Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction and Purpose

Heston Wellness Centre Ltd is committed to promoting the health and well-being of the community in Heston and surrounding areas through low-cost fitness classes (such as yoga, tai chi, and chair yoga), free educational talks on health topics, social networking opportunities, and fundraising activities. Our primary beneficiaries include older adults, isolated individuals, and people with disabilities, many of whom may be considered adults at risk.

This safeguarding policy outlines our commitment to protecting adults at risk from abuse, harm, or neglect while participating in our activities. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and we aim to create a safe, inclusive environment where all participants feel respected and protected.

This policy aligns with the Care Act 2014, Charity Commission guidance on safeguarding, and best practice recommendations from organisations such as the Ann Craft Trust and NCVO. Although the Centre is not currently a registered charity, we adopt these standards to ensure public benefit and prepare for potential charitable registration.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All directors, staff, volunteers, instructors, and anyone working on behalf of the Centre.

  • All participants, beneficiaries, and visitors to our activities.

  • Partner organisations and venues where our activities take place.

It covers safeguarding concerns arising during Centre activities or related to participants' involvement with us.

3. Definitions

An adult at risk is any person aged 18 or over who:

  • Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs).

  • Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.

  • As a result of those care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect (Care Act 2014).

Abuse may include physical, sexual, emotional/psychological, financial, organisational, discriminatory, neglect, self-neglect, domestic abuse, modern slavery, or exploitation.

4. Principles

We adhere to the six principles of adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014:

  • Empowerment → Support adults to make informed choices.

  • Prevention → Take steps to prevent abuse before it occurs.

  • Proportionality → Respond appropriately to the risk.

  • Protection → Support and represent those in greatest need.

  • Partnership → Work with local agencies.

  • Accountability → Be transparent in our safeguarding practices.

5. Responsibilities

  • Board of Directors — Overall responsibility for ensuring the policy is implemented, reviewed annually, and embedded in our culture.

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) — Sandeep Gupta (Director) acts as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns. Contact: 07970 816164 or sguptabl@gmail.com

  • Deputy DSL — Sefali Dhani (Director and Lead Instructor).

  • All Instructors and Volunteers — Must read and adhere to this policy, report concerns promptly, and maintain appropriate boundaries.

  • Participants — Encouraged to raise concerns about their own safety or that of others.

6. Prevention Measures

  • Safe Recruitment — All instructors and volunteers working regularly with adults at risk will be asked to provide references and self-declare any relevant convictions. Where eligible, DBS checks will be considered.

  • Training — All involved will receive basic safeguarding awareness training, with the DSL undertaking more advanced training.

  • Risk Assessments — Conducted for all activities and venues, considering physical access, supervision, and potential risks.

  • Code of Conduct — Instructors and volunteers must:

    • Treat all participants with respect.

    • Avoid one-to-one situations in private spaces.

    • Not make physical contact unless necessary for safety (e.g., adjusting posture in yoga with consent).

    • Not exchange personal contact details or engage in personal relationships with participants.

    • Report any concerns immediately.

  • Venue Partnerships — We will ensure partner venues (e.g., Royal British Legion halls) have appropriate safeguarding measures.

7. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Signs of abuse may include changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, fearfulness, or withdrawal.

If you have a concern:

  1. Respond calmly and listen without judgement.

  2. Reassure the person they have done the right thing by speaking up.

  3. Do not promise confidentiality if a disclosure involves risk of harm.

  4. Record facts accurately (what was said, observed, dates/times).

  5. Report immediately to the DSL.

The DSL will:

  • Assess the concern and decide on action.

  • Where appropriate, support the adult to report to adult social care or police.

  • Report to Hounslow Adult Social Care if there is reasonable cause to suspect abuse (contact: 020 8583 3100 or adultsocialcare@hounslow.gov.uk).

  • In emergencies, call 999.

  • Report serious incidents to the Charity Commission if we pursue registration.

Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible, but information may be shared to protect the adult.

8. Recording and Review

  • All concerns will be recorded securely and confidentially.

  • The policy will be reviewed annually or following any incident/legislative change.

  • Approved by the Board on 14th December 2025.

  • Reviewed annually or following significant changes to activities.

Contact Details

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead: Sandeep Gupta – 07970 816164

  • Hounslow Adult Social Care: 020 8583 3100 (office hours) or 020 8583 2222 (out of hours)

  • Police (non-emergency): 101

  • Emergency: 999