The Nonprofit Design Studio CIC

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

 Last Reviewed: 1st October 2025

Contents

• Introduction

• Policy Statement

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

• What to do if Vulnerable Adults Talk to You About Abuse or Neglect

• Consult About Your Concern

• Make a Referral

• Allegations Against Adults Who Work with Vulnerable Adults

• Confidentiality

• Policy Review

Introduction
This document outlines the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy for The Nonprofit Design Studio CIC (the organisation). It must be followed by all individuals affiliated with the organisation, including staff, volunteers, and contractors.

The Nonprofit Design Studio CIC exists to:

• Train and assist communities of disadvantaged people with digital skills to support their future employability

• Provide work experience opportunities that offer real-world application of learned skills

• Support and guide individuals through 1:1 mentoring

• Host events for the wider community to combat isolation related to remote work or self-employment

• Create digital skills workshops for local community members

• Help combat the digital divide and tech debt that charities experience due to funding or resource constraints

Our organisation believes that strengthening collaboration and connection increases our collective impact and creates a more equitable digital future.

Policy Statement

We recognise that all people—regardless of age, gender, ability, race, religion, or sexual orientation—have the right to be protected from harm. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all vulnerable adults we support.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

Safeguarding means ensuring a duty of care and taking proactive steps to prevent harm. All team members must be alert, informed, and ready to act.

Immediate Action to Ensure Safety

• Call 999 if urgent medical help is needed or a person is in immediate danger

• Only the police can remove a person from danger immediately—contact them for emergency protection

Recognition of Abuse or Neglect

Types of abuse include:

• Physical Abuse – hitting, shaking, burning, suffocating, etc.

• Psychological Abuse – intimidation, coercion, humiliation, isolation

• Sexual Abuse – any non-consensual sexual activity or exposure to sexual materials

• Financial Abuse – exploitation, manipulation around wills or finances

• Neglect – withholding care, support, food, medication, or access to services

• Discriminatory Abuse – harassment based on identity (race, gender, disability, etc.)

Staff and volunteers must stay vigilant and be ready to act on concerns.

What to Do if Vulnerable Adults Talk to You About Abuse or Neglect

If someone discloses abuse or neglect:

• Listen without interrupting or leading

• Let them speak in their own words

• Make detailed notes (time, place, exact words)

• Reassure them they’ve done the right thing

• Do not promise confidentiality—you must share it to protect them

• Do not ask them to repeat the story again

Consult About Your Concern

Even if no disclosure is made, trust your instincts. If you are concerned:

• Speak to our safeguarding lead immediately:
  
  

Investigation Lead: Mrs Ruby Ellis
 Email: ruby@thenonprofitdesignstudio.com

You may also need to contact your local Adult Social Care team in cases of uncertainty or if Ruby is unavailable or implicated.

Make a Referral

If required, make a referral by:

• Contacting Adult Social Care – if abuse is from a known individual

• Contacting the Police – if abuse is from a stranger

• Escalating to your local LADO – if the concern is about someone in a position of trust

Information to include in referral:

• Your details and role

• Vulnerable adult’s name, DOB, contact info

• Any disabilities, language needs, or special requirements

• Names of professionals involved
  
  

• Nature and urgency of your concern

• Your view on what support may be needed

Always document your referral clearly and send a written follow-up to the Investigation Lead.

Allegations Against Adults Who Work with Vulnerable Adults

If an adult affiliated with our organisation:

• Has harmed or may have harmed a vulnerable adult

• May have committed a criminal offence

• Appears unsuitable for working with vulnerable adults

Then report it immediately to your line manager or to:

Mrs Ruby Ellis
 Email: ruby@thenonprofitdesignstudio.com

If she is implicated, contact your local authority’s Safeguarding Adults Unit directly.

Confidentiality

• All safeguarding records will be kept secure and confidential

• Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis

• Protecting vulnerable adults takes priority over individual confidentiality
  
  

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed every 6 months.
Before starting any role, staff and volunteers must:

• Read the policy in full

• Discuss and confirm their understanding with their supervisor

• Request clarification on anything unclear

Ongoing learning from safeguarding experiences will be incorporated into updates.

Last reviewed: 1st October 2025