The Warren of Hull Ltd Safeguarding
Adult's Policy and Procedures

1. STATEMENT

 

The Warren takes its responsibility seriously to promote safeguarding within our organisation and with any vulnerable groups that we work with.

 

We aim to safeguard adults by:

 

• Ensuring that all of our staff are carefully selected and trained to ensure their awareness of safeguarding issues relating to adults.

• Having a Safeguarding Adult policy and procedure which is clearly understood, so that any member of staff or trustee has an appreciation of the appropriate guidance to follow, should a concern be raised.

• Reviewing our Safeguarding Adult policy and procedure annually in order to ensure it is in line with national and local policy. This will be done as part of our ongoing practice of annual reviewing of all policies.

• Ensuring that dedicated officers are appointed, to hold a specific role in relation to advising The Warren staff and volunteers, whereby advice and a clear course of action can be offered in relation to any safeguarding adult concerns.  In the event of the lead officer not being available at the time the issue arises, deputy lead officers will be appointed and will deputise in this role for advice and guidance.  If both officers are unavailable, and the situation warrants a swift response, the matter will be referred directly to the relevant local Safeguarding Adult Team.  

• Ensuring that paid staff and volunteers who work closely with vulnerable adults and their carers, develop practice which ensures they know how to report their concerns about a vulnerable adult, staff member or volunteer.  This will be achieved by ensuring an appropriate induction is carried out, which will include information on our Safeguarding Adult policies and procedures.

 

2. POLICY GUIDANCE  

 

Additionally, this Safeguarding Adult policy, procedures and guidance should be read and cross referenced in conjunction with the following Warren policies and procedures:

 

• Safeguarding Children

• Confidentiality

• Health and Safety

• Discipline and Grievance

• Whistle blowing

• Complaints

• Equal Opportunities  

• Data Protection

 

‘No Secrets’[1] is the national policy and procedure guidance which strongly influences all local guidance and consequently underpins this The Warren Safeguarding Adult policy and procedure.  

 

3. DEFINING WHO IS AT RISK AND IN WHAT WAY

 

We are committed to ensure that staff, volunteers, trustees and networks are fully informed in regards to defining the parameters surrounding the Safeguarding Adult agenda.  

 

3.1. Which Adults are Vulnerable?

 

All adults are potentially victims of crime or abuse, but not all adults are vulnerable.

 

A vulnerable adult is defined as a person aged 18 years and over:

 

“who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation”

 

The definition outlined above relates to abuse or neglect experienced by vulnerable adults no matter their age or living arrangements and includes those who are in receipt of Social Care arrangements as well as those who are not.

 

Significant harm refers to:

 

“ill treatment (including sexual abuse and forms of ill treatment that are not physical: the impairment of, or an avoidable deterioration in, physical or mental health and the impairment or physical, emotional, social or behavioural development”

 

3.2. What Constitutes Abuse?

 

“Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons”

 

No Secrets, 2006 (DoH)

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Department of Health (2006). No Secrets: Guidance on developing and implementing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/no-secrets-guidance-on-protecting-vulnerable-adults-in-care

 

Types of abuse include:

 

• physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, punching, burning, pushing, kicking, misuse of medicine, restraint, or inappropriate sanctions

• sexual abuse, including rape, sexual or indecent assault, inappropriate touching or sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not consented, or could not consent or was pressured into consenting

• psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, belittling, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, name calling and blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks 

• financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property

• neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating and leaving in soiled clothes

• discriminatory abuse, including racist and sexist abuse based on a person’s disability and other forms of harassment

• Institutional, which usually relates to practices adopted in care settings, including poor care standards, inadequately trained staff, under-resourced facilities, unsupervised staff, where staff work in isolation or have little support from managers, rigid routines and lack of positive responses to complex care needs

 

Abuse may be carried out deliberately or unknowingly and maybe a single act or repeated acts.  People who behave abusively come from all backgrounds and walks of life.  They may be doctors, nurses, social workers, advocates, staff members, volunteers or others in a position of trust.  They may also be relatives, friends, neighbours or people who use the same services as the person experiencing abuse.

 

3.3. Who May Potential Abusers Be?

 

Vulnerable adult(s) may be abused by a wide range of people including relatives and family members, professional staff, paid care workers, volunteers, other services users, neighbours, friends and associates, people who deliberately exploit vulnerable people and strangers.

 

3.4. In What Circumstances can Abuse Occur?

 

Abuse can take place in any context.  It may occur when a vulnerable adult lives alone  or with a relative; it may also occur within nursing, residential or day care settings, in hospitals, custodial situations, support services into people’s own homes, and other places previously assumed safe, or in public places.

