Adopted on: 5th June 2023

First Review Completed on: 7th September 2025

Next Review Due By: 7th September 2026

Policy Statement

ADHD Pirates CIC is committed to safeguarding the well-being of adults at risk who engage with our services, including peer groups, training, advice, and future one-to-one ADHD coaching. The organisation is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and anti-discrimination, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, and ensuring all safeguarding practices align with the principles of equality and diversity. Regular training and updates on safeguarding practices are integral to this commitment, ensuring that staff remain informed of best practices and legislative changes.

This policy reflects current legislation and guidance, including:

• Human Rights Act 1998
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 (including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, 2009)
• Care Act 2014
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Data Protection Act 2018 (referenced in our separate Data Protection Policy)

Who Is an Adult at Risk?

An adult at risk is defined under the Care Act 2014 as someone who:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not these needs are being met by local authorities).
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.
• As a result of their care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from harm.

In the context of ADHD and neurodiversity, vulnerability may intersect with factors such as difficulties in executive functioning, communication barriers, or an increased risk of exploitation due to impulsivity or trust in others. For example:

• An adult with ADHD may struggle to recognise manipulative behaviour in relationships.
• Executive function challenges might make it harder for individuals to access help or report concerns.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The designated safeguarding lead for ADHD Pirates CIC is:

• Robert Walmsley(Director)
• Contact:hello@adhdpirates.co.uk

Responsibilities:

• Receiving and assessing safeguarding concerns.
• Reporting safeguarding issues to appropriate external agencies.
• Keeping accurate and secure records of concerns.
• Ensuring safeguarding training is up to date and aligned with best practices.

To ensure continuity, a deputy safeguarding lead will be appointed in the future. The designated safeguarding lead will undergo safeguarding training annually, with updates from Staffordshire County Council or Support Staffordshire.

Principles of Safeguarding

ADHD Pirates CIC’s safeguarding principles include:

Empowerment: Supporting individuals to make informed decisions and provide consent where appropriate.

Prevention: Acting before harm occurs by implementing proactive safeguarding measures.

Protection: Offering support and representation for those in greatest need.

Proportionality: Responding appropriately to the level of risk.

Partnership: Collaborating with external organisations, including social prescribers, to ensure comprehensive safeguarding.

Accountability: Maintaining transparency and clear decision-making in safeguarding processes.

Inclusivity and Cultural Competence: Ensuring all safeguarding practices respect diversity, neurodiversity, and cultural differences, recognising that ADHD affects individuals differently across populations.

Peer Group and Safeguarding

ADHD Pirates CIC facilitates peer-to-peer groups among neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD and autism. While peer group members are not classed as staff or volunteers, we recognise that safeguarding risks can still arise in peer-led environments, especially when supporting individuals who may be vulnerable or at risk of exploitation.

To promote safety, respect, and clarity in these spaces:

• Clear ground rules and boundaries are communicated at the start of each session.
• Peer group members are informed that they should escalate any concerns about another participant’s safety or wellbeing.
• All peer group participants are informed of how to raise a safeguarding concern, and this is done in line with the process outlined in the “Reporting Mechanisms” section of this policy.
• All concerns are directed to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and are treated seriously and confidentially.
• Any safeguarding disclosures or case notes will be stored securely, in line with our Data Protection Policy. These will be retained only as long as necessary to meet legal and safeguarding obligations, then securely destroyed.
• Safeguarding remains the responsibility of the organisation and not of individual peer group members.

This approach supports the empowerment of neurodivergent adults while ensuring that safeguarding responsibilities remain clear and accessible to all.

Recognising and Responding to Abuse

Definitions of Abuse

Abuse means when someone is harmed, treated unfairly, or taken advantage of. It can happen once or many times.

Abuse involves an imbalance of power and exploitation and may take the form of a single act or repeated actions. Abuse includes but is not limited to:

• Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm, such as hitting, slapping, or misuse of medication.
• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Actions causing distress or mental harm, such as threats, coercion, or enforced isolation.
• Neglect: Failing to meet basic needs, such as providing adequate food, hygiene, or medical care.
• Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual acts or exposure to sexual material.
• Financial Abuse: Exploitation of finances, such as theft, fraud, or coercion over financial decisions.
• Modern Slavery: Enslavement, forced labour, or human trafficking.
• Self-Neglect: Failing to care for one’s own basic needs, often due to mental or physical health issues.
• Domestic Abuse: Abuse occurring within personal relationships, including physical, emotional, and financial harm.
• Online Abuse: Harassment, exploitation, or grooming through digital platforms.

 

Signs of Abuse (Including ADHD-Specific Vulnerabilities)

Indicators of abuse include:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, injuries, or frequent hospital visits.
• Emotional Abuse: Withdrawal, anxiety, or fearfulness.
• Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, or unmet medical needs.
• Financial Abuse: Unexplained financial difficulties or changes in financial control.

ADHD-Specific Vulnerabilities:

• Impulsivity: Increased susceptibility to financial exploitation or risky behaviours.
• Hyperfocus: Prolonged focus on online interactions may increase risk of cyber threats.
• Trust: Difficulty recognising manipulative or abusive behaviour.
• Communication Barriers: Challenges with self-expression may hinder reporting or seeking help.

 

Procedures for Disclosures

1. Stay calm: Listen without interrupting or judging.
2. Avoid promises of confidentiality: Explain that information may need to be shared.
3. Document promptly: Record conversations accurately.
4. Inform next steps: Reassure the individual about what will happen next.
5. Refer appropriately: Contact external agencies or emergency services as needed.

A flowchart detailing these steps will be provided for quick reference.

Emergency Situations

In immediate risk or harm:

Online reporting: Visit the Staffordshire Safeguarding Partnership and click “I wish to report a concern.”

Contact local authorities

Staffordshire County Council: 0345 604 2719 (Out of hours: 0345 604 2886)

Stoke-on-Trent Adult Social Care: 0800 561 0015 (Out of hours: 01782 234234)

In an emergency, always dial 999 immediately

Reporting Mechanisms

Concerns can be sent to hello@adhdpirates.co.uk, with the subject line “Safeguarding Concern” to ensure priority handling.

While fully anonymous reporting is not possible, emails can omit identifying information to protect the reporter’s identity. Clear guidelines on this will be included on the ADHD Pirates CIC website.

Training and Awareness

• Directors, staff, and volunteers will receive safeguarding training before taking on any responsibilities involving adults at risk.
• Training will be delivered in collaboration with Staffordshire County Council or Support Staffordshire, ensuring it complies with safeguarding laws such as the Care Act 2014 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.
• Ongoing training will be scheduled annually to reflect updates in safeguarding practices and legal requirements.
• The safeguarding lead will ensure training records are maintained and updated regularly.

Recruitment and Future Safeguarding Roles

In addition to DBS checks and identity verification:

Neurodiversity Awareness Training: ADHD Pirates CIC will provide bespoke neurodiversity awareness training for all future staff and volunteers. This will equip individuals with practical knowledge and tools for supporting adults with ADHD.

Safeguarding Training: All future recruits will undergo safeguarding training provided by Staffordshire County Council or Support Staffordshire.

Allegations Against the Designated Safeguarding Lead

If a concern involves the designated safeguarding lead, contact the local authority or police directly.

Independent safeguarding advice will be sought for impartial resolution.

Monitoring and Review

The safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually with feedback from:

Participants: Input will be gathered through feedback forms and direct communication during peer group sessions.

Internal Reflection: The designated safeguarding lead will review anonymised reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.