Safeguarding Adults

2.1      If an adult indicates that they are being abused the person receiving the information should:

• Stay Calm
• Listen carefully to what is said, allowing the adult to continue at their own pace, and take it seriously.
• Explain that it is likely the information will have to be shared with others- do not promise to keep secrets.
• Keep questions to a minimum, only ask questions if you need to identify/ clarify what the person is telling you. Take care to distinguish between fact, observation, allegation and opinion. It is important that the information you have is accurate.
• Reassure the person that they have done the right thing in revealing the information.
• Ask them what they would like to happen next.
• Explain what you would like to do next and ask if they are happy for you to share the information in order for you to help them. As long as it does not increase the risk to the individual, you should explain to them that it is your duty to share your concern with your Lead Safeguarding Officer.
• Record in writing what was said using the adult’s own words as soon as possible

2.2      DO NOT: 

• Dismiss the concern.        
• Panic or allow shock or distaste to show.
• Probe for more information than is offered.
• Make promises that cannot be kept.
• Conduct an investigation of the case.
• Make negative comments about the alleged perpetrator.

2.3      If the matter is urgent and relates to the immediate safety of an adult at risk then contact the police immediately. Complete an Incident Form and copy it to the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours.

3.  Signs and indicators of abuse and neglect 

3.1      Abuse can take place in any context. Abuse may be inflicted by anyone. Players, members, volunteers or coaches may suspect that an adult is being abused or neglected outside of the club or county setting. There are many signs and indicators that may suggest someone is being abused or neglected, these include but are not limited to:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries – or lack of medical attention when an injury is present.
• Person has belongings or money going missing.
• Person is not attending / no longer enjoying their sessions.
• Someone losing or gaining weight / an unkempt appearance. A change in the behaviour or confidence of a person.
• Self-harm.
• A fear of a particular group or individual.
• They may tell you / another person they are being abused – i.e. a disclosure.

4.  Consent 

4.1      The Care Act 2014 statutory guidance advises that the first priority in safeguarding should always be to ensure the safety and well-being of the adult. 

4.2      Adults have a general right to independence, choice and self-determination including control over information about themselves. 

4.3      NLCGA does not expect coaches or volunteers to support an adult who is felt to be vulnerable or at risk through their decision making process but expects them to inform England Golf without delay so that they can clearly define the various options to help support the adult at risk to make a decision about their safety. As long as it does not increase the risk to the individual, it should be explained to them that it is their duty to share their concern with the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer. Consent is not required to seek guidance or share information with the National Governing Body.

4.4      Adults might not give their consent to the sharing of safeguarding information outside of the organisation for a number of reasons. For example, they may be unduly influenced, coerced or intimidated by another person, they may be frightened of reprisals, they may fear losing control, they may not trust social services or other partners or they may fear that their relationship with the abuser will be damaged. Reassurance and appropriate support may help to change their view on whether it is best to share information. 

4.5      Those seeking to support the adult should consider the following: 

• Explore the reasons for the adult’s objections – what are they worried about?
• Explain the concern and why you think it is important to share the information
• Tell the adult with whom you may be sharing the information and why
• Explain the benefits, to them or others, of sharing information – could they access better help and support?
• Discuss the consequences of not sharing the information – could someone come to harm? 
• Reassure them that the information will not be shared with anyone who does not need to know
• Reassure them that they are not alone and that support is available to them.

4. 6 If the adult continues to refuse intervention to support them with a safeguarding concern, or requests that information about them is not shared with other safeguarding partners their wishes should be respected.

4. 7 However, there are a number of circumstances where those seeking to support the adult can reasonably override such a decision, including but not limited to:

• It appears that the adult lacks the mental capacity to make that decision (this must be properly explored and further guidance should be sought from the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer)
• Emergency or life-threatening situations may warrant the sharing of relevant information with the emergency services without consent
• Other people are, or may be, at risk, including children
• A serious crime has been committed / may be prevented
• Individuals in a Position of Trust are implicated

4.7.1 In such circumstances, it is important to keep a careful record of the decision making process and guidance should be sought from the England Golf Lead Safeguarding Officer. Legal advice will be sought where appropriate. If the decision is to take action without the adult’s consent, then unless it is unsafe to do so, the adult should be informed that this is being done and of the reasons why.