 

3.5. Patterns of Abuse

 

Patterns of abuse and abusing vary and reflect very different dynamics. These include:

 

• Serial abusing in which the perpetrator seeks out and ‘grooms’ vulnerable individuals.  Sexual abuse usually falls into this pattern as do some forms of financial abuse

• Long term abuse in the context of an ongoing family relationship such as domestic violence between spouses  or generations

• Opportunistic abuse such as theft occurring because money has been left around

• Situational abuse which arises because pressures have been built up and/or because of difficult or challenging behaviour;

• Neglect of a person’s needs because those around him or her are not able to be responsible for their care, for example if the carer has difficulties attributable to such issues as debt, alcohol or mental health problems;

• Unacceptable ‘treatments’ or programmes which include sanctions or punishment such as withholding of food and drink, seclusion, unnecessary and unauthorised use of control and restraint

• Failure of agencies to ensure staff receive appropriate guidance on anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice

• Failure to access key services such as health care, dentistry, prostheses

• Misappropriation of benefits and/or use of the persons money by other members of the household

• Fraud or intimidation in connection with wills, property or other assets.

 

4. MANAGING THE DISCLOSURE OF ABUSE AND MAKING A REFFERAL 

 

The Warren recognises that we have a duty to act on reports, or suspicions of abuse/neglect, including allegations made against paid staff or volunteers.  This will be done in conjunction with and guidance from, the relevant Safeguarding Adult Team.

 

This section sets out and offers guidance on how to manage a disclosure and how to make a referral.  It presents information on referral routes as provided by the relevant Safeguarding Adult Board and offers up to date information.  This will enable The Warren through the process of dealing with allegations, when receiving a disclosure of abuse, gaining consent and making a referral.

 

4.1. Receiving a Disclosure

 

If organisations working with The Warren are in a position where adults may disclose abuse has occurred or raise concerns that abuse might happen, it is important that they understand the basic principles of managing such a situation.The following procedure is taken from Appendix 1: Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Boards, which as well as offering guidance, acts as an example to those staff members who operate outside of the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire area. Details of precise referral procedures for each distinct area can be found by contacting your local Safeguarding Children Board.

If a disclosure is made, the person receiving the disclosure should:

 

Step 1:

• Remain calm and non-judgemental

• Take whatever action is required to ensure the immediate safety or medical welfare of the adult

• Do not discourage from disclosure

• Use active listening

• Remain sympathetic and attentive

• Give reassurance but do not press for more detail or make promises that cannot be kept

 

Step 2:

• Clarify main facts, summarising what has been disclosed to you

• Explain that you cannot keep information about alleged or suspected abuse confidential

• Remain sensitive

• Explain that a named safeguarding adults officer must be informed

• Seek the person’s consent to share this information

• Offer future support from yourself or others

 

Step 3:

• Take all reasonable steps to ensure that the adult is in no immediate danger of further harm

• Make a complete and accurate record of events as soon as possible

• Record facts not opinions, use person’s own words, record date, time and sign

• Preserve evidence

• named safeguarding adults officer or other appropriate manager must be informed as soon as possible

 

Step 4:

• Relatives of the victim should not be automatically be informed if the victim is able to consent unless they so wish

• If the victim lacks capacity the decision to share information with family, friends or significant others should be made by relevant manager following consultation with the lead agency i.e. Social Services or Police

• Informed consent should be obtained but it may be necessary to override this if there are other vulnerable adults at risk i.e. in a residential setting/hospital ward

• Information must always be shared on a need to know basis

• It is appropriate for agencies to give assurances of confidentiality where there are concerns of alleged or suspected abuse

• If the alleged abuser is a family member or friend they should not be contacted at this stage

 

Step 5:

The named safeguarding adults officer must, upon receiving information regarding an allegation or suspicions of abuse, check that:

 

• The adult’s immediate needs are being met, and that there is no risk of further harm

• If necessary, medical assistance has been sought

• The facts and circumstances are clear, but avoid unnecessary discussion with the victim

• A report has been made to the Police if a criminal offence is selected or alleged

 

Relevant alerter forms can be accessed by contact the local Safeguarding Adults Board

 

4.2. The Referral Process

 

Action to be taken if someone reports/discloses abuse of a vulnerable adult

 

• Ensure the person’s immediate safety and medical welfare

• Listen, be attentive and sympathetic but do not discourage or press for more detail

• Clarify and summarise

• Remain sensitive – don’t make promises that cannot be kept

• Explain that a Named Safeguarding Adult Officer must be informed – unless they are the alleged abuser

