Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy
Document control | |
|---|---|
Policy reference | AU-POL-17 |
Version | 1.0 |
Approved by | Board of Directors, Apex Up CIC |
Date adopted | 4 June 2026 |
Last reviewed | 4 June 2026 |
Next review due | 4 June 2027 (or sooner if legislation or guidance changes) |
Policy owner | Designated Safeguarding Lead |
Applies to | All directors, staff, sessional coaches, volunteers, students and anyone acting on behalf of Apex Up CIC |
Apex Up CIC Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy
1 Policy statement
Some of Apex Up CIC’s wider community activities involve adults, and some of those adults may be at risk of abuse or neglect. We are committed to protecting adults at risk and to making sure that everyone connected with us knows how to recognise and report a concern. The wellbeing and safety of the adults we work with is a priority.
2 Purpose and scope
This policy explains how we safeguard adults at risk. It applies to all directors, staff, coaches and volunteers. An “adult at risk” is a person aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves as a result of those needs.
3 Legislation and principles
We work within the Care Act 2014 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and we follow the six safeguarding principles: empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership and accountability. We make sure adults stay in control of decisions about their own lives wherever possible.
4 Types and signs of abuse
Abuse of an adult at risk can take many forms, including physical, emotional or psychological, financial or material, sexual, discriminatory and organisational abuse, as well as neglect, self neglect, domestic abuse and modern slavery. Possible signs include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behaviour or finances, fearfulness, withdrawal, or poor living conditions. We stay alert and take any concern seriously.
5 Responding to a concern
As with children, we respond, record, report and refer. Any concern is reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, who seeks advice and, where appropriate, refers to Birmingham Adult Social Care. If an adult is in immediate danger, we call 999. We record concerns and actions securely and share information on a need-to-know basis, always sharing where someone may be at serious risk.
6 Consent and mental capacity
Wherever possible, we act with the adult’s consent and respect their wishes. We will, however, share information without consent where someone is at serious risk, where others (including children) may be at risk, where a serious crime may have been committed, or where the adult lacks the mental capacity to make the relevant decision. We assume an adult has capacity unless it is established otherwise.
7 Roles, training and review
The DSL leads on adult safeguarding, and all staff and volunteers receive appropriate awareness as part of their safeguarding training. This policy links to our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy and is reviewed at least annually.
AU-POL-17 | Version 1.0 Page 2 of 4
Apex Up CIC Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy
8 Key contacts
Contact | Details |
Emergency (adult in immediate danger) | 999 |
Designated Safeguarding Lead | Muhammed Zahir — mz@apexup.org — 07706 803260 |
Birmingham Adult Social Care (report abuse or neglect) | 0121 303 1234 — CSAdultSocialCare@birmingham.gov.uk — Mon– Thurs 8:45am–5:15pm, Fri 8:45am–4:15pm |
Emergency Duty Team (out of hours) | 0121 675 4806 |
Birmingham Safeguarding Adults Board (BSAB) | bsab.org |
Police (non-emergency) | 101 |
AU-POL-17 | Version 1.0 Page 3 of 4
Apex Up CIC Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy
Approval and adoption
This Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy has been approved and adopted by the Board of Directors of Apex Up CIC. It will be reviewed at least every twelve months, and sooner if there is a change in legislation, national or local guidance, or following any relevant incident or learning.
Policy reference | AU-POL-17 |
Version | 1.0 |
Date adopted | 4 June 2026 |
Next review due | 4 June 2027 |
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors of Apex Up CIC:
Muhammed Zahir
Director, Apex Up CIC
Date: 4 June 2026