Agatha’s Space CIC: Adult Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy statement

Agatha’s Space CIC is committed to safeguarding adults and promoting their wellbeing. We believe that every adult has the right to live free from abuse, harm, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We take a trauma-informed, person-centred approach that respects dignity, choice, and empowerment while acting decisively where safety is at risk.

2. Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to:

• All staff

• All volunteers

• Trustees and directors

• Sessional workers

• Anyone representing or working on behalf of Agatha’s Space CIC

It applies across all services, activities, events, training, mentoring, volunteering, and work experience opportunities.

3. Who we support

Agatha’s Space CIC works with:

• Women and communities affected by HIV

• Women who have experienced trauma or abuse

• Women disempowered by the immigration system

• Women rebuilding confidence, skills, and access to work

• Volunteers gaining UK work experience

Many people we support may face stigma, poverty, isolation, mental health challenges, or barriers to accessing services. These factors can increase vulnerability and safeguarding risk.

4. What safeguarding adults means

Safeguarding adults means protecting a person’s right to live safely and free from abuse or neglect. It includes preventing harm, responding appropriately to concerns, and working with other agencies when required.

An adult at risk may be someone who:

• Has health or mental health needs

• Is living with HIV

• Has experienced trauma or exploitation

• Is socially isolated

• Faces immigration insecurity

• Depends on others for care or support

5. Types of abuse and harm

Safeguarding concerns may include:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Sexual abuse or exploitation

• Financial or economic abuse

• Neglect or self-neglect

• Discriminatory abuse

• Domestic abuse

• Coercive control

• Exploitation linked to immigration status or dependency

6. Principles of safeguarding

Our safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

• Empowerment

• Prevention

• Proportionality

• Protection

• Partnership

• Accountability

7. Confidentiality and information sharing

Agatha’s Space CIC treats all personal information as confidential, particularly information relating to HIV status, health, trauma, or immigration experiences.

• Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis.

• Consent will be sought wherever possible before sharing information.

• Confidentiality may be breached if there is a serious risk of harm to the individual or others, or where required by law.

• Safeguarding responsibilities always take priority over confidentiality when safety is at risk.

8. Roles and responsibilities

Everyone working with or for Agatha’s Space CIC has a duty to:

• Be alert to safeguarding concerns

• Listen carefully and take concerns seriously

• Report concerns promptly

• Follow this policy and procedures

Agatha’s Space CIC has a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for:

• Receiving safeguarding concerns

• Assessing risk

• Deciding appropriate actions

• Liaising with external agencies

• Ensuring records are kept securely

9. Recognising safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

• Disclosure by the individual

• Observation of behaviour or signs

• Concerns raised by professionals or family members

• Information shared by GPs, clinics, social services, or referral partners

All concerns must be taken seriously.

10. Responding to safeguarding concerns

If a concern is identified:

1. Listen and reassure the person.

2. Do not promise confidentiality.

3. Record the information accurately.

4. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

5. In an emergency, contact emergency services.

11. Working with other agencies

Agatha’s Space CIC works in partnership with:

• NHS services and HIV clinics

• GPs

• Social services

• Housing and support services

• Other relevant agencies

Information is shared appropriately to safeguard adults while respecting dignity and rights.

12. Volunteers and work experience

• Women volunteering or gaining UK work experience are safeguarded in the same way as service users.

• Personal information shared during recruitment or supervision is kept confidential.

• Volunteers are expected to follow safeguarding and confidentiality policies.

• Any safeguarding concerns involving volunteers are managed fairly and appropriately.

13. Training and awareness

Safeguarding is embedded across the organisation. We ensure:

• Safeguarding awareness for staff and volunteers

• Access to guidance and supervision

• Clear reporting routes

• Regular review of safeguarding practice

14. Recording and record keeping

Safeguarding records are:

• Factual and accurate

• Stored securely

• Accessed only by authorised persons

• Retained in line with legal and organisational requirements

15. Complaints and whistleblowing

Anyone can raise safeguarding concerns or complaints without fear of reprisal. All concerns will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

16. Review of this policy

This Adult Safeguarding Policy is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in law, guidance, and organisational practice.