Walthamstow FC POLICY ON SAFEGUARDING ADULTS AT RISK For the purpose of this Policy the following definitions apply: Adult at Risk1 Means any adult who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental health issues, learning or physical disability, sensory impairment, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him/herself or unable to protect him/herself against significant harm or serious exploitation. Abuse Abuse is defined as a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It includes acts of commission (such as an assault) and acts of omission (situations where the environment fails to prevent harm). Abuse may be single act or omission or series of acts or omissions. Capacity2 Capacity refers to an individual adult’s ability to take a specific decision or take a particular action at a particular time even if they are able or not able to make other decisions at other times. The starting point should be that the person has capacity to make a decision unless it can be established that they cannot. POLICY Walthamstow FC is committed to football being inclusive and providing a safe and positive experience for every adult participant involved in the game regardless of age, gender, gender reassignment, disability, culture, language, race, faith, belief or sexual orientation. Walthamstow FC recognises that some adult participants some may need additional safeguards and/or protection. These adults are referred to as Adults at Risk. Walthamstow FC recognises its responsibility to safeguard and protect Adults at Risk, and to respond appropriately to any allegations or suspicions of abuse. Everyone who works with Adults at Risk has a responsibility to commit to this. If abuse is suspected, or reported, Walthamstow FC will work in partnership with the County FA to safeguard the Adult at Risk. The Amateur Football Alliance will also work in partnership with the police, the Disclosure and Barring Service, Safeguarding Adults Boards and local authorities so these organisations can carry out their statutory duties to safeguard and protect Adults at Risk. When responding to abuse or allegations of abuse and considering the sharing of information, Walthamstow FC will put the needs of the adult first, work in their best Interests and take into account the six principles of safeguarding adults detailed in the Care Act 2014: empowerment; protection; prevention; proportionality; partnership; and accountability. These principles will underpin all work with Adults at Risk. 1 The Care Act 2014 2 Mental Capacity Act, 2005 We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually or in the following circumstances:
