Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy

1. Safeguarding Policy Statement Riding for the Disabled Association UK (RDA UK) is committed to promoting and ensuring the safety and well being of all adults who engage with the Charity. As part of our commitment, we believe the rights of adults to live a life free from harm, abuse, exploitation and neglect is paramount; and adults are entitled to take part in activity in a safe and supportive environment. In pursuit of this, RDA UK is committed to ensuring that:

 

• A person-centred approach is taken in all interactions.

• Every individual, irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, nationality, religious affiliation, size or sexual orientation, is entitled to be protected against harm.

• All allegations, concerns and suspicions of harm will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

• Collaboratively, everyone across the organisation will strive to promote the welfare, safety and health of adults taking part.

 

RDA UK safeguarding policies and procedures are consistent with those of British Equestrian (BEF). For more information about BEF Safeguarding, click here.

 

2. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to:

a) Establish a safe and supportive environment for adults at risk associated with the Charity.

b) Ensure the views and wishes of adults are respected and supported, unless there are overriding reasons not to (see Managing Concerns Policy).

c) Set clear expectations for trustees, staff, volunteers, coaches and anyone affiliated with the organisation regarding their responsibilities in safeguarding adults.

d) Provide clear guidance on identifying, reporting and responding to any allegations, concerns or suspicions of harm.

e) Demonstrate and promote a culture of openness and accountability regarding safeguarding issues.

 

3. Scope This policy applies to all individuals involved with RDA UK, including RDA Groups, Regional Teams, Accessibility Mark Centres, trustees, staff, volunteers, coaches, participants and their parents/guardians.

 

4. Definitions

• Adult: A person over the age of 18. Note for Scotland: A person 16 and over is considered an adult in Scotland. • Adult at Risk (England, Wales & Northern Ireland): Any person aged 18 years and over who: a) has needs for care and support (irrespective of whether the local authority is meeting those needs), and, b) is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, and, c) as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse and neglect. • Adult at Risk (Scotland): Any person at risk of harm because they are: a) unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or other interests, b) at risk of harm, and, c) affected by a disability, mental health condition, illness, or physical or mental infirmity. • Protected Adult (Scotland): An individual aged 16 or over who is provided with (and thus receives) a type of care, health support or welfare services. • Safeguarding: The process of protecting adults at risk from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation while promoting their well-being and rights. • Safer Recruitment: A set of practices aimed at ensuring that individuals who are selected for positions are safe and suitable for the role. • Disclosure Checks: Also known as Criminal Record Checks: A process of verifying whether an individual has a criminal history or not that may affect their suitability for the role applied for.

 

4. Principles RDA UK adheres to the following principles: a) Empowerment: We will support adults at risk in making informed choices about their lives and respect their autonomy. b) Inclusivity: We are committed to making our programs and services accessible to all who might benefit from the Charity’s offering. c) Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against any person based on their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability or any other characteristic. d) Partnership: We will work in partnership with adults at risk, relevant statutory agencies and organisations to protect a person effectively. e) Proportionality: Our response to safeguarding concerns will be proportionate to the level of risk and harm identified. f) Confidentiality: Information related to safeguarding matters will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, will only shared on a need-to-know basis and with consent of the individual involved, where possible. g) Accountability: Everyone is responsible for safeguarding adults at risk and have a duty to familiarise themselves with these responsibilities.

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5. Roles and Responsibilities

British Equestrian (BEF)

BEF provide strategic overview, direction and guidance on safeguarding adults at risk across the equestrian industry. All Member Bodies adhere to BEF Safeguarding Policies.

 

RDA UK Trustees and Leadership

The Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team are responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effective implementation and compliance of this Safeguarding Policy across the Charity.

RDA UK Safeguarding Team

The Safeguarding Team leads on development, the review and implementation of the Safeguarding Policy and associated resources; and are responsible for case management.

 

RDA Staff

All staff members are responsible for familiarising themselves with this Policy and safeguarding adults at risk; including recognising the signs and categories of abuse, reporting concerns, and providing support where appropriate.

