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Adults at Risk Protection Policy

 1.0               POLICY

This policy deals with the protection of Adults at Risk previously known as ‘Vulnerable Adults’ (as defined in section 3.a below).  Children are those under 18 years of age and a separate policy covers Child Protection.

Safeline is a specialised charity working to prevent sexual abuse and rape and support those who have been affected. Safeline acknowledges it has a responsibility for the safety of Adults at Risk. Safeline recognises that good Adults at Risk Protection policies are of benefit to everyone involved in Safeline’s work.

Safeline holds as one of its highest priorities the health, safety and welfare of all adults at risk involved in courses or activities which come under the responsibility of Safeline.

Safeline has a duty to ensure that its staff, volunteers and sessional workers fulfill their responsibilities to prevent abuse of adults at risk and to report any abuse discovered or suspected. Safeline’s Adults at Risk Protection policy applies to all staff, including senior managers and board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers and sessional workers, agency staff, students and anyone working on behalf of Safeline.

The purpose of this policy:

  • to protect adults at risk who receive Safeline’s services
  • to provide staff, students and anyone working on behalf of Safeline with the overarching principles that guide our approach to Adults at Risk Protection.

Safeline believes that an adult at risk should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all adults at risk and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

Safeline will advise all relevant parties of the existence of Safeline’s ‘Adults at Risk Protection Policy’.

1.a      Safeline will work with appropriate local agencies to ensure that adults at risk are safeguarded through the effective operation of Safeline’s safeguarding procedures.

1.b      Safeline recognises that any adult at risk can be subject to abuse and all allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and treated in accordance with the organisation’s procedures.

1.c      Safeline recognises that it is the responsibility of all staff/volunteers/sessional worker to act upon any concern no matter how small or trivial it may seem.

1.d      Safeline recognises its responsibility to implement, maintain and regularly review the procedures that are designed to prevent or notify suspected abuse.

1.e      Safeline is committed to supporting, resourcing and training those who work with, or who come into contact with, adults at risk and to provide appropriate supervision.

 

2.0      Legal Framework

In accordance with the Home Office Revised Code of Practice for Disclosure and Barring Service – Registered Person dated November 2015, Safeline will carry out an enhanced Disclosure & Barring check on all members of staff, volunteers, sessional workers and trustees who will be working with service users on a one to one basis.  The check will be renewed every three years.

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect adults at risk, including but not restricted to:

  • Care Act 2014
  • Domestic Abuse Act 2021
  • Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • Modern Slavery Act 2015
  • FGM Act 2003
  • The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
  • The Equality Act 2010
  • Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
  • General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (previously Data Protection Act 1998)

 

3.0     Definitions

3.a      An adult at risk, as defined by the Care Act 2014 is:

Any person who is aged 18 years or over and at risk of abuse or neglect because of their needs for care and support’ (Care Act 2014 [England]).

A person aged 18 or over who needs extra help to manage their lives and be independent.  This may include:

Many adults, because of illness or disability, who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse. Adults with care and support needs who may be certain older people, people with learning disabilities, physically disabled people, people with mental ill-health, a person with special sensory needs, a person with cognitive needs i.e. acquired brain injury or those with a short or long-term illness.

The Care Act guidance 2014 describes “care & support” as:-

“The mixture of practical, financial and emotional support for adults who need extra help to manage their lives and be independent – including older people, people with a disability or long-term illness, people with mental health problems, and carers. Care and support includes assessment of people’s needs, provision of services and the allocation of funds to enable a person to purchase their own care and support. It could include care home, home care, personal assistants, day services, or the provision of aids and adaptations.” Care Act 2014 (legislation.gov.uk)

Adults at risk of abuse may have additional support needs, meaning that they are more likely to experience abuse, and less able to protect themselves from it. The abuse of adults at risk can have devastating effects on their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, as well as on their children or children connected to them. Statutory guidance means that Safeline must protect adults at risk.

