Policy Statement

Close-Up Research is committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of all participants we engage with, especially those who may be at risk of harm, abuse, or exploitation. Our work often involves conducting filmed research with individuals in their own homes or community spaces. We recognise our responsibility to ensure that every participant feels safe, respected, and in control of their involvement.

This safeguarding policy outlines how Close-Up Research protects participants during project delivery and ensures responsible conduct by its researchers and filmmakers.

Definitions

• Att Risk: A person who, due to age, disability, mental or physical health issues, or life circumstance, may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

• Abuse: Any act (intentional or unintentional) that causes harm to another person, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, or discriminatory abuse.

• Safeguarding: The action we take to promote the welfare of adults at risk and protect them from harm.

Principles

• All individuals should be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We take all concerns seriously. • Participants’ safety and autonomy are paramount.
• Participation is voluntary, consent is ongoing, and withdrawal is always an option.
• Our approach follows the MRS Code of Conduct, the Care Act 2014, and the Social Model of Disability.

Safeguarding Commitments

Close-Up Research will:

• Carry out risk assessments before each project.
• Offer participants clear and accessible information about their rights and what the research involves.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Always work to build rapport and check comfort levels throughout filming.
• Record consent appropriately and review it regularly.
• Be prepared to escalate any concerns about a participant’s welfare to the appropriate authority.

Working in People’s Homes

When entering a participant’s home:

• The visit will be pre-arranged with full informed consent and awareness of purpose.
• The researcher will identify themselves clearly and arrive at the agreed time.
• A clear schedule will be agreed on in advance and shared with the participant.
• Researchers will never pressure a participant to proceed and will leave immediately if requested.
• If working alone in a participant’s home, the researcher must have a named safeguarding contact on call and check-in/out procedures in place.

Recognising Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

It is important for all team members to be aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. These may include but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or injuries; frequent trips or falls.

• Emotional/psychological abuse: Withdrawal, fearfulness, agitation, sudden changes in mood or behaviour, disturbed sleep patterns.

• Sexual abuse: Bruising in intimate areas, unexplained infections, withdrawal from contact, fearfulness.

• Financial abuse: Unexplained loss of money or possessions, sudden financial hardship, reluctance to discuss money.

• Neglect: Poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, inappropriate clothing for weather.

• Discriminatory abuse: Derogatory language, exclusion, signs of isolation linked to race, gender, age, disability, sexuality or religion.

These signs are not exhaustive, and the presence of one or more does not prove abuse is occurring. However, if team members observe any signs that give cause for concern, they should follow the reporting procedure outlined in this policy.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Close-Up’s Director is the designated safeguarding officer.

– Reviews and updates policy annually.
– Is the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
– Keeps confidential records of any safeguarding incidents or reports.

• All team members, freelance or otherwise, must:

– Be familiar with this policy and agree to follow it.
– Undertake safeguarding awareness training as appropriate.
– Report concerns immediately

Reporting a Concern

If a concern arises during a project:

1. Make immediate notes (time, date, what was said or observed, who was present).
2. Do not promise confidentiality – explain you may need to share concerns with someone who can help.
3. Contact the safeguarding lead as soon as possible.
4. If the person is at immediate risk, dial 999 or contact adult social care services directly.
5. Document all actions and file securely.

Consent and Comfort

See Close-Up’s separate “Consent Policy“. In brief:

• Consent is informed, recorded, and ongoing.
• Participants can opt out at any time – even after filming or publication.
• We explain all aspects of the process clearly.
• We offer privacy options such as pseudonyms or facial/voice anonymisation if preferred.

Data and Privacy

See Close-Up’s separate “Privacy Policy”. We comply fully with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Participant data is:

• Stored securely
• Accessed only by authorised personnel
• Deleted on request or within agreed retention timelines

Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or best practice changes.