England and Wales Blind Golf is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all individuals involved in golf.
Safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:
- Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs) and;
- Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and;
- As a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect.
Principles in relation to adults at risk
The Care and Support Statutory Guidance Section 14.13 sets out the following six key principles which underpin all adult safeguarding 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.
Making safeguarding personal is the concept that adult safeguarding should be person led and outcome focused. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice and control. As well as improving quality of life, well-being and safety.
Wherever possible discuss safeguarding concerns with the adult to get their view of what they would like to happen and keep them involved in the safeguarding process, seeking their consent to share information outside of the organisation where necessary.
The principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) state that every individual has the right to make their own decisions and provides the framework for this to happen.
In addition England and Wales Blind Golf recognises the following principles which underpin our work with all groups and individuals who may have additional needs for support and protection:
- It is every adult’s right to be protected from abuse irrespective of their age, gender identity, faith or religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, background, economic position, marital status, disability, or level of ability.
- All staff and volunteers share the responsibility for the protection of adults at risk and will show respect and understanding for their rights, safety and welfare.
- The additional vulnerability of disabled adults (including those with invisible disabilities, learning and communication differences) is recognised.
- Allegations of abuse or concerns about the welfare of any adult will be treated seriously and will be responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- England and Wales Blind Golf recognises the role and responsibilities of the statutory agencies in safeguarding adults and is committed to complying with the procedures of the Local Safeguarding Adults Boards.
- Confidentiality will be always maintained appropriately and the adult’s safety and welfare must be the overriding consideration when making decisions on whether or not to share information about them.
- England and Wales Blind Golf will support all adults to understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding and protecting adults at risk, including the responsibility to report all concerns in line with England and Wales Blind Golf safeguarding adults’ policy and procedures.
- All participants involved in golfing activities have the right to be listened to with respect and to be heard.
Guidance and legislation
The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the UK and legislation and Government Guidance and have been developed to complement the Safeguarding Adults Boards policy and procedures, and take the following into consideration:
- The Care Act 2014
- The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment ) Act 2012
- The Equality Act 2010
- The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Sexual Offences Act 2003
- The Human Rights Act 1998
- The Data Protection Act 2018
Responsibilities and implementation
England and Wales Blind Golf will seek to promote the principles of safeguarding by:
- Reviewing England and Wales Blind Golf policy and procedures every three years or whenever there is a major change in legislation.
- Giving guidance on appropriate recruitment procedures to assess the suitability of volunteers and staff working with vulnerable groups.
- Following procedures to report welfare concerns and allegations about the behaviour of adults and ensure that all staff, volunteers, parents and participants, including children, are aware of these procedures.
- Directing EWBG staff, volunteers & coaches to appropriate safeguarding training and learning opportunities, where this is appropriate to their role.
