessary. You may be asked to give a written account of events.

If you, as an employee or person working on our behalf, suspect that an act of bribery, or attempted bribery, has taken place, even if you are not personally involved, you are expected to report this to contact a member of senior management. You may be asked to give a written account of events.

Appropriate checks will be made before engaging with suppliers or other third parties of any kind to reduce the risk of our business partners breaching our anti-bribery rules. Study Mind will ensure that all of its transactions, including any sponsorship or donations given to charity, are made transparently and legitimately. Any incidences of bribery or corruption are taken very seriously and may lead to termination.

Whistleblowing

Study Mind is committed to protecting any member of the staff, clients, or public that chooses to disclose a purposeful breach of this policy from ramifications. Study Mind is committed to creating an open and honest environment in which no one is afraid to discuss issues as they see fit, and committed to addressing all issues, big or small, to ensure a fair and safe workplace. Please see the Whistleblowing policy for additional information.

Vulnerable Adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Study Mind is committed to the well-being and safety of all our learners including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It underpins all areas of our provisions as we believe vulnerable adults have a right to feel safe.  Close monitoring and early identification of safeguarding issues is critical. 

Study Mind recognises the unique safeguarding challenges faced by vulnerable adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or specific health conditions. These vulnerable adults might have a reduced ability to identify, resist, or escape from abusive situations.

We understand that vulnerable adults with SEND may experience communication difficulties and obstacles in reporting or managing abuse. We commit to providing appropriate support to these vulnerable adults, ensuring their concerns and experiences are heard and responded to effectively.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will collaborate extensively with other agencies and Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCo) to tailor support as necessary.

Students with SEND often have increased vulnerability to abuse, bullying and social isolation, emotional and psychological challenges, and may have difficulty expressing concerns. This awareness extends to understanding that these challenges may not always be immediately apparent.

Staff members are urged to be vigilant and considerate in identifying potential signs of abuse, such as changes in behaviour or unexplained injuries. It is important not to automatically attribute these signs to the vulnerable adult’s disability. Additionally, staff should be aware that vulnerable adults with SEND or certain health conditions may be more vulnerable to issues like bullying, which might not always manifest in visible or expected ways.

Mechanisms are in place for learners to freely discuss any emotional/physical concerns, including external issues and we instil confidence In them that they will be heard and taken seriously. They know whom to address these to.

Face to Face Tuition

We understand contextual safeguarding and recognise that vulnerable adults can be at risk of harm outside the home environment (in the community, at school etc). Our practice puts measures in place to identify and minimise these risks. 

Before beginning tuition, Study Mind carries out detailed risk assessments to incorporate any safeguarding risks.  

They are also given further tutor guidance which covers the following points:

• Tutors should carry proof of their enhanced DBS check along with a photo ID, such as a driving licence or passport, on their initial visit to a new student.
• When working in schools or other educational settings, tutors may be asked to provide the institution with a copy of their enhanced DBS check and photo ID. This information will be entered into the establishment’s Single Central Record (SCR) and removed after the tutoring assignment concludes.
• They are not responsible for the physical welfare of the vulnerable adult, for example, a tutor cannot restrain a learner having a meltdown. 
• Tutors must verify the presence of another adult, like a teacher, caregiver, parent, or another adult responsible for the vulnerable adult, before entering the tuition venue. If no such adult is present, the tutor should not enter and must explain this to the student or young person. In this situation, the tutor should promptly contact the DSL at Study Mind.
• All communication MUST be through a parent/carer or alternative provision lead.  
• They are not permitted to communicate directly with learners outside of tuition. 
• Tutors are aware that they should not touch a student i.e. they should not place a hand on their shoulder, tap their back or leg even to say ‘well done’.  These actions can be misinterpreted and give rise to allegations. 
• Tutors are expected to dress appropriately for tuition sessions, considering the setting and respecting the religious and cultural backgrounds of those they may meet during tuition.
• All positive feedback must be given verbally or by written comment. If tutoring in a community setting, and the learner becomes unwell tutors must contact the parent/carer immediately who will advise arrangements for them to return home. The tutor then should inform Study Mind.

Tutors ensure that as part of tuition, they present opportunities to support learners in identifying safe and unsafe behaviours in a variety of situations. (incl. online safety), so they feel safe and can keep themselves & others safe at all times.

Suitable Environment for Tuition

Tutors need to conduct sessions in a suitable environment. The setting should allow the door to be kept ajar and be within hearing range of other adults. If the tutor is concerned about the appropriateness or safety of the environment, they should immediately report it to their Tuition Coordinator at Study Mind. If there’s a potential risk of harm to the child/young person or the tutor, they should inform the DSL straight away.

