Sarah W Yoga

sarahwyoga79@gmail.com Tel 07702 898773

 

Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy & Procedures

Business Name: Sarah W Yoga – Sarah Westbrook
Last Reviewed: 30th August 2026
Next Review Date: 30th August 2027

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1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to protect adults at risk from any harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation that may arise during yoga/Pilates classes, workshops, or one-to-one sessions delivered by Sarah Westbrook.

This policy applies to all sessions delivered in person, online, or in community settings. As a sole trader, I recognise that safeguarding is my personal and professional responsibility. I am committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where all participants can practice yoga with dignity.

 

2. Legal Framework & Principles

This policy is guided by UK legislation, including the Care Act 2014, the

Mental Capacity Act 2005, and the principles outlined by the Ann Craft Trust.

An "adult at risk" is defined as any individual aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing (or is at risk of) abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves against that abuse or neglect due to those care and support needs.

This policy operates under the six key principles of adult safeguarding:

• Empowerment: Supporting individuals to make their own choices with informed consent.

• Prevention: Taking prompt action before harm or injuries occur.

• Proportionality: Providing the least intrusive response appropriate to the risks presented.

• Protection: Providing advocacy and support for those in the greatest need.

• Partnership: Working collaboratively with local services and community agencies.

• Accountability: Remaining transparent and taking full responsibility for safeguarding practices.

 

3. Recognising Signs of Abuse

I recognise that abuse and neglect can take many forms in a group exercise setting. I will remain alert to indicators of harm, including but not limited to:

• Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruising, physical injuries, or a participant flinching when approached for physical hands-on posture adjustments.

• Psychological/Emotional Abuse: Regular signs of distress, fear, or a participant expressing feelings of worthlessness or deep control by a caregiver.

• Neglect/Acts of Omission: A participant left waiting alone for long periods without transport, or a caregiver failing to manage essential medical/care needs during class times.

• Financial Abuse: Signs of exploitation or unauthorized handling of a vulnerable person's money or class fees.

• Discriminatory Abuse: Harassment, slurs, or unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

 

4. Safe Practice Commitments (The Yoga Context)

To ensure the day-to-day safety of vulnerable adults in my classes, I will:

 

• Seek Explicit Consent: Prioritise explicit, ongoing verbal consent before offering any physical hands-on postural adjustments. I will respect the participant's absolute autonomy to opt out of physical touch at any time.

 

• Use Inclusive & Clear Communication: Adapt instructions so they are accessible to participants with differing physical abilities or cognitive capacities.

 

• DBS Certification: Ensure I have an up-to-date DBS certificate for working with adults. 

 

• Maintain Professional Boundaries: Avoid establishing inappropriate personal relationships with vulnerable students outside of the teacher-student dynamic.

 

• Keep Secure Records: Ensure all emergency contact information and confidential medical screening forms are collected safely and stored in strict compliance with current UK Data Protection/GDPR legislation.

 

5. Procedure for Responding to a Concern or Disclosure

If a participant discloses abuse to me, or if I observe signs that cause me concern, I will take the following immediate steps:

1. React Calmly and Reassure: If a student is actively disclosing, listen without judgment. Reassure them that they are doing the right thing by speaking out.

2. Do Not Promise Secrecy: Politely explain that if I believe they or someone else is at serious risk of harm, I have a duty of care to share that information with professional agencies.

3. Record Verbatim: As soon as practical (and within 24 hours), I will write a detailed, objective record of the event, what was seen, or exactly what was said. This record will be signed, dated, and kept securely.

4. Determine the Level of Urgency:

   • Imminent Danger: If the adult is in immediate physical danger or requires medical attention, I will call 999 for Emergency Services straight away.

   • Concern of Ongoing Harm: If there is no immediate danger but a clear risk remains, I will contact the relevant Local Authority Adult Social Care Team within 24 hours to make a formal safeguarding referral.

5. Local Authority Adult Social Care (Safeguarding Team): [01234 276222 adult.protection@bedford.gov.uk]

6. Local Authority Out-of-Hours Social Care Team: [0300 300 8123.]

7. Emergency Services: 999

       Non-Emergency Police: 101

   8. My Professional Body / Insurance Contacts: Balens – 01684 893 006.