Limmud Adult Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Limmud is committed to promoting the safety and wellbeing of all adults participating in any Limmud programme or event, whether in person or online. This policy outlines the procedures Limmud will follow to ensure the safety and wellbeing of adults in its care, including participants, staff, volunteers, and contractors. In English law, an adult is defined as a person aged 18 or older.

Limmud and Our Community

Limmud recognises the unique safeguarding challenges posed by the variety of events held throughout the year, which can include training, residential gatherings, and virtual events. With many Limmud attendees being familiar with each other, we understand that concerns about confidentiality may make individuals hesitant to report issues. Limmud wants to foster confidence in our processes and through this, we will emphasise the importance of confidentiality during safeguarding training and ensure all safeguarding matters are handled seriously and in accordance with the law.

Safe Recruitment Practices

Limmud will provide the required training for staff and volunteers to support their roles, and ensuring;

• A qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) will be present at all residential Limmud events or trainings.
• All senior staff and volunteers working closely with vulnerable adults must complete MHFA training.
• Staff and volunteers must complete refresher training six months before their three-year renewal date.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is responsible for ensuring training is up-to-date and regulatory changes are communicated.

Guidance is provided to staff and within volunteer handbook/instruction pack on how to recognise signs of abuse and understand how to respond appropriately.

Safeguarding Definition and Target Audience

Safeguarding Adults is defined under the Care Act 2014 as:
“Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It involves organisations working together to prevent and stop abuse while promoting the adult’s wellbeing, including their views, wishes, feelings, and beliefs.”

This policy applies to adults 18 and over who are part of Limmud and may be at greater risk due to reasons such as, but not limited to, dementia, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, substance abuse or other vulnerabilities.

This policy is not to protect people from disrespectable behaviours, arguments or difference. Limmud’s Code of Conduct is able to provide guidance on those.

Acknowledging personal challenges

Limmud understands that attendees at our events may be facing personal challenges, and that attending Limmud events provides an opportunity to escape and immerse themselves in a positive environment. We recognise that some participants may have prior connections with others, including past negative or traumatic experiences. Being onsite together could potentially affect them, and we are mindful of these dynamics to ensure a supportive and respectful space for all.

Disclosure or Concern

A disclosure in the context of this policy can be either direct or indirect. A direct disclosure is a vulnerable adult who communicates that they have been abused or neglected. An indirect disclosure can be from a witness of an incident, or someone that has found evidence of abuse or neglect.

A concern in the context of this policy, is reasonable cause to suspect that a vulnerable adult is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.

When staff or volunteers receive a disclosure or concern about an adult, best practices include:

• If in a group, consider moving the conversation to a private space.
• Listen carefully, using non-leading questions like, “Tell me more” or “Can you describe…?”
• Record the information carefully, noting the time, setting, and people present
• Reassure the individual and explain the next steps, including that help will be sought to promote their safety.

Report and Refer

Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). It is not the responsibility of the person reporting to investigate.

The DSL will review the available information and collaborate with onsite support, including paramedics and pre-agreed welfare charities, as well as external support from local health providers, emergency services, charities, and organisations, when necessary. The individual’s wellbeing and consent must always be considered. Appendix at end of this policy of organisations.

Please ensure you complete our Cause for Concern form.

Supporting Adults in a Mental Health Crisis

Limmud is not a qualified health provider and is unable to give advice for adults in a mental health crisis. Limmud is committed to promoting safety and wellbeing, and to support this has qualified Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) within our organisation and on-site at all residential events to provide immediate support.

If a person comes to a Limmud event or part of the organisation going through a mental health crisis, we recommend the person seek medical assistance in advance, ensuring that a Limmud event is the right environment for them to be in.

Action Plan for Mental Health Crisis

If an adult experiences a mental health crisis at a Limmud event

• Assess the situation: Determine the severity of the crisis.
• Provide immediate support: Remain calm and offer reassurance.
• Engage professional help: If the situation escalates, contact medical or mental health professionals.
• Follow-up care: The wellbeing of all individuals at Limmud is important to us.
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), or another agreed-upon representative of Limmud, will reach out to the individual within reasonable time afterwards.

Internally Limmud will review the processes of a mental health crisis and feedback any lessons learned.

Record Keeping

All records related to disclosures (including Cause For Concern Forms) are stored in restricted access folders.

Access: Only the DSL, relevant Limmud Trustee, and Executive Director will have access to these records unless required by law or with the participant’s consent. All access to records is logged, detailing the person, role, and time of access.

Welfare of Volunteers and Staff

Limmud acknowledges the emotional toll safeguarding can have on staff and volunteers. We will prioritise their wellbeing by providing:

• Debriefing sessions, informal mentoring, and where requested formal supervision or counselling, particularly after complex or distressing incidents.

Limmud is part of an Employee Assistance Programme with “Health Assured”, providing access to wellbeing resources and support.

• Details are available in the Onboarding document provided to all volunteers and staff and can also be requested from the Limmud staff team.
• All communication with Health Assured is confidential and not shared with Limmud.

Policy Monitoring

Executive Director and Director of Operations as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) have overall responsibility for the effective operation of this policy, and for reviewing the effectiveness of actions taken in response to concerns raised under this policy.  The Board of Trustees is to be notified of any changes to the policy.

The Director of Operations has day-to-day operational responsibility for this policy, and individuals should refer any questions about this policy to them in the first instance. 

