Safeguarding Adults Policy

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

1 - AIM OF THIS POLICY

The aim of this policy is to outline the practice and procedures for staff in The Restore Trust to contribute to preventing abuse of vulnerable adults, raise awareness and provide a clear framework for action when abuse is suspected. The Policy is also designed to protect the vulnerable adult, the worker by recognizing the risks involved in lone working. The policy covers all staff and volunteers whose role involves regular contact with service users who may be considered vulnerable adults.

2 - DEFINITION OF VULNERABLE

Vulnerable adults are defined (under the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Regulations 2002) as people aged 18 or over who are receiving any one the following services:

Accommodation, nursing or personal care
Medical care provided by the NHS or other independent agencies
Social services
Services provided for people with:
Learning difficulties or a physical disability, physical or mental illness (temporary or chronic), including drug or alcohol addiction, reduced physical or mental capacity Those who are dependent on others or who need assistance to perform basic physical functions; who are severely impaired in their ability to communicate, or who are unable to protect themselves from assault, abuse or neglect.

2.1 - DEFINITION OF ABUSE

Abuse is the harming of an individual, usually by someone who is in a position of power, trust or authority over that individual. The harm may be physical, psychological or emotional or it may be directed at exploiting the vulnerability of the victim in more subtle ways (for example, through denying access to people who can come to their aid, or through misuse or misappropriation of his or her financial resources). The threat or use of punishment is also a form of abuse……in many cases it is a criminal offense.

Centre for Policy on Ageing (1996)

3 - RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Restore Trust 3.1.

To ensure staff are aware of and are adequately trained to implement the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy.
To notify the appropriate agencies if abuse is identified or suspected
To support, and where possible, secure the safety of individuals and ensure that all referrals to services have full information regarding identified risk and vulnerability
To work with Bristol City Council Social Services Department and other partners to implement the policy.

3.2 - Responsibilities of The Restore Trust staff

To be familiar with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy and procedures
To take appropriate action in line with the policy
To take appropriate action to promote the principles and good practice within The Restore Trust Policy

3.3 - Statement of vulnerable adults’ rights

In dealing with incidents of abuse or potential abuse, vulnerable adults have the following rights, which should be respected
The right to:

Live without fear of abuse from their families, carers, professionals, volunteers or service users
Be safe and receive adequate care and protection. This includes protection from all forms of violence including physical punishment, intimidation, belittling, and lack of respect, harassment, and sexual assault
Be involved in decision--making that affects them, and to be supported in making their own decisions about how they wish to proceed in the event of abuse, and in whom they wish to confide. Their wishes should only be overridden if considered necessary in the interests of their own safety or the safety of others

3.4 - Statement of staff members’ rights

In dealing with incidents of abuse or potential abuse, staff members and volunteers have the following rights, which should be respected.

The right to:

Raise concern with their line manager if they feel vulnerable to allegations of abuse of a vulnerable adult
Full information about any allegation of abuse made against them and be kept informed at all stages of the process should The Restore Trust take action
Report any incident or situation which they feel could result in an allegation of abuse against them or a colleague
Support from managers and colleagues if an allegation of abuse involving a vulnerable adult is brought against them
Request alternative working arrangements if the behavior of a vulnerable adult causes concern, or during an investigation of alleged abuse
Be accompanied by an independent advocate during interviews and meetings related to an allegation of abuse of a vulnerable adult

3.5 - Support for those who report abuse

The Restore Trust will ensure that anyone who makes a complaint, or expresses a concern regarding abuse of a vulnerable adult, whether they are a The Restore Trust staff member, service user, carer or a member of the general public:

Will be taken seriously
Their comments will be treated confidentially, but their concerns may be shared if they or others are at significant risk
They will be given protection from the risk of reprisals or intimidation
Staff members will be given support and if necessary, afforded protection in line with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

4 - Implementing the policy

The Restore Trust will take steps to implement its policy to protect vulnerable adults and will review the policy every 3 years to ensure that it reflects legal requirements and good practice developments. In particular will ensure that:

a) Recruitment of staff
All applicants for employment are asked to declare unspent convictions. They are also told that if the role will involve contact with vulnerable adults, a CRB check will be a condition of employment. When the work role will involve contact with vulnerable adults, employment application forms will include a requirement to disclose any allegations or criminal action of abuse against a vulnerable adult. Failure to disclose information will be regarded as gross misconduct.

b) Training
During induction into The Restore Trust, all appropriate staff will be made aware of our policies and procedures.

c) Management and supervision
It is the managers’ responsibility to clarify with the worker their roles and responsibilities regarding their relationships with vulnerable adults with whom they may be in contact and any additional support or training needs they may have. Regular supervision for staff will monitor the work and offer the opportunity to raise any issues.

d) Record keeping
Concerns raised about suspected abuse of a vulnerable adult, will be recorded and stored in accordance with confidentiality, Data Protection guidelines and similar good practice guidance, by the manager. Records must include: the nature of the concern, date, time, any specific action taken, or referral made. Where incidents or allegations involve investigate actions, The Restore Trust will store detailed records.

e) Allegations and investigations
All complaints, allegations or concerns should be made through the agreed The Restore Trust complaints policy. Where on investigation, a complaint allegation is upheld against a staff member, The Restore Trust disciplinary procedures will apply. If a criminal act against a vulnerable person is suspected, it may be necessary to involve the police in taking further actions. At this stage, both the vulnerable adult and the other party will be informed and made fully aware of their rights and any support available to them.