In Wales: The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 was enacted by the National Assembly for Wales to reform social services law; to make provision about:  Improving the well-being outcomes for people who need care and support and carers who need support, Co-operation and partnership by public authorities with a view to improving the well-being of people, Complaints relating to social care and palliative care; and for connected purposes.  http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2014/4/enacted

3.b      Abuse

Everyone has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.  Abuse and neglect can occur anywhere and the person causing the harm may be a stranger but can often be a someone the person knows and feels safe with such as a health or care professional, relative or neighbour.

Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts and can be listed under the following categories, types of abuse:

3.c    Types of Abuse

This is not an exhaustive list, but will include:

 

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is physical force or mistreatment of one person by another which might or might not cause physical injury. This type of abuse includes: hitting, pushing, rough handling, exposure to heat or cold, force feeding, improper administration of medication, denial of treatment, misuse or illegal use of restraint, not being allowed to go where you wish, when you wish.

 

Sexual Abuse

This includes rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, taking sexual photographs, revenge porn, making someone look at pornography or watch sexual acts, sexual assault or sexual acts the adult did not consent to or was pressured into consenting to, denial of a sexual life to consenting adults. Any sexual relationship that develops between adult where one is in a position of trust, power or authority in relation to the other and the trust, power or authority is abused for sexual gratification.

 

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is typically manifested as a pattern of abusive behavior toward an intimate partner in a dating or family relationship, where the abuser exerts power and control over the victim. Domestic abuse can be mental, physical, economic or sexual in nature. Incidents are rarely isolated, and usually escalate in frequency and severity. See Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

 

Psychological

Includes emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidating, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks. There is a coercive or controlling behavior offence in force since December 2015 which can carry a prison sentence in cases of extreme psychological and emotional abuse.

 

Financial or Material

This includes theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

 

Neglect and Acts of Omission

Includes ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.

 

Discriminatory

Includes forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

 

Organisational

Includes neglect and poor care practice within an institution or care setting ranging from one off incidents to on-going ill treatment.

 

Mate crime

This happens when someone ‘makes friends’ with a person and goes on to abuse or exploit that relationship. The founding intention of the relationship, from the point of view of the perpetrator, is likely to be criminal. The relationship is likely to be of some duration and, if unchecked, may lead to a pattern of repeat and worsening abuse.

 

Self-neglect

Includes neglecting to care for one’s own personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behavior such as hoarding.

 

Trafficking

People trafficking means the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control of another person for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation includes the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or removal of organs.

 

Forced Marriage

In which one or both parties are married against their will or without their consent or where they cannot give consent.  The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made it a criminal offence in England, Wales and Scotland to force someone to marry. (It is a criminal offence in Northern Ireland under separate legislation).

This includes:

  • taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place)
  • doing anything intended to cause a child to marry before their eighteenth birthday, whether or not a form of coercion is used
  • causing someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to marry to get married (whether they are pressured to or not)

Forcing someone to marry can result in a prison sentence.

 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Involving procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons.  FGM has been a specific criminal offence in the UK since 1985 when the (UK-wide) Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act (“the 1985 Act”) was passed. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (“the 2003 Act”) replaced the 1985 Act in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It modernised the offence of FGM and the offence of assisting a girl to carry out FGM on herself while also creating extra-territorial offences to deter people from taking girls abroad for mutilation. To reflect the serious harm caused, the 2003 Act increased the maximum penalty for any of the FGM offences from five to 14 years’ imprisonment.

The Female Genital Mutilation Act came into effect in 2003 making it illegal to practice FGM in the UK or to take British Nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM or to aid, abet counsel or procure this.

 

Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery is defined as the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of children, women or men through the use of force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability, deception or other means for the purpose of exploitation. It is a crime under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 Modern Slavery Act 2015 (legislation.gov.uk). Offences include holding a person in a position of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, or facilitating their travel with the intention of exploiting them soon after.