This policy is due for review:

• every 12 months, or; 
• following any legislative changes, or; 
• following any learning by Limmud, or; 
• as required by the Charity Commission, or; 
• any change in jurisdictional guidance, whichever comes first. 

The policy will be reviewed every year by the Director of Operations before final approval by the Board of Trustees. 

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Appendix 1: Meanings and Abbreviations

• Limmud’s values: https://limmud.org/inside-limmud/mission-values/
• DSL – Designated Safeguarding Lead
• MHFA – Mental Health First Aid

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Appendix 2: Key Contacts for Limmud Safeguarding

• Designated Safeguarding Lead – Alanna Lewis (dsl@limmud.org)  
• Limmud Trustee Safeguarding Lead – Yehudis Fletcher (safeguardingtrustee@limmud.org)  
• Executive Director – Adam Rossano (adam@limmud.org)

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Appendix 3: Link Safeguarding documents

• Concern for Cause Form
• Reporting to Limmud:
  • QR Code
  • https://limmud.org/reporting-to-limmud/

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Appendix 4: Types of Abuse

The Care and Support Statutory Guidance identifies the following types of abuse:

• Physical abuse
• Domestic violence
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Modern slavery
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Neglect or acts of omission
• Self-neglect

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Appendix 5: “Ask for Angela” Safety Initiative at Limmud Bars

Limmud has introduced the “Ask for Angela” safety initiative at self-run bars, in line with a programme rolled out across the UK. This initiative allows individuals who feel unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened to discretely seek help by approaching any Limmud bar and asking for ‘Angela’.

This code-phrase signals to Limmud volunteers that the person requires assistance. Upon hearing the phrase, Limmud volunteers will immediately contact the designated person on shift and, if necessary, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and onsite security.

All instances of “Ask for Angela” should be reported to the DSL for record-keeping and follow-up.

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Appendix 6: Useful Contacts

(Reviewed December 2025)

Abuse and Exploitation
Gangs Line	www.gangsline.com	Advice and contact information for supporting those being or at risk of exploitation and gang violence (including legal advice).
National Crime Agency	https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/drug-trafficking/county-lines	Publications and contact information to support adults and children at risk of County Lines drug exploitation.
Relationship Abuse
Disrespect Nobody	https://www.disrespectnobody.co.uk/	Free online resources and information with links to other agencies that can help.
Jewish Sexual Abuse Support (JSAS)	Online form: https://jsas.org.uk/help/  info@jsas.org.uk  07519980774	Formerly  Migdal Emunah. Supports women, children and men who have experienced sexual/intimate abuse.
Jewish Women’s Aid	www.jwa.org.uk 0808 801 0500	Supports Jewish women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.
National Domestic Violence Helpline	0808 2000 247	Free and confidential advice and helpline and access to refuge services.
Galop	0800 999 5428	National LGBT domestic abuse helpline for those at risk or agencies supporting them.
Survivors UK	www.survivorsuk.org 020 3322 1860	Advice and support for men over the age of 18 who have experienced sexual abuse or abuse at any time in their life.
Homelessness
Centre Point	www.centrepoint.org.uk 0808 800 0661	Youth homelessness resources and helpline for help and support.
Shelter	www.shelter.org.uk	Resources, policy and information on local services.
Mental Health
NHS England Mental Health Crisis	Call 111 and select the mental health option	111 will advised on the right place to get help. Support may also be available on the phone to speak to a trained mental health professional.
Papyrus Hopeline UK	https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ pat@papyrus-uk.org 0800 068 41 41 Text: 07860039967	Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24/7
Samaritans	https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123 jo@samaritans.org	Open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk.
Young Minds	www.youngminds.org.uk	Advice for professionals, young people and a parent helpline.
JAMI	https://jamiuk.org/	Mental health services for the Jewish community.
Mind	www.mind.org.uk	Resources and helpline for young people, parents and professionals.
Local NHS Mental Health Services	https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Mental%20health%20support/LocationSearch/330	Search function for mental health services (child, young adult and adult) in your local area and how to contact them.
Anxiety UK	https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ Helpline: 03444 775 774 Text: 07537416905	Advice and support for people living with anxiety.
Beat	https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ England: 0808 801 0677 Wales: 0808 801 0433	Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supporitive online community.
CALM	https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 0800 58 58 58	Provides a helpline and online chat, for anyone affected with suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Mind Out	Mindout.org.uk	Mental Health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people.
No Panic	https://www.talktofrank.com/ 0300 7729844	Provides a helpline, step-by-step programme and support for people with anxiety disorders
Other Services
Childline	www.childline.org.uk 0800 1111	Free, confidential advice and support for young people up to age 19 years.
Jewish Care	www.jewishcare.org	Health and social care organisation support Jewish communities in London and South East.
FRANK	https://www.talktofrank.com/ 0300 123 6600	Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.
Change, Grow, Live	www.changegrowlive.org	Support, prevention and early intervention for those who are abusing substances, have emotional wellbeing issues, or at risk of exploitation.
UK Youth	www.ukyouth.org	Network of voluntary organisations that provide support to young people.
Disability Rights UK	https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/	Information and support on disabled people’s rights.

POLICY MONITORING
Person Responsible for Policy	Director of Operations
Committee Responsible for Review	Safeguarding Trustee
Date Policy is approved	December 2025
Frequency of review	Annual review
Date of next review	October 2026