Ash u3a Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

This policy is written to enable the committee to address issues where there are safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding includes incidents between members, concerns regarding abuse or neglect that a u3a member may be experiencing outside of the u3a, health related issues or previous or pending criminal convictions.

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of Ash u3a to safeguarding their members and to ensure that everyone involved in Ash u3a is aware of:

The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults.
Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
What to do or who to speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult within Ash u3a.

Scope

This safeguarding policy and procedure apply to all individuals involved in Ash u3a, including the committee, group leaders and members, and to all concerns about the safety and wellbeing of members taking part in u3a activities and in the wider community.

Safeguarding Commitments

In order to implement this policy, Ash u3a. will ensure that all members will be aware of the safeguarding procedures and know who to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult.

Ash u3a committee has a duty of care to its members, is committed to upholding this safeguarding policy in order to protect its members.

Ash u3a recognises that some people are potentially at risk of abuse and neglect. Where abuse or neglect is suspected Ash u3a will aim to respond in a prompt and efficient manner to any situation where there is a risk of or perceived risk of harm.

Ash u3a does not hold any statutory authority. Matters of concern will be reported to the relevant safeguarding authorities and charity regulatory authorities, as appropriate. This may include the local authority, the local multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH), or the police in an emergency.

Where there are concerns for a member’s wellbeing or safety, Ash u3a committee will complete a safeguarding risk assessment, seek advice and support from the Trust where necessary, and will contact the relevant statutory authorities as needed. It is not appropriate for Ash u3a to take the lead role in any Safeguarding Enquiry (under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 (England and Wales).

Ash u3a recognises that there are various forms of abuse which can be perpetrated by volunteers, members, relatives, friends, and neighbours.Ash u3a will not condone nor tolerate any form of abuse or neglect and believes that all people should be able and, where necessary, enabled to live in an environment which is safe and free from harm.

Ash u3a will put the well-being of those at risk of harm first, and they will be actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to. Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.

A list of the types of safeguarding risks and harm can be found on the England and Wales Charity Commission website, which is applicable generally.

Ash u3a will monitor the implementation of this policy annually through its committee.

When following the safeguarding procedure Ash u3a will strive to uphold the principles that those involved in incidents are entitled to:

privacy
be treated with dignity and respect
lead an independent life and to be enabled to do so
choose how they live their lives
the protection of the law
have their human and civil rights upheld regardless of ethnic origin, gender, sexuality, impairment or disability, age, religious or cultural background.

Ash u3a will also follow the principles enshrined within the England and Wales Care Act 2014/ Section 44.

Last updated on 28 April 2026 by Graham (Chair)