Safeguarding Adults Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to protect the supporters and members of the public who interact with Psoriatic Disease UK. This policy applies to all trustees, staff, and volunteers, particularly when representing the charity at fundraising activities and events, or advocacy engagements, such as conferences.

2. Our Commitment

Psoriatic Disease UK believes that everyone has the right to live free from abuse, harm, and neglect. We are committed to:

Prioritising the wellbeing of our supporters.
Ensuring our events are safe and inclusive environments.
Taking all suspicions or allegations of harm seriously and responding appropriately.

3. Defining "Adults at Risk"

While we do not provide care services, we may encounter "adults at risk." This generally refers to individuals aged 18 or over who:

Have needs for care and support (which may include those with severe psoriatic disease or associated mental health challenges).
Are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect.
Are unable to protect themselves from that abuse or neglect because of those needs.

4. Conduct at Events

When volunteers or staff are cheering at fundraising events (such as marathons), assisting at organised events or managing awareness or exhibition stands on behalf of Psoriatic Disease UK, they must adhere to the following guidelines to ensure everyone's safety:

The "Buddy System": Volunteers should never work entirely alone at a cheering station or event stand. Always ensure you are operating in pairs or larger groups.
Event Briefings: A mandatory briefing must take place before every event to remind all staff and volunteers who the Designated Safeguarding Lead is on the day, and who to talk to if they see someone who looks unwell or distressed.
Maintain Professional Boundaries: Avoid over-familiarity. Do not ask for personal contact details or offer medical advice (refer them to official charity resources instead).
Respect Privacy: If a supporter becomes distressed or shares sensitive personal information, move to a quieter area if possible and maintain confidentiality in line with our Data Protection Policy.
Physical Contact: Keep physical contact to a minimum and always ensure it is appropriate to the setting (e.g., a high-five at a marathon finish line). Always seek verbal consent before any physical contact.
Alcohol and Substances: Volunteers must not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while representing the charity.

5. Recognising Concerns

Staff and volunteers should be alert to signs that a supporter may be at risk, such as:

Unexplained bruising or physical injury.
Signs of extreme distress, confusion, or mental health crisis during an event.
Comments that suggest they are being neglected, exploited, or abused at home.

6. Reporting Procedure

If a volunteer or staff member has a concern about a supporter’s safety:

In an Emergency: If the person is in immediate danger, call 999.
Record: As soon as possible, write down exactly what was seen or heard. Use the person's own words where possible.
Report: Inform the charity’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.
Refer: The DSL will decide whether the concern needs to be referred to the relevant Local Authority Adult Social Care department or the Police.

7. Accountability and Review

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Anita Nelson (Trustee) is responsible for overseeing this policy.
Recruitment: We will ensure volunteers in operational or public-facing roles are appropriately vetted, which may include reference checks.
Review: This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees.

Last Updated: June 2026