 

Criminal exploitation

Criminal Exploitation occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child, young person or an adult into any criminal activity: (a) In exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) For the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator (such as to support serious organised crime and/or terrorism), and/or (c) Through violence or the threat of violence to ensure compliance. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Criminal Exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur using technology and/or social media.  Because they are more likely to be easily detected, individuals who are exploited are more likely to be arrested and criminalised for criminal behaviour, than those individuals or groups who are exploiting them. Individuals who are being criminally exploited can be involved, linked to or considered to be (by themselves or others) as part of a “gang”. It is important when children or adults identify or are identified as being affected or involved with gang-related activity that involves the use of actual or threatened violence and/or drug dealing that professionals also consider that they may be victims of criminal exploitation.  Criminal exploitation is broader than but often part of organised crime and county lines.

 

Organised Crime & County lines

Organised Crime is serious crime planned, coordinated and conducted by people working together on a continuing basis. Their motivation is often, but not always, financial gain. Organised crime groups are organised criminals working together for a particular criminal activity or activities.  County lines is a term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas within the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines or other form of “deal line”. They are likely to exploit children and adults to move, [locally supply] and store the drugs and money. They will often use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons.

 

Cuckooing

This term is “named after the nest stealing practices of wild cuckoos. It describes the situation where a county lines dealer ‘takes over’ accommodation located in the provincial drugs market, using it as a local dealing base” – (Coomber and Moyle: 2017).  An individual or group can do this by taking over the homes of local adults and families through an abuse of power or vulnerability by coercion, control and/or force so that they can provide a base for the supply of drugs into the local community. This places the adult and/or families at an increased risk of eviction (if they are in social or privately rented housing) and isolation from their communities due to the anti-social activity it can create. Cuckooing often forms part of wider ‘county lines’ activity and is also a form of criminal exploitation.

 

Hate Crime

The term ‘hate crime’ can be used to describe a range of criminal behaviour where the perpetrator is motivated by hostility or demonstrates hostility towards the victim’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity.

These aspects of a person’s identity are known as ‘protected characteristics’. A hate crime can include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, harassment, assault and bullying, as well as damage to property. The perpetrator can also be a friend, carer or acquaintance who exploits their relationship with the victim for financial gain or some other criminal purpose.

 

Prevent/Extremism

‘Extremism’ is defined in the 2011 Prevent Strategy 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. It also includes calls for the death of members of armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.

The Prevent Duty – Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.  As part of the Government’s strategy to reduce terrorism in the UK, the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 introduced a range of measures with the aim of countering the threat of radicalisation and the risk of people being drawn into terrorism.

‘Violent Extremism’ is defined by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as:

“The demonstration of unacceptable behaviour by using any means or medium to express views, which:

  • Encourage, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs;
  • Seek to provoke others to terrorist acts;
  • Encourage other serious criminal activity or seek to provoke others to serious criminal acts;
  • Foster hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the UK.”

There are a number of offences that can be considered when dealing with violent extremism. They include offences arising through spoken words, creation of tapes and videos of speeches, internet entries, chanting, banners and written notes and publications. The main offences employed to date have been soliciting murder and inciting racial hatred.

‘Radicalisation’ refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups. Radicalisation is usually a process not an event.

Safeline will keep its policy and procedures on Adults at Risk Protection under review to take account of any new Government legislation, regulations or best practice documents to ensure that staff/volunteers/sessional workers are kept fully up to date with their responsibilities and duties with regard to the safety and well-being of adults at risk.

3.d      Adults at Risk

In agreeing the procedures for dealing with suspected abuse of an adult at risk, Safeline acknowledges the individual’s right to a life which maintains their independence and involves a degree of risk. Where the individual chooses to accept this risk, their wishes should be respected within the context of their capacity to understand the nature of the decision and its implications.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 says that “… a person lacks capacity in relation to a matter if at the material time he/she is unable to make a decision for himself/herself in relation to the matter because of an impairment of, or disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain”.

Staff and volunteers working for Safeline are placed in a position of trust regarding the Service users taking part in Safeline activities. Anyone who abuses that trust will be subject to disciplinary action. It is the responsibility of the staff, volunteers and sessional workers of Safeline to report maltreatment of an adult at risk. The procedure for this is detailed in Section 6.

