Dignity, autonomy and a clear route for concerns.

Support should increase a person's ability to live independently. It should not create coercion, humiliation, financial pressure or unnecessary dependence on a service.

Core approach

Participation is based on informed, voluntary engagement within the terms of the programme. Staff and contractors are expected to maintain professional boundaries, respect privacy, avoid exploitation and respond to safety concerns proportionately.

Adults at risk

Where there is a concern about abuse, neglect, coercion, exploitation or a person's immediate safety, the concern should be recorded and escalated under the safeguarding procedure applicable to the service. Information should be shared only where there is a lawful and necessary basis to do so.

Children and young people

The general website should not be used to submit detailed information about a child. Any service involving children or young people requires the safeguarding, consent, vetting and Children First arrangements applicable to that service before delivery.

Professional boundaries

Lived experience can support trust and practical conversation, but it does not replace regulated professional work. Medical or other regulated decisions remain with appropriately qualified professionals acting within their scope.

Commissioned programmes

For an organisation or public body, safeguarding roles, reporting lines, incident escalation, vetting requirements and information-sharing arrangements should be agreed before mobilisation.