Tuition must NOT take place in the home unless a responsible adult is in situ.  This also applies to online sessions. 

Tuition cannot take place in a bedroom unless a responsible adult is present in the same room throughout the session.  

The area for tuition should be set up as a professional workspace, complete with a table, chair, adequate lighting, and necessary equipment. Distractions like mobile phones and TVs/radios should be turned off, and there should be no pets or smoking in the area.

Review

The Study Mind Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually (at a minimum) in order to maintain its adequacy to meet current Safeguarding Standards and will update it as needed, to ensure it is kept up to date with safeguarding issues as they emerge including any lessons learnt. 

Revisions to the policy will be made following any changes in national or local policies, significant local vulnerable adult protection issues, or alterations to our own procedures.

This policy needs to be reviewed every 6 months for a mini-review, which will coincide with operational staff training reviews. A full review will be completed each year. Other reviews may also take place as required throughout the year as required. 

The last review took place on 29th September 2023.

Parents and carers will be provided with a summary of Study Mind’s Safeguarding & Child / Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy. We will inform them that the complete policy is available on our website or upon request.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Managing Director at Study Mind will regularly report on safeguarding activities and systems to the board of directors. These reports will not include specific details about individual learners or identifiable information about families, maintaining confidentiality as part of their oversight role.

Appendix A: Safeguarding Reporting Form

To be completed as fully as possible if you have concerns regarding a child and pass the information onto the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The DSL for Study Mind is Daniela Prataviera. The DSL will then look at the information and start to plan a course of action and if necessary contact the relevant organisations. 

This form is to be completed by the staff member who wishes to report the concern. The returned form will be sent directly to the DSL and Safeguarding team. It is not shared with other staff at Study Mind unless this is key to the resolution of the situation. Once completed, return to [email protected]

IF YOU THINK A CHILD OR ADULT WITH CARE AND SUPPORT NEEDS IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, DIAL 999 AND ASK FOR THE APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY SERVICE.

Section 1. Details of the vulnerable adultA child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday
Name of vulnerable adult
Date of birth
Approx. age if date of birth not known
Gender

Section 2. Details of the incident or concern
Details of the incident or concerns:
Please indicate the abuse type if known (leave blank if uncertain)
Domestic abuse	Choose an item.	Sexual abuse	Choose an item.	Child trafficking	Choose an item.
Neglect	Choose an item.	Online abuse	Choose an item.	Harmful sexual behaviour	Choose an item.
Physical abuse	Choose an item.	Emotional abuse	Choose an item.	Bullying and cyberbullying	Choose an item.
Child sexual exploitation	Choose an item.	Female Genital Mutilation	Choose an item.
Have you spoken to the vulnerable adult?                                         If yes, what was said?
Have you spoken to the parent/carer(s)?                           If yes, what was said?
Are there any other vulnerable adults at risk?                                   If yes, add details and describe the risks that remain and action you are taking:

Section 3. Details of alleged abuser/suspect
Name			Title
Address
Postcode			Phone
Relationship to the vulnerable adult?		Click or tap here to enter text.
If provider, please add the provider’s name		Click or tap here to enter text.
Does the abuser/suspect live with the vulnerable adult?		Click or tap here to enter text.

Section 4. Details of person reporting this incident/concern
Name	******		Title	*******
Job Role			Email	*******
Team
Phone			Date/time referral completed		Click or tap here to enter text.
Relationship to vulnerable adult (if applicable)
Are you reporting your own concerns or responding to concerns raised by someone else?
If someone else please give their details (name, organisation/department, relationship to vulnerable adult (if relevant) and contact details)
Does the referrer consent to their details being shared with third parties?

Section 5. Additional Information

Is there any other information you believe we need to know?

Signed:

Date:

OFFICE USE ONLY

Section 6. Sharing the concerns (to be completed by DSL)

Details of contact with social services where the vulnerable adult lives

Details of contact with vulnerable adult’s educational institution or any other agencies

Details of the outcome of this concern

Appendix B: Key Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Daniela Prataviera

Email: [email protected]

Number: +447721280003

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mohil Shah

Email: [email protected]

Number: +447443022232

Hillingdon MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub)

01895 556644

[email protected]

Local Authority Designated Officer for Hillingdon: Hannah Ives

Email: [email protected]

Number: 01895 250975

Police (in an emergency) – 999

NSPCC – 0808 800 5000