1. Introduction and purpose

1.1 Adult at Risk Safeguarding Policy

1.2 Fully Revised policy considering key legislation and relevant guidance

• 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 1998
• All Club – Updated policy to meet local safeguarding procedures for 2022 – 2023

2. Policy Statement

2.1 We are committed to the utmost standards of welfare and safeguarding practices. We acknowledge our responsibilities and duty of care to “At risk adults” previously referred to as “Vulnerable adults”.

Leicester Tigers is aware that “At risk adults” may be victims of abuse in any form, physical, emotional, sexual and neglect. Our staff and volunteers have received bespoke role related training and guidance to ensure that they can recognise the signs of abuse and respond accordingly.  At Leicester Tigers we have ensured that our staff have not only completed the statutory minimum standards of the Rugby Football union RFU and Premiership rugby League but have completed our own rigorous bespoke roles related safeguarding programme.  We have nurtured a culture at Leicester Tigers where safeguarding is not merely a box ticking exercise but is fundamentally part of our ethos.

3. To Protect Adults at Risk We:

• Create an atmosphere where everyone can feel secure, valued, and listened to.
• Staff and volunteers can recognise signs and symptoms of abuse.
• Everyone at Leicester Tigers can respond quickly and effectively to cases of suspected abuse.
• Have a safeguarding team monitor and support at risk adults.
• Staff use the Leicester Tigers programmes to raise awareness, to build confidence and life skills.
• We work closely with carers and support external agencies in their work.
• We ensure that everyone who has access to adults with additional care needs has been checked as to their suitability via an Enhanced DBS check and other pre-employment vetting checks as part of our safer recruitment process.
• We provide regular training and updates to our staff on a range of safeguarding issues.
• We endeavour to support everyone by encouraging self-esteem and self-assertiveness whilst not condoning, aggression or bullying. We achieve this by promoting a caring, safe, and positive environment.
• We liaise and work together with all other support services and those agencies involved in the safeguarding of at-risk adults.
• Where necessary we notify Adults safeguarding services via the approved mechanisms as soon as there is a significant concern.
• Where necessary we alert the RFU of safeguarding concerns.

3.1 Anyone who is concerned about the safety or well-being of an “At risk adult” within the Leicester Tigers organisation should email the safeguarding team at [email protected]

Safeguarding Leader:

Designated Safeguarding Lead – Sarah Allen [email protected]

4. Introduction & Context

4.1 Leicester Tigers wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience when they access any of our services.  We stand by the principle that safeguarding is everybody’s business. We instil a passion in Tigers staff, volunteers and the wider Tigers family to rise up and accept the challenge and collective responsibility to safeguard at risk adults. We have developed the ethos of “EYES WIDE OPEN” which we feel encapsulates our culture. We want everyone to be alert and vigilant placing safeguarding at the heart of our practice.

4.1.1 Definition of the term “At risk Adult”

An adult is an individual over the age of 18

The adult has care and support needs

Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs)

Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect

Is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect, as a result of those care and support needs

Adults at risk – those who fulfil the above criteria.

4.2 Adult in need of care and support - is determined by a range of factors including personal characteristics, factors associated with their situation or environment and social factors. A person’s disability or frailty does not mean that they will inevitably experience harm or abuse.

4.2.1 In the context of safeguarding adults, the likelihood of an adult in need of care and support experiencing harm or abuse should be determined by considering a range of social, environmental, and clinical factors, not merely because they may be defined by one or more of the above descriptors.

4.3. Abuse - is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. See Annex A for further detail

4.4 Capacity - refers to the ability to make a decision at a particular time, for example when under considerable stress. The assumption must always be that a person has the capacity to make a decision unless it can be established that they lack capacity (Mental Capacity Act 2005).

If you wish to report a specific concern in relation to safeguarding a child, contact the safeguarding team directly at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can view our Frequently Asked Questions to see if your query is answered there.

