Who this policy applies to
This policy applies to all adults aged 18 and over with care and support needs who use the Orpheus Centre, and to all staff, trustees, volunteers, contractors, partners and visitors.
Our safeguarding aims
Orpheus works to:
- Prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation wherever possible
- Stop abuse quickly and effectively when it occurs
- Protect adults while supporting their choices, rights and independence
- Promote wellbeing, empowerment and recovery
- Work in partnership with families, carers and external agencies
- Ensure concerns are taken seriously, reported promptly and acted upon
What we mean by “adults at risk”
An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who:
- Has care and support needs, and
- Is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of those needs
Safeguarding applies regardless of whether the person’s care is funded or provided by a local authority.
Types of abuse we respond to
The policy covers all forms of abuse and exploitation, including:
- Physical, sexual and psychological abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Financial or material abuse
- Neglect and acts of omission
- Discriminatory abuse
- Organisational abuse and poor practice
- Self‑neglect
- Modern slavery and criminal exploitation
- Extremism and radicalisation
- Peer‑on‑peer abuse, bullying and cyberbullying
Key principles
Safeguarding at Orpheus is:
- Person‑led – centred on the wishes, views and outcomes important to the individual
- Proportionate – using the least restrictive responses needed
- Empowering – promoting choice, control and participation
- Protective – acting decisively when harm or risk is identified
- Accountable – clear roles, strong governance and shared responsibility
Decisions are made in line with the Mental Capacity Act, always assuming capacity unless proven otherwise.
Roles and responsibilities
- Orpheus has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supported by a trained safeguarding team
- Safeguarding concerns are managed, recorded and reviewed by senior leaders
- Trustees provide oversight and governance
- Staff and volunteers receive regular training and supervision
Clear reporting routes are displayed on site and available on the website.
Reporting and responding to concerns
Anyone who has a concern must report it immediately.
Staff will:
- Listen, reassure and take concerns seriously
- Record information accurately
- Share concerns with the safeguarding team
- Contact emergency services if someone is in immediate danger
Concerns are referred to local authority safeguarding teams, the police or other agencies as required.
Confidentiality and information sharing
Information is shared only on a need‑to‑know basis, in line with data protection law. However, confidentiality cannot prevent action where there is risk of harm, abuse or serious crime.
Safer recruitment and prevention
Orpheus uses robust safer recruitment practices, including DBS checks, training and ongoing supervision. Policies, risk assessments and good practice guidance help reduce the risk of abuse occurring.
Continuous learning and improvement
Safeguarding practice is regularly reviewed. Learning from incidents, safeguarding enquiries and safeguarding reviews is shared across the organisation to strengthen practice and ensure continuous improvement.
