Guidance Note – Breach of Position of Trust in Adult Safeguarding

Last updated 02/02/2026

A breach of position of trust occurs when a person misuses their position of authority, influence, or responsibility over another person. It makes no difference whether this is done intentionally or through poor practice.

The person experiencing the breach may not always recognise it at the time.

In order to minimise the risk of this happening clear boundaries should be put in place. These boundaries should be based on the principles of dignity and respect in order to prevent exploitation. This has to build on a good safeguarding culture which British Fencing base on the principles of Be Safe, Have Fun and Feel Welcome.

As breaches of position of trust have welfare implications, they must be reported in the first instance in accordance with our safeguarding processes. Failure to report increases risk and potential for harm.

Below are some examples of breaches of trust:

Types of breaches	Examples
1. Sexual or Romantic Misconduct	A coach pursuing a sexual or romantic relationship with an athlete they coach, select, or assess A team manager implying selection, funding, or opportunities depend on personal or sexual compliance. A physiotherapist or medical professional behaving in a sexualised manner during treatment
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse	Threatening deselection or withdrawal of support to control behaviour Bullying, humiliation, or intimidation framed as “motivation” Isolating athletes from support networks to create dependency
3. Financial or Material Exploitation	Coaches requiring athletes to pay for unnecessary private services Officials misusing club funds, grants, or sponsorship money Pressuring athletes into personal financial arrangements
4. Abuse of Professional Boundaries	Excessive private contact outside professional contexts Sharing confidential personal or medical information Acting outside professional competence or qualifications
5. Discrimination or Harassment	Sexual harassment or discriminatory language Unequal treatment linked to protected characteristics Victimisation of individuals who raise concerns
6. Retaliation and Cover-Ups	Punishing individuals for reporting safeguarding concerns Discouraging complaints to protect reputation or performance Failing to investigate or deliberately concealing concerns

Where breaches of position of trust occur relating to adults at risk. BF is legally required to report these to the Disclosure and Barring Service where certain conditions are met. Some example of breaches defined by the DBS include the following:

Type of harm	Meaning	Example
Emotional / Psychological	Action or inaction by others that causes mental anguish	Inflexible regimes and lack of choice. Mocking, coercing, denying privacy, threatening behaviour, bullying, intimidation, harassment, deliberate isolation, deprivation.
Financial	Usually associated with the misuse of money, valuables or property.	Unauthorised withdrawals from vulnerable adult’s account, theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills or inheritance.
Physical	Any physical contact that results in discomfort, pain or injury	Hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, bruising, failing to treat sores or wounds, under or overuse of medication, un-prescribed or inappropriate medication, use of restraint or inappropriate restraint, inappropriate sanctions.
Sexual	Coercion or force to take part in sexual acts	Inappropriate touching. Causing bruising or injury to the anal, genital or abdominal area, forcing an individual to watch sexual acts. Transmission of STD.
Neglect	Failure to identify and/or meet care needs	Untreated weight loss, failing to administer reasonable care resulting in pressure sores or uncharacteristic problems with continence. Poor hygiene, soiled clothes not changed, insufficient food or drink, ignoring resident’s requests, unmet social or care needs.
Verbal	Any remark or comment by others that causes distress	Demeaning, disrespectful, humiliating, racist, sexist or sarcastic comments. Excessive or unwanted familiarity, shouting, swearing, name-calling.

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