5. Responsibilities and Definitions

5.1. All staff and volunteers at Leicester Tigers should take every welfare concern seriously.

5.2 Leicester Football Club PLC fully recognises its responsibilities and the duty of care it owes to safeguard “At risk adults”. This policy sets out how Leicester Tigers will deliver on those responsibilities.

5.3 “Adult” as written in this policy are individuals over the age of 18.

5.4. At Leicester Tigers we are mindful of the language that we use and in line with best practice we will avoid using the term ‘vulnerable’ to describe adults potentially at risk from harm or abuse.

5.5 “At risk adult” as written in this policy refers to any adult with care and support needs accessing any of our services.

5.6 “Staff” as written in this policy means anyone with contact with an “At risk adult”, all coaching staff, non- coaching, directors, and volunteers, and extends to all agencies, contractors and visitors.

6. Supporting Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Rugby Football Union; SAFEGUARDING ADULTS POLICY AND PROCEDURES.
• 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 Data Protection Act 1998
• The Human Rights Act 1998

7. Safeguarding and Responsibilities

All staff who have contact with “At risk adults” including coaches and volunteers have responsibility for the following:

7.1 Listening to, and seeking out, the views, wishes and feelings of those deemed “at risk” and demonstrating this in their practice.

7.2 They should be alert to the signs of abuse, including specific issues in safeguarding. They should understand the duty they have to refer any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) of the club.

7.3 They should know who the clubs Designated Lead(s) for safeguarding are.

7.4 They should obtain feedback on all concerns reported to the Designed Safeguarding Lead.

7.5 They should feel able to use Leicester Tigers safeguarding Escalation and Grievance policies if necessary.

7.6 They should be aware of the ‘Allegations Against Professionals’ LADO procedures and feel confident in being able to use them. They should know how to report concerns about other staff and the club.

7.7 They should be aware of the clubs Whistle Blowing procedures and where to obtain further information, advice and support. (See clubs Whistleblowing Policy).

7.8 They must ensure that their safeguarding training is up to date, undertaking refresher/update training at least annually.

7.9 They should know the process for sharing information and working together with agencies such as the RFU and the Police to provide children with the help and support they need. Staff should always consult the Designated safeguarding Lead before contacting regulating bodies or statutory organisations.

7.10 Where staff have concerns regarding an “At risk adult” they should raise these with the Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) who will normally decide/take the next step/s. However, any member of staff, coach or volunteer/academy player in the club can make a referral directly to the RFU as part of the escalation process.

7.11 Where staff feel unclear about what has happened to their concerns following a referral, they should request feedback.

7.12 All staff should be aware of the clubs wider Safeguarding Partnership’s Escalation Policy and process. This may be followed if a staff member fears their concerns have not been addressed. Staff should make themselves familiar with Leicester Tigers Whistle Blowing policy.

7.13 All staff should recognise their roles and responsibilities under SEND special educational needs disability. SEND adults may not be able to recognise abuse, abusive situations or protect themselves from significant harm and exploitation.

7.14 All staff should recognise where there are emotional and mental health needs in “At risk Adults”. If they are struggling staff should seek advice and support of the DSL so they can provide assistance by seeking support from external health agencies and organisations.

7.15 All staff should recognise where an “At risk adult” is vulnerable to sexual exploitation and trafficking. They should seek advice from the DSL and know how to report any issues/incidents.

7.16 All staff should recognise that an “At risk adult” may be criminally exploited or involved in gang culture and should seek advice and report any issues /incidents to the DSL.

8. All Staff Have the Responsibility for the Following:

8.1.1 To share and report a safeguarding concern, know how to do this and who to. They should write a first-hand record of the incident on the clubs (Online Management System) CPOMS.

10. Role of the Designated Safeguarding Team

10.1.1 The Designated Safeguarding Team is responsible for safeguarding, child protection and welfare of at-risk adults at Leicester Football Club PLC.