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RDA Groups and Accessibility Mark Centres

Group Trustees are responsible for ensuring and promoting the safety and well-being of adults by implementing the robust safeguarding measures. A GSO should also be appointed to support with this.

 

Volunteers and Coaches

Volunteers and coaches must adhere to this Policy and complete the requirements of the Safer Recruitment Practices.

 

Adults at Risk

Adults at risk are encouraged to report any concerns or incidents of abuse or neglect they may experience or witness, and they will be supported in doing so.

 

Reporting

Anyone who has a concern or suspicion regarding the welfare of an adult at risk must report it immediately to the Group Safeguarding Officer (GSO) and/or RDA UK Safeguarding Team. Referrals to statutory agencies will be handled on a case by case basis.

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6. Safer Recruitment Practices

RDA UK recognises the critical importance of robust safer recruitment practices to ensure that individuals who have contact with participants are suitable, trained and committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare. To establish clear guidelines and procedures for the recruitment of staff, volunteers and other individuals involved in RDA activity, we will factor in:

a) Legal Compliance: We will comply with all relevant laws, regulations and statutory guidance related to safer recruitment and adult at risk protection.

b) Proactive Approach: We will adopt a proactive approach to safer recruitment by implementing robust procedures from the initial recruitment stage to ongoing monitoring and supervision.

c) Equality and Diversity: We will ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and free from discrimination, promoting diversity and inclusion.

d) Training and Awareness: All individuals associated with RDA UK who work directly with adults at risk will receive appropriate training in safeguarding, including recognising signs of abuse, capacity to consent, responding to concerns, understanding their responsibilities and keeping themselves safe.

e) Vetting and Checks: All applicants for roles involving contact with adults at risk will undergo necessary background checks and vetting procedures, including criminal record checks, references and identity verification.

f) Supervision and Monitoring: Individuals in roles involving adults at risk will be supervised, and their performance will be monitored regularly. Any concerns will be addressed promptly, utilising the relevant code of conduct.

g) Whistleblowing: We will have mechanisms in place for staff, volunteers and coaches to report concerns related to safeguarding matters and recruitment practices without fear of retaliation.

h) Record Keeping: We will maintain detailed records of recruitment processes, including reference checks and vetting results, securely for the necessary duration.

i) Review and Evaluation: Safer recruitment practices will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective and compliant.

Please refer to the Safer Recruitment Practices Policy.

 

7. Managing Concerns

a) Reporting Concerns: Any concerns or suspicions of abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult at risk must be reported immediately to the Group Safeguarding Officer and/or RDA UK Safeguarding Team. Referrals to statutory agencies will be handled on a case by case basis.

b) Responding to Concerns: RDA UK will respond promptly and appropriately to all safeguarding concerns, in accordance with the legal and statutory framework.

c) Assessing Concerns: A person’s capacity to consent will be considered when referring a concern to statutory agencies. Consent should be obtained, where possible, before making a referral.

d) Support: Individuals affected by safeguarding concerns will be provided with appropriate support, including direction to support organisations, counselling support and medical services as needed.

e) Record Keeping: Detailed records of safeguarding concerns, investigations and actions taken will be maintained in our case management system, while ensuring confidentiality.

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8. Review and Monitoring This document will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary, in line with the legal and statutory framework, to ensure it remains current and effective. Feedback from staff, volunteers and stakeholders will be considered in the review process.

 

9. Associated Resources The MyRDA website hosts a safeguarding resource library including helpful documents, forms, process flows and guidance tailored to specific topics.

10. Contact Information If you have concerns about the welfare of an adult at risk or need further information about this Policy, please contact the RDA UK Safeguarding Team.

 

Stef Brazier Safeguarding Officer Tel: 01926 476302 Email: sbrazier@rda.org.uk

Marisa Bretherton-Mackey Membership Services Manager Tel: 01926 405973 Email: marisa@rda.org.uk

Emma Wells RDA UK Trustee & Safeguarding Representative

Lynda Whittaker National Safeguarding Lead

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Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy

 

Appendix 1:

Northern Ireland

• Adult Safeguarding Prevention and Protection in Partnership 2015

• Mental Capacity 2016