Other safeguarding issues

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Signed: October 2026
To be reviewed: October 2027

Drugs

‘Drugs’ are taken here to mean substances that are legal, such as alcohol, tobacco and solvents, over the counter and prescribed drugs and illegal drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, heroin, crack/cocaine, LSD etc. BDEF will forge links with adults services, health services and voluntary sector organisations to ensure support is available to adults at risk affected by drugs, alcohol misuse and smoking.

Possession and or use of illegal drugs and alcohol in a session, including during a BDEF activity or while travelling to/from a BDEF activity, is inappropriate.

Drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are not to be bought, sold or otherwise exchanged wherever we are delivering a BDEF activity. Individual exceptions may be made for those who require prescription medicines where appropriate.

Any medical emergencies will be dealt with accordingly by our first aiders.

Radicalisation

BDEF understands and will comply with the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, having “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the Prevent Duty. It is part of an overall counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. The aim of the strategy is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

The Prevent Duties include:

  • Identifying users of BDEF services who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
  • Being aware of what to do when adults at risk are identified as vulnerable to radicalisation.
  • Promoting so called ‘British Values’ and challenging extremist views.
  • Offering appropriate training and development.

Extremism is defined in the 2015 Prevent Duty Guidance as:

‘Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.’

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. Research shows that a disproportionate number of those targeted for radicalisation are adults at risk.

BDEF has a clear approach to implementing the Prevent Duty and keeping children, young people, families, adults at risk and staff safe from the dangers of radicalisation and extremism. We tackle any instances of discrimination and aim to be alert to potential risks from radicalisation and extremism.

The promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of our work, and they are demonstrated through all our practice. Fostering so called ‘British Values’ i.e., actively promoting democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs is central to how we work. At BDEF we believe that it is possible to live together peacefully, each person being a valuable part of our multicultural world.

We will aim to build users of BDEF’s services’ resilience by providing a safe environment for debating controversial issues and helping them to understand how they can influence and take part in decision-making. We will challenge extremism in all our work. We undertake due diligence to ensure that visiting speakers are appropriate, supervised at all times and not allowed to speak to adults at risk without a member of staff being present. Staff must not invite speakers into sessions without first obtaining permission from the DSL.

We are aware of the increased risk of online radicalisation, to radicalise children, young people and adults at risk through the use of social media and the internet. As with managing other safeguarding risks, staff are alert to changes in behaviour which could indicate that colleagues, children, young people and adults at risk are in need of help or protection.

Adults at risk of radicalisation may display different signs or seek to hide their views. Staff will use their professional judgement in identifying children, young people and adults who might be at risk of radicalisation and act proportionately. We are committed to identifying families who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

Early indicators of radicalisation or extremism may include:

  • Showing sympathy for extremist causes
  • Glorifying violence, especially to other faiths, genders or cultures
  • Making remarks or comments about being at extremist events or rallies
  • Evidence of possessing illegal or extremist literature
  • Advocating messages similar to illegal organisations or other extremist groups
  • Out of character changes in dress, behaviour and peer relationships (but there are also very powerful narratives, programmes and networks that young people can come across online so involvement with particular groups may not be apparent.)
  • Secretive behaviour
  • Online searches or sharing extremist messages or social profiles
  • Intolerance of difference, including faith, culture, gender, race or sexuality
  • Graffiti, artwork or writing that displays extremist themes
  • Attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others
  • Verbalising racist, anti-Western or anti-British views; and
  • Advocating violence towards others.

At BDEF, we will assess each situation on an individual basis using the following guidelines that help measure risk:

Engagement: Identifying patterns in behaviour that indicate a person at is engaged in an ideology linked to terrorism e.g., accessing social networking sites.

Intent: Identifying whether the engagement of a person indicates radicalised behaviour or the intention to cause terrorist acts e.g., meeting with an extremist group.

Capability: Capability to cause harm e.g., setting fire to a place of worship.

Online training is available for staff, managers and trustees to help them understand the issues of radicalisation, the signs of vulnerability or radicalisation and how to refer their concerns. The DSL will undertake Prevent awareness training and can provide advice and support to staff on protecting adults the risk of radicalisation.

Staff with concerns that anyone is becoming radicalised should contact the DSL the same day the concern is noted. As well as contacting the relevant local authority, the DSL should also contact the Police to find out whether a Channel referral may be appropriate. The Channel programme is part of Prevent - early intervention to protect and divert people away from the risk of being drawn into terrorist related activity.

Referrals can be made at [email protected], however it should be discussed with the individual before a referral is made and clearly explained to them that it is a multi-agency initiative involving the police.  Referrals may only be made with the consent of the individual.

If there is a terrorist related emergency, staff should contact the Police on 999 immediately.

Further information for people with concerns is available from the Avon and Somerset Police.

Homelessness

Being homeless, or being at risk of becoming homeless, presents a real risk to a person’s welfare.

The DSL should be aware of referral routes into Local Authority Housing so they can raise/progress concerns at the earliest opportunity:

Indicators that a family may be at risk of homelessness include:

  • Household debt
  • Rent arrears
  • DVA and anti-social behaviour
  • The family being asked to leave a property.

Situations of increased risk

The profile and the circumstances of the alleged perpetrator can often be more significant in assessing the risk, than the profile or degree of dependence of the adult.

This is likely to be the same in domestic and other settings. The following factors can act as a flag for further assessment if the alleged perpetrator has:

  • A history of substance misuse
  • Mental health issues
  • A history of violence or abuse including domestic violence or sexual offences
  • A dependency on the adult at risk for money, accommodation
  • Financial problems, low income, debt problems
  • History of family conflict
  • Carer stress.

We also recognise that:

  • Volunteers or staff at BDEF, may be at risk of harm themselves, and that we have a duty of care to protect them.
  • All adults, regardless of any protected characteristics, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Some adults may be particularly at risk because of the impact of previous experiences/trauma, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
  • Working in partnership with Disabled people and other agencies is essential in promoting adults at risk’s welfare.
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