10.2 The key role of the Designated Safeguarding Team is to:

• Manage referrals both internal and external.
• Work with external agencies and professionals on matters of safety and safeguarding
• Undertake training
• Raise awareness of safeguarding and child protection across the club
• To maintain a system for safeguarding records, including notes of all concerns referred by club staff and be responsible for their security and confidentiality of those records.
• Report to senior management and the Executive board on all safeguarding matters, keeping them updated of legislative changes.

10.3 The records will include but will not be limited to:

• safeguarding referrals to Local Authority
• General concerns about “At risk Adults”
• Incidents of serious bullying
• Any referrals of staff abuse.

10.4 The safeguarding lead will be responsible for ensuring that all relevant club staff are familiar with the Leicester Football Club PLC Adult safeguarding Procedures.

10.5 The Safeguarding Lead will be responsible for providing support to any member of the club’s staff in respect of any matter of adult safeguarding.

10.6 These referrals will be to Leicester/Leicestershire social services unless the “At risk adult” has a named social worker or resides within another local authority.

11. Procedure for Leicester Tigers Staff Suspected Abuse

11.1 All incidents or accusations involving a member of club staff and volunteers are to be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead on the same day, as soon as is practicable.

11.2 In the event the concern raised is about the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the concern will be reported to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead.

11.3 On receiving notification of the allegation, the safeguarding Lead will investigate the nature of the concern. This may be covered by the club’s disciplinary procedure. If the allegation is deemed serious or an individual is at risk of significant harm the matter will be reported to the police and other statutory or regulatory organisations.

12. The Six Principles of Adult Safeguarding

The Care Act 2014 sets out the following principles that should underpin safeguarding of adults.

12.1 Empowerment - People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.

“I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process and these directly inform what happens.”

12.2 Prevention – It is better to act before harm occurs.

“I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is, how to recognise the signs and what I can do to seek help.”

12.3 Proportionality – The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.

“I am sure that the professionals will work in my interest, as I see them, and they will only get involved as much as needed.”

12.4 Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need.

“I get help and support to report abuse and neglect. I get help so that I can take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want.”

12.5 Partnership – Local solutions through services collaborating with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting, and reporting neglect and abuse.

“I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. I am confident that professionals will work together and with me to get the best result for me.”

12.6 Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

“I understand the role of everyone involved in my life and so do they.”

13. Safeguarding Autonomy, Capacity and Consultation

13.2 Leicester Tigers will support adults to have autonomy in relation to safeguarding issues that affect them. We will endeavour to consult with individuals and ensure that they are an integral part of any decisions that are made which directly impact their lives. We will seek permission wherever possible before sharing information about them outside the club.

13.3 The assumption must be that adults have the mental capacity to make decisions about their best interests. However, on occasions it will become apparent that adults lack mental capacity to make decisions. This does not elevate the need for consultation with the individual and where appropriate individuals who support their care needs.

13.4 Leicester Tigers recognises its responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to the way it provides individuals with information.

13.5 Leicester Tigers recognises that individuals have autonomy to make decisions which may appear to be unwise or counterproductive to their best interests. The club recognises that as adults we are free to make such decisions without judgment or interference where the individual fully understands the implications and any potential consequences of their decisions.  Where there are known and obvious risks Leicester Tigers will work with individuals, their support networks, and where applicable statutory agencies to reduce risk.

13.6 Leicester Tigers recognises the importance of minimal intervention and quantifying decisions at each stage.

13.7 Leicester Tigers will never discriminate based on perceived ability, age, condition, or appearance.  We recognise that capacity to make decisions is fluid and therefore the default position should always be the individual has capacity until proven otherwise.

14. Wellbeing Principle

14.1 ‘Wellbeing’ is a broad concept which can be interpreted differently by all of us However in The care Act and for the purpose of this policy It is described as relating to the following areas in particular:

• personal dignity (including treatment of the individual with respect)
• physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
• protection from abuse and neglect
• control by the individual over their day-to-day life (including over care and support provided and the way they are provided)
• participation in work, education, training, or recreation
• social and economic wellbeing
• domestic, family, and personal domains
• suitability of the individual’s living accommodation
• the individual’s contribution to society.

