Risk Assessment & Safety Planning Policy for Service Users

1 Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project (KASP) to assess and manage any potential risks that service users may pose to themselves, their children, workers, volunteers, or other individuals.

KASP has legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its employees, volunteers, service users, and others who may be affected by its activities.

All workers, volunteers, and service users must be informed of this policy and, where appropriate, participate in the risk assessment process. KASP is committed to maintaining a system of individual risk assessment that enables service users’ needs, safety, and wellbeing to be assessed consistently, sensitively, and effectively.

KASP recognises that effective risk assessment must be accompanied by practical safety planning to support women and children experiencing abuse, enabling them to reduce risk and enhance their personal safety.

 

2 Aims and Purpose of the Policy

2.1

For the purposes of this policy, risk is defined as the likelihood of harm occurring to a service user or to others.

2.2

KASP recognises that there are no completely risk-free situations. Supporting vulnerable women, children, and young people may present risks to both service users and those delivering services. It is therefore essential that robust risk assessment and risk management procedures are in place.

2.3

KASP operates a structured risk assessment system that takes account of relevant information provided by service users and, where appropriate, information shared by partner agencies. This ensures that assessments are based on accurate and informed professional judgement.

2.4

Where risks are identified, KASP may work in partnership with appropriate agencies to support risk management, safeguarding, and service delivery, subject to legal requirements and informed consent where applicable.

2.5

Women, children, and young people accessing KASP services will be informed when confidential information may need to be shared in order to assess or manage risks effectively. Any collection, storage, or sharing of information will be carried out in accordance with KASP’s Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Safeguarding policies and applicable legislation.

2.6

Risk assessments will be reviewed:

• At the commencement of support.
• Whenever significant changes in circumstances occur.
• Following any incident that raises concerns about safety or wellbeing.
• At regular intervals during service delivery, as determined by the needs of the individual.

2.7 Safety Planning for Women, Children & Young People

KASP recognises that women and their children, experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, harassment, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, or other forms of gender-based violence may continue to face significant risks even after seeking support. As part of its commitment to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing, KASP will work collaboratively with women to develop individual safety plans where appropriate.

2.7.1 Purpose of Safety Planning

Safety planning aims to:

• Support women to identify and reduce risks to themselves and their children.
• Increase awareness of potential warning signs and escalating risks.
• Help women make informed decisions about their safety.
• Promote confidence, resilience, and access to support networks and services.
• Assist women in preparing for emergency situations.

2.7.2 Developing Safety Plans

Safety plans will be:

• Person-centred and tailored to individual circumstances.
• Developed in partnership with the woman, recognising her expertise in her own situation.
• Regularly reviewed and updated as circumstances change.
• Recorded confidentially in accordance with KASP’s Data Protection and Confidentiality policies.

Safety planning may include consideration of:

• Immediate safety concerns.
• Risks to children and other family members.
• Safe contact arrangements.
• Housing and accommodation safety.
• Digital and online safety.
• Emergency contact arrangements.
• Access to emergency funds, medication, identification documents and essential belongings.
• Workplace, education and community-based safety.

2.7.3 Children and Young People

Where women have children, safety planning will consider:

• The safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Safe collection arrangements from school, nursery, or childcare settings.
• Emergency contacts and trusted adults.
• Safeguarding concerns and referral pathways where required.

2.7.4 Multi-Agency Working

Where risks are identified as high or complex, KASP may work alongside relevant agencies, including Police Scotland, social work services, health professionals, MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference) partners, housing providers, and specialist domestic abuse services, in accordance with legal requirements and safeguarding responsibilities.

2.7.5 Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information obtained through safety planning will be treated as confidential unless:

• There is a safeguarding concern involving a child or vulnerable adult.
• There is a risk of serious harm to the individual or another person.
• Disclosure is required by law.

Any information sharing will be undertaken in line with KASP’s Confidentiality, Data Protection and Safeguarding policies.

3 Responsibilities

3.1 KASP Responsibilities

KASP will:

• Provide appropriate training and guidance to workers and volunteers undertaking risk assessments.
• Ensure risk assessments are completed in a professional, consistent, and confidential manner.
• Maintain secure records of risk assessments and associated actions.
• Monitor identified risks and review assessments as required.

3.2 Workers and Volunteers

Workers and volunteers will:

• Follow KASP risk assessment procedures.
• Record and report concerns promptly.
• Participate in reviews of risk assessments when required.
• Seek advice from managers where risks are complex or escalating.

3.3 Service Users

Service users are expected to:

• Provide relevant information to support accurate risk assessments.
• Inform workers of any significant changes in their circumstances that may affect risk.
• Engage with agreed risk management measures where appropriate.

4 Complaints and Enquiries

KASP will respond to any complaint or enquiry relating to this policy promptly and fairly.

Complaints will be managed in accordance with KASP’s Complaints Policy. Individuals will be informed of the process for making a complaint and the timescales involved.

 

5 Monitoring and Review

KASP will monitor the implementation and effectiveness of this policy on an ongoing basis.

This policy will be formally reviewed every three years, or sooner where required due to:

• Changes in legislation or regulatory requirements.
• Changes in best practice guidance.
• Organisational developments.
• Learning arising from incidents, complaints, or safeguarding reviews.

 

July 2026