Our commitment
The Link Visiting Scheme recognises the importance of safeguarding adults at risk and children. Our staff and volunteers hold positions of trust and may be an important part of a Link Friend’s support network.
We will not tolerate abuse, neglect, exploitation or avoidable harm. This includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial and discriminatory abuse; organisational abuse; domestic abuse; neglect; self-neglect; modern slavery; and online or other exploitation. We work with relevant statutory agencies and professional bodies where necessary to protect people and promote their wellbeing.
Our approach
All adults should be able to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Some people may find it difficult to obtain help or protect themselves from harm because of care and support needs, health, disability, sensory loss, frailty, addiction, illness or other circumstances.
We respond in a person-centred way. We listen, take concerns seriously, involve the person in decisions wherever possible, respect their wishes and seek consent where appropriate. We may act without consent where this is necessary, lawful and proportionate, including where someone may be at serious risk, another adult or child may be at risk, or there is another legal or public-interest reason to share information.
We are transparent and accountable in our safeguarding actions and record concerns, decisions and reasons appropriately.
Training and responsibilities
All staff, volunteers and trustees must read and follow the Link’s safeguarding policy and guidance and complete training appropriate to their role. Concerns must be reported promptly and must not be investigated independently by volunteers or unauthorised staff. Managers and staff with additional safeguarding responsibilities receive further role-appropriate training.
Reporting a concern
Immediate danger
Call 999. Do not delay urgent action while trying to contact the Link.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is:
Clare Randell
Telephone: 07551 411813
If the Designated Safeguarding Lead is unavailable:
Contact the Link office on 0118 979 8019.
Contact the Chief Executive, Marjie Walker, on 07513 020784.
If no Link staff are available and the matter cannot safely wait:
Wokingham Borough Council Adult Safeguarding Hub: 0118 974 6371
Concerns about a child, Wokingham Borough Council Children’s Services: 0118 908 8002
Out-of-hours safeguarding helpline: 01344 351 999
These contact details must be checked whenever this statement is reviewed and when local safeguarding arrangements change.
Confidentiality and information sharing
We respect confidentiality, but it is not absolute where safeguarding is concerned. We share information only where there is a lawful basis and where sharing is necessary and proportionate. We share only what is needed with those who need it and record what was shared, with whom and why.
We normally seek consent before sharing where it is appropriate and safe to do so. We may share without consent where necessary to prevent or respond to serious harm, protect another adult or child, comply with a legal duty, support a safeguarding enquiry, prevent or detect crime, or where another lawful basis applies. Where possible, we tell the person what is being shared and why, unless doing so would increase risk or prejudice an enquiry.
Concerns about staff or volunteers
Any allegation or concern about a staff member, volunteer, trustee or other person in a position of trust will be taken seriously and managed under the Link’s safeguarding and conduct procedures. Information may be shared with the local authority, police, Disclosure and Barring Service, regulator, commissioner or another appropriate body where required or lawful.
Further information
Our full Safeguarding Adults and Children Policy and safeguarding guidance are available on request from the Link office or the Designated Safeguarding Lead at clare.randell@linkvisiting.org. This statement is a public summary; staff, volunteers and trustees must follow the full policy and procedures.
Updated: September 2026