86. Safeguarding & Client Welfare Policy
86.1. Architecture North Ltd is committed to promoting the welfare, dignity, and safety of all clients, visitors, employees, contractors, and any other individuals with whom we interact.
86.1.1. Whilst Architecture North Ltd does not provide healthcare, counselling, or social care services, we recognise that concerns relating to mental health, abuse, neglect, vulnerability, or risk of harm may arise during the course of our professional services.
86.1.2. This policy establishes the procedures for recognising, recording, escalating, and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
86.2. This policy applies to:
86.2.1. Employees, Directors, Consultants, Contractors, Agency Staff, Clients, Prospective Clients, Visitors and Representatives acting on behalf of Clients.
86.3. Definitions
86.3.1. Safeguarding means protecting an individual’s right to live safely, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination, or avoidable harm.
86.3.2. Vulnerable Adult is an adult who may require additional support because of age, disability, illness, mental ill-health, reduced capacity or other circumstances affecting their ability to protect themselves.
86.4. Child is any person under the age of 18.
86.4.1. Architecture North Ltd will:
86.4.2. treat everyone with dignity and respect;
86.4.3. take concerns seriously;
86.4.4. respond proportionately;
86.4.5. protect confidentiality where appropriate;
86.4.6. only share information where necessary;
86.4.7. comply with applicable safeguarding legislation and GDPR.
86.5. Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:
86.5.1. Mental Health concerns such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, severe depression, psychotic behaviour or inability to make informed decisions.
86.5.2. Abuse concerns such as physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, domestic abuse or coercive control.
86.5.3. Neglect concerns such as self-neglect, neglect by carers or unsafe living conditions.
86.5.4. Vulnerable Persons concerns regarding elderly clients, disabled clients, adults lacking capacity or children observed during home visits,
86.6. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns such as:
86.6.1. threats of suicide;
86.6.2. statements indicating immediate risk;
86.6.3. unexplained injuries;
86.6.4. severe distress;