Adult Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

Tower Block Radio is committed to protecting adults at risk from abuse, neglect and exploitation. This policy explains how we respond to adult safeguarding concerns in connection with our radio, community, workshop, archive, volunteer and event activity.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Adults taking part in Tower Block Radio activity.
• Volunteers.
• DJs, artists, presenters, guests and contributors.
• Workshop participants.
• Visitors.
• Staff, contractors and partners.
• Adults who may be at risk because of disability, illness, age, mental health, substance dependency, homelessness, exploitation, coercion or other circumstances.

Who is an adult at risk?

An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who may need care or support and may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Principles

Tower Block Radio's adult safeguarding approach is based on:

• Empowerment: people should be supported to make their own decisions where possible.
• Prevention: action should be taken before harm occurs where possible.
• Proportionality: responses should be suitable and not excessive.
• Protection: people who need support should receive it.
• Partnership: concerns may need to involve other agencies.
• Accountability: decisions and actions should be recorded.

Types of adult safeguarding concern

Concerns may include:

• Physical abuse.
• Emotional or psychological abuse.
• Sexual abuse.
• Domestic abuse.
• Financial abuse.
• Neglect.
• Self neglect.
• Discriminatory abuse.
• Organisational abuse.
• Modern slavery.
• Exploitation.
• Coercive control.
• Online abuse.
• Harassment or intimidation.

Our commitment

Tower Block Radio will:

• Treat adult safeguarding concerns seriously.
• Respect the dignity and wishes of adults wherever possible.
• Take action where someone may be at risk.
• Keep accurate records.
• Share information only where necessary.
• Refer to external agencies where appropriate.
• Make reasonable adjustments where needed.
• Challenge abusive or exploitative behaviour.

Responding to a concern

If an adult tells us they are being harmed, or we observe signs of harm:

• Listen carefully.
• Stay calm.
• Do not promise secrecy.
• Ask what support they want where appropriate.
• Do not investigate the matter yourself.
• Record the concern.
• Report it to the Safeguarding Lead.
• Call 999 if there is immediate danger.

Consent and information sharing

Where possible, adults should be involved in decisions about what happens next. However, information may need to be shared without consent if:

• Someone is in immediate danger.
• A crime may have been committed.
• Other people may be at risk.
• The person is unable to protect themselves.
• There is a legal or safeguarding duty to act.

Recording

Adult safeguarding records should include:

• Date and time.
• Who was involved.
• What was seen or said.
• The adult's wishes where known.
• Immediate action taken.
• Who was informed.
• Any referrals made.
• Outcome or follow up.

Volunteers and DJs

Volunteers, DJs, hosts and contributors must not exploit, pressure, harass, financially manipulate, groom or intimidate adults connected to Tower Block Radio. Any concern about this behaviour may result in removal from activity and referral to external authorities where appropriate.

Safeguarding contact

Safeguarding Lead: To be appointed

Email: safeguarding@towerblock.radio

Emergency: If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or when Tower Block Radio begins new activity involving adults who may be at risk.