SAFEGUARDING ADULTS POLICY

BWY Safeguarding Adults Policy & Procedures
Summary

June 2026

Note: This is a summary of the BWY Safeguarding Policy & Procedures, which should be referred to if more detailed information is required.

1. Introduction

BWY is the national governing body for yoga in England and Wales. Its purpose is to advance the education of the public in yoga through the provision of high-quality information, education and training. BWY aims to ensure that all individuals have a safe and positive experience of yoga. This policy clarifies the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding adults at risk and sets out procedures to be followed by all staff, teachers and volunteers. All adults have the right to be safeguarded from abuse and to participate in a safe, inclusive environment.

2. Purpose

This policy provides a framework to safeguard adults at risk, prevent harm and ensure consistent procedures are followed in reporting and responding to concerns. It applies to all individuals involved in BWY activities, including partner organisations and volunteers.

3. Safeguarding Principles

Empowerment – supporting individuals to make their own decisions. Prevention – acting before harm occurs. Proportionality – the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk. Protection – supporting those in greatest need. Partnership – working with others. Accountability – transparency in safeguarding practice.

4. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998, Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR) and Equality Act 2010.

5. Definitions

An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect. Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Capacity refers to the ability to make decisions at a particular time.

6. Types of Abuse

Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts and may be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglect, discriminatory, organisational, domestic abuse, self-neglect or modern slavery. Abuse can occur in any context and may be perpetrated by anyone.

7. Indicators of Abuse

Indicators may include unexplained injuries, behavioural changes, withdrawal, poor hygiene, or unexplained weight change. These signs are not definitive but must be reported.

8. Poor Practice

Poor practice includes behaviour that may lead to harm, such as inappropriate language, boundary breaches, failure to act on concerns or inadequate supervision. All concerns must be challenged and reported.

9. Code of Conduct

All staff, teachers and volunteers must prioritise wellbeing, maintain professional boundaries, act with integrity, report concerns immediately and create safe, inclusive environments.

10. Capacity

Capacity must be assumed unless proven otherwise. Individuals should be supported to make decisions wherever possible. Where a person lacks capacity, decisions must be made in their best interests.

11. Confidentiality

Information must be shared on a need-to-know basis. Consent should be sought where possible; however, safeguarding concerns may override confidentiality in order to protect an individual.

12. Safer Recruitment

Recruitment processes must include safeguarding considerations, including appropriate checks, verification of qualifications and references, and DBS checks where applicable.

13. Whistleblowing

BWY promotes an open culture where concerns can be raised without fear of victimisation. All concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon appropriately.

14. Roles and Responsibilities

BWY will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensure clear reporting structures, provide training and work with partner organisations to safeguard adults.

15. Reporting Procedure

All concerns must be taken seriously. Immediate safety must be ensured, details recorded promptly and concerns reported within 24 hours. Emergency services must be contacted where necessary. Individuals must not investigate, confront alleged abusers or promise confidentiality. The full procedure to be followed in the event of a safeguarding concern can be found  in Appendix A to the full Safeguarding Adults Policy & Procedures document.

16. Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years or in response to legislative changes.