 

4.0      Safer Recruitment

Appropriate recruitment and selection procedures for staff, volunteers and sessional workers in the context of adults at risk protection have been adopted by Safeline and include the following.

  • A clear definition of any role so that the most suitable appointee can be identified.
  • Identification of key selection criteria.
  • A wide circulation of vacancies to ensure equal opportunities.
  • Confirmation of the identity of the applicant including personal details obtained either through using an application form where appropriate, or through other means.
  • Requirement of a declaration of previous convictions and submission to formal check, together with the issue of the Adults at Risk Protection Policy for those candidates whose work will bring them into contact with adults at risk or who will have a management responsibility in relation to those whose work does bring them into such contact.
  • A clear guarantee that disclosed information will be treated in confidence and not used against applicants unfairly, including adherence to the DBS Code of Practice.
  • Documentary evidence of qualifications.
  • Use of several selection techniques to maximise the chance of safe recruitment, e.g. interview, references, checks.
  • At least one representative from the Charity conducting the interview will have received safer recruitment training, meet personally with every applicant and conduct an exploration of their attitudes towards working with children.
  • Interview- where the post involves direct work with adults at risk, two Safeline representatives will be involved and the Adults at Risk protection policy will be discussed with the candidate.
  • References- request two written references from at least two people who are not family members.

DBS (Date and Baring Service) Check.  A post offer will only be made subject to a satisfactory DBS check being obtained where appropriate.

 

5.0      Code of Practice

Safeline expects that all staff, which for these purposes includes anybody in paid or unpaid work on its behalf, will be aware of this Code of Practice and adhere to its principles in their approach to all adults at risk.

  • The counselling process and other one to one sessions should be as open as possible, and it is important that no more time should be spent alone with an adult at risk than is necessary to conduct the session.
  • It is important not to have physical contact with adults at risk and this should be avoided.
  • It is not good practice to take adults at risk alone in a car on journeys, however short.
  • Do not make suggestive or inappropriate remarks to or about an adult at risk, even in fun, as this could be misinterpreted.
  • It is important not to deter adults at risk from making a ‘disclosure’ of abuse through fear of not being believed, and to listen to what they have to say.  If this gives rise to an adult at risk protection concern it is important to follow Safeline’s procedure for reporting such concerns, and not to attempt to investigate the concern yourself.
  • Remember that those who abuse adults at risk can be of any age, gender, ethnic background or class, and it is important not to allow personal preconceptions about people to prevent appropriate action taking place.

Good practice includes valuing and respecting adults at risk as individuals and the adult modelling of appropriate conduct – which will always exclude bullying, shouting, racism, sectarianism or sexism.

5.a      Working within Limitations

If a client’s main presenting issues continue to be self-harm with a high ongoing suicide risk then providing a continued service should be reviewed. This should be discussed by the Clinical and Safeguarding staff to determine the most appropriate course of action in the best interests of the client. Consideration should be given to referral to mental health services. Safeline services cannot necessarily maintain support even if other relevant services are considered inadequate by staff or rejected by the client.

 

6.0      Procedures for Reporting Concerns

If any member of staff has concerns about an adult at risk of abuse they should act without delay and share their concerns immediately by contacting the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Safeline. If an adult at risk is deemed to be at immediate risk Safeline will act without delay and share their concerns with Warwickshire County Council Adult Social Care Team.  See appendix 2 for full contact details.

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) for Safeline are:

  • Liz Welsh (Head of Clinical Services)
  • Colin Walker (Head of Education & Prevention Services)
  • Liz Harrison (Head of Helpline and Online Services)
  • Anne Brooks (Helpline and Online Supervisor)

In their absence refer to Neil Henderson, Chief Executive Officer or the designated safeguarding Trustees, Sara Shoreman in his absence.  All can be contacted by the office on 01926 402498 or office@safeline.org.uk.

