Safeguarding Policy

Seniorman Network CIC is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all adults who engage with our programmes and services. This policy sets out our approach to safeguarding adults at risk and applies to all staff, volunteers, directors, and partner organisations working on behalf of Seniorman Network CIC.

The Seniorman Men's Wellbeing Project works with adult men aged 18-55 in Derby, particularly those experiencing isolation, stress, or major life transitions including migration, unemployment, family pressure, or poor mental health. We recognise that some of the men we work with may be vulnerable and may be at risk of harm.

This policy is guided by the following legislation and frameworks:

• Care Act 2014
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Health and Social Care Act 2012
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
• Equality Act 2010
• Human Rights Act 1998

This policy applies to:

• All paid and unpaid staff of Seniorman Network CIC
• Board directors and trustees
• Volunteers and sessional workers
• Partner organisations and referral agencies
• Any person acting on behalf of or in association with Seniorman Network CIC

This policy covers all Seniorman activities including:

• Walking Football Sessions
• Barbing & Brotherhood Days
• Indoor Wellbeing Workshops
• WhatsApp Peer Support (The Bench)
• Peer Support Group
• The Digital Wellbeing Platform, including Seniorman Kels AI

Seniorman Network CIC is committed to:

• Creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all men who access our services
• Taking all concerns about the safety or welfare of an adult seriously
• Acting promptly when a safeguarding concern is raised
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality while fulfilling our duty of care
• Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand their safeguarding responsibilities
• Cooperating fully with statutory agencies where required
• Reviewing this policy annually or following any significant incident

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Seniorman Network CIC is the Founder and Director. The DSL is responsible for receiving and recording all safeguarding concerns, making decisions about reporting to external agencies, maintaining safeguarding records securely, ensuring all staff and volunteers receive appropriate training, and liaising with Derby City Council Adult Social Care, the Police, or other statutory bodies as required.

Adult safeguarding means protecting an adult's right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, and as a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves from harm.

5.1 Types of Abuse

We recognise the following forms of abuse as defined under the Care Act 2014:

• Physical abuse - including hitting, pushing, restraining, or inappropriate use of medication
• Domestic abuse - including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse within close relationships
• Sexual abuse - including rape, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation
• Psychological or emotional abuse - including threats, humiliation, or coercive control
• Financial or material abuse - including theft, fraud, or exploitation
• Modern slavery - including trafficking and forced labour
• Discriminatory abuse - including harassment based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, or disability
• Organisational abuse - including neglect or poor practice by an organisation
• Neglect and acts of omission - including ignoring medical or physical care needs
• Self-neglect - including failure to care for personal hygiene, health, or surroundings

Staff and volunteers should be alert to indicators that a member may be at risk, including:

• Unexplained injuries, bruising, or changes in physical appearance
• Significant changes in behaviour, mood, or withdrawal from activities
• Disclosures of abuse, whether direct or indirect
• Signs of financial hardship or exploitation
• Expressions of suicidal thoughts or intent to self-harm
• Fear of a particular person or reluctance to return home
• Indicators of homelessness or unsafe living conditions

7.1 If a member discloses abuse or harm

1. Stay calm and listen carefully. Do not show shock or disbelief.
2. Do not promise confidentiality. Explain you may need to share information to keep them safe.
3. Do not ask leading questions or attempt to investigate.
4. Use the member's own words. Note what was said as accurately as possible.
5. Reassure the person that they have done the right thing in telling you.
6. Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible, ideally within the same day.

7.2 Reporting to the DSL

Any concern must be reported using the Safeguarding Concern Form (see Appendix A), including: date, time, and location; name and details of the person at risk; description of the concern in the reporter's own words; names of any other people present; and any immediate action already taken.

7.3 Escalation - Key Contacts

Seniorman Network CIC takes confidentiality seriously. Information about members is held securely and shared only on a need-to-know basis. However, confidentiality is not absolute. We will share information without consent where:

• A person is at risk of serious harm
• There is risk of harm to others
• A crime has been or may be committed
• A court order or statutory obligation requires it

Where possible, we will inform the person that information is being shared and why. All decisions to share information will be documented with reasons recorded.

Seniorman Network CIC operates a digital wellbeing platform including the Seniorman Kels AI wellbeing assistant and WhatsApp peer support group (The Bench). The following safeguards apply to all digital activity:

• The Seniorman Kels AI is not a substitute for professional mental health support. Users experiencing a crisis will be directed to appropriate emergency services and helplines.
• Administrators of The Bench WhatsApp group are responsible for moderating content and responding to disclosures made in that space.
• Members are not permitted to share personal contact details of other members without explicit consent.
• Any safeguarding concern arising from digital channels is subject to the same reporting procedures as in-person concerns.
• Screen recordings or sharing of private communications is prohibited.

Seniorman Network CIC is committed to safer recruitment practices. All staff and volunteers who work directly with members will:

• Provide two references prior to commencing work
• Complete an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check where appropriate
• Receive a copy of this Safeguarding Policy and confirm they have read and understood it
• Complete safeguarding awareness training within the first month of their role

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will complete an accredited adult safeguarding training course. All staff and volunteers will receive safeguarding awareness as part of their induction. Training will be refreshed at least every two years or following a significant change in policy or legislation.

If an allegation is made against a member of staff, volunteer, or director of Seniorman Network CIC:

1. The concern must be reported immediately to the DSL, or another director if the allegation involves the DSL.
2. The person subject to the allegation will be informed as soon as it is appropriate and safe to do so.
3. The DSL will consult with Derby City Council's Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where the allegation involves regulated activity.
4. The person subject to the allegation may be suspended from duties during the investigation. This is a neutral act, not a disciplinary measure.
5. All parties will be treated with dignity and fairness throughout the process.

All safeguarding records will be stored securely and separately from general organisational records, retained for a minimum of seven years, accessible only to the DSL and relevant directors, and fully compliant with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors, or sooner following a significant safeguarding incident, changes in legislation or statutory guidance, feedback from staff, volunteers, or members, or changes to the organisation's activities or structure.

Complete this form as soon as possible after a concern arises. Submit to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. This form can be downloaded as part of the PDF version of this policy.

For the full concern form with free-text sections, please download the PDF version above.