• Make a complete, factual and accurate record of what you have been told

• Record time, date and then sign

• Pass to Named Safeguarding Adult Officer immediately or as soon as possible

 

Named Safeguarding Adult Officer will:

 

• Ensure the safety and welfare of the person who has disclosed the alleged abuse

• Report the alleged abuse to the police or social services care management team (within 24 hours) or emergency duty team

• Send alerter form to the relevant Safeguarding Adult Team and discuss with them the intention to implement the agencies disciplinary process if appropriate

• Consider a referral to POVA list

• Complete accident record if appropriate

• Liaise with family/other agencies etc as appropriate

• Consider Issues of consent

 

The Warren recognises that it is important to act swiftly and to avoid delay in making a referral.  Information on who to contact can be found via the Local Safeguarding Adults Teams/Board websites in Appendix A. 

 

4.3. Consent and Capacity

 

The Warren recognises the importance of gaining consent within its vulnerable adult policies and procedures. The types of consent within vulnerable adult’s procedures may include consent to an investigation and to information being shared. If a disclosure of alleged abuse is received The Warren will ensure that consent is gained to refer or report the incident. If an individual agrees to share information about them to others, they have given consent. However, if individuals do not consent, then on occasions this has to be accepted. Equally The Warren agree that there will be occasions where decisions not to consent can be overridden. It may be that sometimes an individual is not able to give informed consent because they lack capacity.

 

Support and guidance on consent and capacity can be accessed by contacting the local Safeguarding Adults Board.

 

5. The Warren CODE OF PRACTICE  

 

Due to the nature of The Warren’s work with vulnerable adults, the following people are nominated as Safeguarding Adults Officers:

 

Designated Officer: Janet Leonard    Contact Tel: 01482 218115

 

Deputy Officer: JJ Tatten    Contact Tel: 01482 218115

 

 

The Warren staff and trustees should be aware of new areas of knowledge concerning safeguarding practices dedicated to vulnerable adults and ensure they have received at least introductory/awareness raising training in safeguarding adults.

 

The Warren is committed to minimising and preventing abuse and recognises the importance of safe recruitment policies and practices for paid staff, volunteers and trustees.  It is important when recruiting paid staff and volunteers to adhere to The Warren’s recruitment policy. 

 

It is important to be robust in emphasising appropriate safeguarding measures when screening potential staff and volunteers to work with vulnerable adults.  

 

These will include:

 

• All paid staff and volunteers with access to vulnerable adults or with access to sensitive information will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with potential barred list check dependent upon role

 

• Staff and volunteers working with vulnerable adults will undertake Basic Awareness Safeguarding Adult training

 

• All staff to read and understand the Safeguarding Adult Policy and for this to be reviewed to ensure up-to-date knowledge

 

• Application forms for employment and for volunteer work to include details of previous employment, any convictions for criminal offences (including spent convictions), agreement for enhanced DBS checks, permission to contact two referees, including their current or most recent employer (which should be taken up.)

 

• The potential staff member/volunteer will be interviewed for their suitability for any vacant post

 

• Staff and volunteers will be subject to a probationary period (3-6 months) during which they will be supervised and overseen by a manager

 

• Staff and volunteers will have a period of induction where they will complete any induction training The Warren’s current model of meeting with the team, understanding roles and responsibilities and awareness of the current policies will be helpful in fulfilling this requirement.

 

5.1. Managing and Reviewing the Policy 

 

The Warren will ensure that the Safeguarding Adults policy and procedures are reviewed annually.  The named Safeguarding Adults Officers will be involved in this process and can recommend any changes. The named Safeguarding Adults Officers will also ensure that any changes are clearly communicated to staff, volunteers and service users.

 

6. USEFUL INFORMATION

 

6.1. Disclosure and Barring Service[2]

 

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

DBS are responsible for:

 

• processing requests for criminal records checks

• deciding whether it is appropriate for a person to be placed on or removed from a barred list

• placing or removing people from the DBS children’s barred list and adults’ barred list for England, Wales and Northern Ireland

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6.2. DBS (formerly CRB) Checks

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DBS search police records and, in relevant cases, barred list information, and then issue a DBS certificate to the applicant.

DBS recognise that information released on DBS certificates can be extremely sensitive and personal. Therefore a code of practice for recipients of criminal record information has been developed to ensure that any information they get is handled fairly and used properly.

A list of guidance documents about the DBS checking service is available on this website. For more information go to:

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https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about

 

6.3 Safeguarding Adults Boards

 

Each Safeguarding Adults Board aims to:

• Co‐ordinate local work to safeguard and promote welfare of adults

• Develop policies and procedures for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults

• Participate in the planning of services

• Communicate the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults

• Focus on the core protection agenda of ‘working together on the prevention, identification, investigation and treatment of the abuse of vulnerable adults’.

