Vulnerable Adults Policy

Updated: January 2026

SNTS London is committed to ensuring the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all adults who participate in our classes, workshops and activities.

Some adults may be at greater risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation due to health, social or personal circumstances. This policy sets out how SNTS London recognises, prevents and responds to concerns involving adults at risk, in line with UK law and local adult safeguarding procedures.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the SNTS London Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy, which covers the wider organisational approach to protection and wellbeing.

Legislation

SNTS London adheres to:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest version)
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding)
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

SNTS London believes the welfare of adults at risk should be listened to, respected and protected from all forms of abuse.

Concerns must be acted on quickly, appropriately and in partnership with statutory agencies.

Scope

This policy covers:

  • Adults who may be considered “adults at risk” under the Care Act 2014
  • All SNTS staff, practitioners, volunteers and contractors
  • All activities organised or delivered by SNTS London, on or off site

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Katherine Tyler
Email: admin@sntslondon.co.uk or directly on tyler_katherine@hotmail.com
Phone: 07956 420758

The DSL has responsibility for safeguarding matters relating to adults at risk, including:

  • Receiving concerns
  • Contacting statutory agencies
  • Maintaining secure records
  • Ensuring training and good practice
  • Liaising with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff
  • Supporting staff with safeguarding decisions

Recognising Abuse in Adults at Risk

  • Physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse
  • Domestic abuse or coercive control
  • Neglect or self-neglect
  • Exploitation (“mate crime”), scams or manipulation
  • Abuse linked to disability or impairment
  • Institutional or organisational abuse

The abovementioned lists are not exhaustive and staff are trained to identify relevant indicators.

Responding to Concerns or Disclosures

If there is immediate danger, staff must call 999.

For all other concerns:

  1. Listen carefully without judgement
  2. Do not promise confidentiality
  3. Record factual information as soon as possible
  4. Report concerns to the DSL immediately
  5. Follow the DSL’s guidance on next steps

The DSL will determine whether a referral to the relevant authorities is needed, support services are offered, police involvement is necessary and/or parents/guardians should be informed.

Allegations or Concerns About Staff

Any allegation made against a member of staff, volunteer or contractor must be reported immediately to the

DSL

If the DSL is implicated, it should be reported to the school Principal:

Name: Caterina Dave
Email: caterina@sntslondon.co.uk
Phone: 07828 922206

The DSL/Principal will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for guidance. Suspension or alternative arrangements may be implemented while enquiries take place.

Training

All staff and volunteers will undertake safeguarding training at least every two years. The DSL will complete advanced safeguarding training within the same timeframe. Staff will be kept informed of changes in legislation or good practice.

Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns, disclosures and actions taken must be recorded clearly, dated and signed.

Records are stored securely and confidentially and retained for a minimum of six years after a student leaves SNTS London or longer if required.

Sharing Information

Information is shared only when necessary for safeguarding purposes and in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Staff should consult the DSL if unsure about sharing information. SNTS London will work cooperatively with statutory agencies where needed.

Principles

SNTS London follows the six Care Act safeguarding principles, which underpin all decisions and actions:

  • Empowerment – supporting individuals to make informed choices
  • Prevention – acting early to reduce risks
  • Proportionality – responding in the least intrusive, most appropriate way
  • Protection – offering support to those in greatest need
  • Partnership – working with statutory and community services
  • Accountability – clear roles, responsibilities and decision-making

Local Safeguarding Contacts

SNTS London is based in Mill Hill, North-West London (London Borough of Barnet). Safeguarding concerns may also be reported to the following local services:

Barnet Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Telephone: 020 8359 4066
Email: mash@barnet.gov.uk
Out of Hours (Emergency Duty Team): 020 8359 2000

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Contacted via Barnet MASH

NSPCC Helpline
Telephone: 0808 800 5000

Adult Social Care – Barnet
Telephone: 020 8359 5000
Email: socialcaredirect@barnet.gov.uk

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to statutory changes, safeguarding incidents or developments within SNTS London.