The role of a Re-engage volunteer

Volunteers must maintain an open mind and understand that any adult, in any situation, could be the victim of abuse or neglect. When concerned about the welfare of an older person, volunteers must always act in the best interests of the older person and act immediately.

If the older person is in immediate risk of danger or at risk of causing harm to themselves or others, the volunteer must immediately contact emergency services by calling 999.

Re-engage understand that seeing or hearing about a potential safeguarding issue can be difficult and sometimes we may feel unsure or hesitant about calling the police, but it is important to understand that we need to report it. If someone is in immediate danger then the volunteer must call the police on 999, advice and support will be given. The police will ask for key information, so it is important to share what you have, even if it is only a name and telephone number and explain what you have seen or heard. The police will advise of the steps to take. It is vital that the volunteer contacts Re-engage at the earliest possible opportunity.

If a volunteer is concerned about an older person, the volunteer must complete a incident and concern form via the Re-engage website and also report it to their group coordinator (if they have one). This form must be completed at the first possible opportunity and no later than one working day after being informed about a concern. If the volunteer is not able to access or complete the form, they must phone Re-engage as soon as possible on 020 7240 0630 and ask to speak to the SSPOC.

The information recorded on the form must be factual and not based on opinions, recording what the person has said or what has been witnessed, with the specific nature of the concern.

Failure to report safeguarding concerns will be considered a serious breach of Re-engage's safeguarding procedures and may result in disciplinary action (for example, a volunteer may be asked to step back from the charity). Submission of the incident and concern form  will trigger an alert via email to the safeguarding mailbox which is monitored by the SSPOC.

It is important to remember that it is not a volunteer’s responsibility to determine:

• If an adult is an adult at risk.
• If an adult has the capacity to make choices which may put them at risk.
• If abuse has occurred.
• What action is required to protect the adult.

Fears about sharing information must never be allowed to stand in the way of the need to promote the welfare and protect the safety of others.