1. Introduction

This Adult Safeguarding Policy outlines the commitment and responsibilities of Dementia Friendly Largs and District, to protect adults at risk, particularly those living with dementia. Our charity is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members, volunteers, staff, and visitors. This policy details our
approach to safeguarding, reporting concerns, and ensuring compliance with Scottish legislation and best practices.

 

2. Policy Statement

Our commitment:

To promote the well-being, dignity, and rights of adults at risk.
To prevent and reduce risks of abuse, harm, and neglect.
To respond promptly and effectively to all safeguarding concerns.
To foster an environment of openness, accountability, and respect.
 

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3. Scope

This policy applies to:

All trustees, and volunteers of Dementia Friendly Largs and District.
All activities and events organised by or on behalf of the charity.
All adults who engage with our services, with particular regard to those living with dementia or other cognitive vulnerabilities.
 

 

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is guided by relevant Scottish laws and guidance, including but not limited to:

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
 

The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
 

The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
 

Scottish Government’s National Guidance for Adult Protection (updated 2022)
 

Charity Commission for Scotland’s safeguarding requirements
 

 

5. Definitions
 

Adult at risk: An individual aged 16 or over who is unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights, or other interests, and is at risk of harm because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness, or physical or mental infirmity.
 

Abuse: A violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other
person or persons. It may be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual, or take the form of neglect or self-neglect.
 

Dementia: A range of progressive neurological disorders that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and ability to perform everyday activities.
 

 

6. Principles
 

Our safeguarding approach is rooted in the following principles:
 

 Empowerment: Supporting individuals to make their own choices and give informed consent.
 

Prevention: Proactively reducing the likelihood of harm or abuse.
 

Proportionality: Responding to concerns in the least intrusive way appropriate to the risk presented.
 

Protection: Protecting those in greatest need.
 

Partnership: Working with local authorities, health services, carers, and
families to safeguard adults.
 

Accountability: Ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting
mechanisms.
 

 

7. Recognising Abuse and Neglect
 

Everyone in the charity must remain vigilant to signs of abuse or neglect, particularly in those who may have difficulty communicating or understanding due to dementia.
 

Types of abuse include:
Physical abuse (e.g., hitting, pushing, inappropriate restraint)
Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g., intimidation, isolation, threats)
Financial abuse (e.g., theft, exploitation, misuse of finances)
Sexual abuse (e.g., inappropriate touching, sexual assault)
Neglect (e.g., ignoring medical needs, withholding care or support)
Discriminatory abuse (e.g., based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender)
Self-neglect (e.g., failing to care for oneself, hoarding)
 

 

8. Preventing Abuse
 

We aim to prevent abuse through:
 

Comprehensive recruitment checks (including PVG/Disclosure Scotland for volunteers as appropriate).
 

Mandatory safeguarding training for all personnel.
 

Clear codes of conduct and behaviour standards.
 

Safe and inclusive activity planning, mindful of the needs of those with
dementia.
 

Regular risk assessments of activities, environments, and protocols.
 

Encouraging open communication and feedback from members, carers, and families.
 

 

9. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
 

All safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously and acted upon promptly.

Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
 

The DSL will assess the situation and, where appropriate, refer to North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership Adult Protection Team or the police.

Concerns must be recorded in writing, detailing the nature of the concern, date, time, parties involved, and actions taken.

Confidentiality must be maintained, and information only shared on a need-to- know basis in line with GDPR and data protection laws.

Individuals raising concerns in good faith will be supported and protected from retaliation.

 

10. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
 

The charity will appoint a DSL (and deputy) responsible for:
 

Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns.
 

Liaising with external agencies and partners.
 

Keeping up to date with legislation and best practice.
 

Providing advice and support to volunteers
 

Maintaining confidential records of all safeguarding matters
 

Contact details for the current DSL will be publicised on the charity’s website and noticeboards.
 

 

11. Supporting People with Dementia
 

We recognise that adults living with dementia face specific vulnerabilities, including:
 

 Communication difficulties.
 

Memory loss and confusion.
 

 Increased risk of social isolation and dependency.
 

Potential for misinterpretation or misunderstanding.
 

Our approach includes:
 

Creating dementia-friendly environments (clear signage, quiet spaces,
accessible facilities).
 

Using clear, respectful, and simple communication.
 

Offering support and advocacy when engaging with other services.

 

Involving families and carers in planning and decision-making, where
appropriate.
 

Valuing individuality and promoting autonomy wherever possible.
 

 

12. Training and Awareness

All staff and volunteers will receive initial and regular refresher training on safeguarding, dementia awareness, and disability rights. The charity will provide access to local resources, expert speakers, and information sessions for the broader community.

 

13. Partnership Working
 

We work collaboratively with:
 

North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership.

(Click here to complete the ASP form).
 

Police Scotland.
 

Local primary care and NHS services.
 

Other dementia and carers’ organisations.
 

These partnerships approach strengthens our ability to protect and empower adults at risk.

 

14. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We adhere to all relevant data protection legislation, ensuring personal information is managed securely. Information about safeguarding concerns is only shared when necessary and only with those who need to know.

 

15. Review and Monitoring
 

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation or best practice. Feedback from members, volunteers, and partners will inform updates.
 

 

16. Complaints
 

Any complaints about the handling of safeguarding concerns or conduct of staff/volunteers will be investigated thoroughly and fairly, following the charity’s complaints procedure.

This policy should be read in conjunction with:
 

Volunteer and Staff Code of Conduct.
 

Health and Safety Policy.
 

Data Protection Policy.
 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy.
 

 

17. Policy Approval and Review

This policy was approved by the Board of Trustees of [Dementia Friendly Largs and District] on 14th July 2025. The next scheduled review is 13 th July 2026.

Thank you for your commitment to safeguarding adults and upholding the highest standards of care and respect within our Dementia Friendly Charity.

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Designated Safeguarding lead is Christine Malcolmson.

Deputy Safeguarding Lead is Robbie Stevenson.