 

Additionally, they monitor the effectiveness of what is done to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults.

 

Each Safeguarding Adults Board agrees to carry out its work in such a way as to improve the outcomes agreed in the White Paper (Our Health, Our Care, Our Say)[3], particularly;

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•  Outcome 5: Freedom from discrimination and harassment: equal access to services without hindrance from discrimination or prejudice; they feel safe and are safeguarded from harm.

•  Outcome 7: Personal Dignity and Respect: not being subject to abuse. Keeping clean and comfortable, enjoying a clean and orderly environment. Availability of appropriate personal care.

 

Each Safeguarding Adult Board supports the principles in the ‘Multi‐agency policy for each locality’ which includes:

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• Work toward meeting the standards in Safeguarding Adults (ADASS guidance 2005)[4]

• Implement recommendations in ‘No Secrets’(DOH 2000)

• Develop an outcomes framework based on these principles

 

[3] Department of Health (2006). Our Health, Our Care, Our Say: A new direction for community services

[4] ADASS (2005). Safeguarding Adults: A National Framework of Standards for good practice and outcomes in adult protection work, ‘Safeguarding Adults’ Network”

 

7. Prevent Duty

 

From July 1st 2015 and as part of the Safeguarding and Prevent Duty all staff, contract providers and colleagues have a duty to demonstrate and help develop values which underpin an awareness of social and moral responsibility in modern Britain.

 

The Prevent Strategy published by the Government in 2011, as part of the overall counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST, places a duty on certain bodies to give “due regard to reduce the threat to the UK by preventing people from being drawn into terrorism”.

 

The Prevent Strategy has three specific objectives:

 

Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism

 

Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism by ensuring they are giving

appropriate advice and support; and

 

Work in partnership where there are risks of radicalisation and extremism that

need to be addressed

 

The inclusion of sector-specific guidance sets out three themes:

 

Leadership – ensure staff and contract delivery partners implement the duty

effectively

 

Working in partnership- prevent depends of effective collaboration of all concerned

parties to demonstrate effective compliance

 

Capabilities- ensure staff are provided with appropriate training for the

implementation of the duty to exemplify British values in their general behaviours,

supporting opportunities to learn, educate and challenge extremist ideas

 

What is extremism?

 

Extremism is defined as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including

democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different

faiths and beliefs.”

 

British values – therefore are defined as “democracy” and refer to everyone being expected

to encourage respect to other people, taking particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010.

 

Further details can be found at:

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http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance

 

Prevent support for Education & Training providers can also be found at:

 

http://www.preventforfeandtraining.org.uk/p-useful-links

 

Risk Assessment

 

Robust policies and procedures to identify risk must be in place to ensure that all sub-

contractors are made aware of the Prevent Duty and are not inadvertently funding extremist organisations.  

 

“Channel” and the Referral Guidance

 

Compliance with the duty requires all the concerned parties to undertake Prevent awareness training and any other training to be able to recognise vulnerability of those being potentially drawn into terrorism, and be aware of what action to take in response. This will include an understanding of when to make referrals to the “Channel” programme and where to access additional advice and support.

 

Details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/channel-guidance

Humberside Channel Information

Humberside Channel Referral Form

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Appendix A

 

It is important that all people responsible for Safeguarding Adults within their voluntary sector group or organisation, is aware of who to contact in case of making a referral or any other matter relating to keeping vulnerable adults safe. 

 

A wide range of information, including useful contacts, is available via the following websites, therefore all Voluntary Sector Safeguarding Adults Officers should familiarise themselves with their local Safeguarding Adults teams/boards by visiting the websites and keeping copies of useful information to hand.

 

Local Safeguarding Adults Teams Contact Details

 

The Safeguarding Adults Teams provide information and advice to the general public and health and social care professionals about abuse of vulnerable adults. It also provides a central team which receives referrals/alerters about suspected abuse and coordinates any investigation.

 

Hull Safeguarding Adult Team

Tel: 01482 300 300/616092
Out of hours: Tel 01482 300304

www.hullcc.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=221,105040&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

 

Hull Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board

http://www.safeguardingadultshull.com/

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East Riding of Yorkshire Safeguarding Adult Team

 

Duty Team:  01482 861103

E-mail: safeguardingadultsteam@eastriding.gov.uk

http://www2.eastriding.gov.uk/council/working-with-our-partners/adult-social-care/safeguarding-adults-board/

 

East Riding Safeguarding Adults Board

http://ersab.eastriding.gov.uk/

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