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Vulnerable Adults Safeguarding Policy

Cults Library Trust
 Adopted on: 30th January 2025
 Review Date: 30th January 2027

1. Policy Statement

Cults Library Trust is committed to promoting the wellbeing, independence, and safety of all individuals who engage with our services. We recognise that some adults may be at risk of harm or exploitation due to age, disability, mental health, illness, or personal circumstances.

We believe every adult has the right to live a life free from abuse or neglect, and we will take all reasonable steps to safeguard vulnerable adults who participate in our activities.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all trustees and volunteers of Cults Library Trust. The Trust does not employ staff. It covers all activities and events where the Trust interacts with members of the public, including outreach in venues such as libraries, schools, and community centres.

3. Definition of a Vulnerable Adult

A vulnerable adult (also referred to as an “adult at risk”) is someone aged 16 or over who:

  • May be unable to safeguard themselves or their property
  • May be at risk of harm, exploitation, or neglect
  • May require community care services due to age, illness, disability, or mental health conditions

4. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by:

  • Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
  • Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968
  • Human Rights Act 1998
  • Equality Act 2010
  • OSCR guidance on safeguarding vulnerable groups
  • National Health and Social Care Standards

5. Key Principles

  • The safety and dignity of vulnerable adults is paramount.
  • Adults have the right to make informed choices about their lives.
  • We will listen to concerns and take them seriously.
  • We will work in partnership with relevant agencies.
  • Volunteers must be aware of and follow safeguarding policies of host venues (e.g. care homes, schools) and respect their procedures.

6. Safeguarding Coordinators

The Trust appoints both a Safeguarding Coordinator and a Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator, responsible for:

  • Acting as named contacts for safeguarding concerns
  • Offering advice to volunteers
  • Liaising with social services and other agencies
  • Ensuring records are kept securely and confidentially

Safeguarding Coordinator:
Deputy Safeguarding Coordinator: David Laing
📧 Email: cultslibrary@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 07983390607

7. Working in External Venues

Where Cults Library Trust operates in venues with their own safeguarding policies (e.g. care homes, community centres):

  • Volunteers will be informed of the venue’s safeguarding procedures
  • Volunteers must comply with all relevant policies and instructions while on site
  • The Trust will cooperate with host organisations to ensure the wellbeing of vulnerable adults

8. Types of Abuse

Abuse may take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse – hitting, slapping, misuse of medication
  • Emotional abuse – intimidation, threats, humiliation
  • Sexual abuse – unwanted sexual activity, harassment
  • Neglect – failure to provide care or support
  • Financial abuse – theft, fraud, misuse of property or money
  • Discriminatory abuse – based on race, gender, disability, religion, etc.
  • Self-neglect – a person’s own behaviour that puts them at risk

9. Responding to Concerns

If a volunteer becomes concerned about the welfare of a vulnerable adult or witnesses an incident:

  1. Listen carefully, stay calm and non-judgmental
  2. Reassure the individual if they disclose something
  3. Do not promise to keep information secret – explain that you may need to share it with the Safeguarding Coordinator
  4. Record the facts accurately and promptly
  5. Report concerns to the Safeguarding Coordinator or Deputy as soon as possible

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 for emergency services.

10. Safer Volunteer Practices

  • Volunteers will be PVG-checked if working directly with vulnerable groups
  • Volunteers must never be alone with a vulnerable person in a private space
  • Physical contact should be avoided unless necessary (e.g. assisting mobility with permission)
  • Maintain clear boundaries and avoid personal relationships with service users
  • Volunteers will receive basic safeguarding guidance before participating in relevant activities

11. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

  • Information about safeguarding concerns will be recorded and stored securely
  • Personal details will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with data protection law
  • Records will be retained in line with safeguarding and legal requirements

12. Training and Awareness

  • All volunteers involved in relevant activities will receive safeguarding briefings
  • The Safeguarding Coordinator and Deputy will undertake appropriate safeguarding training
  • This policy will be shared with all trustees and relevant volunteers

13. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner if needed due to changes in law or the Trust’s activities.

Signed by Chair: David Laing
Review Due: 30th January 2027