14.2 The areas of wellbeing listed above are all are equally important. There is also no single definition of wellbeing, as how this is interpreted will depend on the individual, their circumstances, and their priorities.

14.3 Leicester Tigers aims to provide a holistic approach to ensure a clear understanding of the individual’s views. It is vital to identifying and defining wellbeing for each person.

14.4 Appendices A. Roles and Responsibilities in safeguarding Leicester Tigers Plc

14.4.1 The Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead is Kathleen Simpson

14.4.2 The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is Sarah Allen (Head of People)

14.4.3 There is a large team of safeguarding leads who will act on occasion as the designated safeguarding leads at specific club activities.

14.5 Appendix B. Types of Abuse

14.5.1 Physical Abuse - may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning/scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm. Physical harm may also be caused when a carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness.

14.5.2 Emotional Abuse - is the persistent emotional maltreatment, such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects.

14.5.3 It may involve conveying to an individual that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person.

14.5.4 It may include not giving opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or ‘making fun’ of what they say or how they communicate.

14.5.5 These may include interactions that are beyond the individual’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the individual participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyber bullying).

14.5.6 Causing the individual to frequently feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of the individual. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a person, though it may occur alone.

14.5.7 Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing an individual to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether the individual is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact or non-contact activities, such as involving individuals in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities.

15. Neglect is the persistent failure to meet basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the health or development of the individual.

15.1 It may include a failure to:

15.2 provide adequate food, clothing and shelter

15.3 protect from physical and emotional harm or danger

15.4 ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caregivers); or

15.5 ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment

15.6 Bullying and forms of bullying on and offline including prejudice based and Cyber Bullying is also abusive which will include at least one, if not two, three or all four, of the defined categories of abuse [see club anti-bullying and behaviour policies].

16. Indicators of Abuse

16.1 Physical Abuse

16.1.1 Important indicators of physical abuse are bruises or injuries that are either unexplained or inconsistent with the explanation given; these can often be visible on the ‘soft’ parts of the body where accidental injuries are unlikely, e g, cheeks, abdomen, back and buttocks. A delay in seeking medical treatment when it is obviously necessary is also a cause for concern.

16.1.2 The physical signs of abuse may include:

• unexplained bruising, marks, or injuries on any part of the body
• multiple bruises- in clusters, often on the upper arm, outside of the thigh
• cigarette burns
• human bite marks
• broken bones
• scalds, with upward splash marks
• Multiple burns with a clearly demarcated edge.

Changes in behaviour that can also indicate physical abuse:

• aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts
• flinching when approached or touched
• reluctance to get changed, for example in hot weather
• depression
• withdrawn behaviour.

16.2 Sexual Abuse

16.2.1 It is recognised that there is underreporting of sexual abuse. All club staff and volunteers should play a crucial role in identifying / reporting any concerns that they may have.

16.2.2 All staff and volunteers should be aware that adults, who may be men, women, or other children,

16.2.3  It is important, that all disclosures of sexual abuse taken seriously, individuals making disclosures should feel like they have been listened to and heard.

16.2.4 Changes in behaviour which can also indicate sexual abuse include:

• sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour e.g., becoming aggressive or withdrawn
• fear of being left with a specific person or group of people
• eating problems such as overeating or anorexia
• self-harm or mutilation, sometimes leading to suicide attempts
• substance or drug abuse

16.3 Neglect and self-neglect

16.3.1 It can be difficult to recognise Neglect, however its effects can be long term and damaging for individuals.

16.3.2 The physical signs of neglect may include:

• being constantly dirty or ‘smelly’
• constant hunger, sometimes stealing food from other children
• losing weight, or being constantly underweight
• Inappropriate or dirty clothing.
• Neglect may be indicated by changes in behaviour which may include:
• mentioning being left alone or unsupervised
• not having many friends
• complaining of being tired all the time
• Not requesting medical assistance and/or failing to attend appointments.