  • Sara Shoreman (Designated Safeguarding Trustee)

Queries can also be made directly with the Adult Social Care Team if the case is urgent.  In case of emergencies, call Warwickshire Police on 999.

Role and responsibilities of Designated Safeguarding Leads:
  1. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the first point of contact for all staff and volunteers to go to for advice if they are concerned about an adult at risk. This may also need to be out of hours so staff and volunteers should always know how to contact them.  All staff and those working on behalf of Safeline are issued with a DSL duty rota with contact numbers.
  2. The Designated Safeguarding Lead has a higher level of training and knowledge than the other staff and will have completed Working Together to Safeguard Children and Young People training.
  3. They are responsible for ensuring that the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies are kept up to date.
  4. They will ensure that the organisation complies with safer recruitment procedures for new staff members and their induction.
  5. The Designated Safeguarding Lead will assess information from staff regarding concerns about adults at risk and make decisions about whether staff concerns are sufficient to notify the Childrens/Adult Safeguarding Team(s) or whether other courses of action are appropriate.
  6. The Designated Safeguarding Lead or member of staff will make formal referrals to the duty and advice team at the Childrens/Adult Safeguarding Team if deemed necessary.
  7. They will ensure that all concerns are logged and stored securely and review ongoing safeguarding concerns at regular weekly DSL meetings.
  8. They have a joint responsibility with the CEO or the Trustees to ensure that the organisation’s Safeguarding Policy and related policies and procedures are followed and regularly updated.
  9. They are responsible for promoting a safe environment for children and young people /adults at risk involved with Safeline.
  10. They will know the contact details of the relevant statutory agencies. e.g. The Adult Safeguarding Team, Police,

Following the conversation with the DSL, the member of staff or person working on behalf of Safeline should complete a Safeguarding Incident Form and forward it by email or in person to the DSL.

It is not the responsibility of the Designated Safeguarding Officer to decide whether a child / adult at risk has been abused or not, that is the responsibility of the investigative statutory agencies such as the Police.  Keeping children / adults at risk safe is everybody’s business and all staff and volunteers should know who to go to and how to report any concerns they may have about a child/ adult at risk being harmed or at risk of being harmed.

 

7.0      Procedure for dealing with allegations of abuse or inappropriate conduct by a member of staff

Allegations of abuse or inappropriate behaviour by any member of staff, other worker or volunteer must be reported to Neil Henderson, Chief Executive without delay or in his absence Liz Welsh, Head of Clinical Services or Colin Walker Head of Education and Prevention Services who will notify the Safeline Chair of Trustees as soon as possible in order to follow the complaints procedure.

There are clear written procedures for dealing with situations where allegations of abuse are made against an adult or a child/young person within Safeline.

 

8.0      Whistle-Blowing Policy

Safeline is committed to achieving high standards of integrity and accountability and expects the same commitment from staff, volunteers and all persons working on behalf of Safeline.

Safeline aims to provide an open environment so that employees and those working for Safeline can raise issues they believe to be in the public interest, with the confidence that they will be acted upon appropriately.

Employees and all staff will be protected from detrimental treatment, victimisation or dismissal if they raise concerns.

The procedure complies with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.

Whistle-blowing is a formal raising of concerns that are in the public interest (referred to as public interest disclosure).  Please refer to the staff handbook for further information about Whistle Blowing.

Examples of concerns include:
  • Criminal offences
  • Failure to comply with legal obligations
  • Actions which endanger the health and safety of an individual
  • Actions which cause damage to the environment
  • Actions intended to conceal the above

Safeline encourages staff to raise concerns with their line managers or the CEO.

A written record will be created detailing: –

  • what is alleged by the employee
  • the action to be taken
  • a whistle-blowing investigation log commenced
  • incident reported to CEO/Trustees as appropriate
  • referral to the Police or other independent body

If the employee believes that they are unable to raise the matter with Safeline management or that the organisation has failed to take appropriate actions they may refer the matter to the Board of Trustees.

Concerns raised in confidence:

Where a concern is raised in confidence Safeline will protect the identity of the whistle-blower.  However, there will be circumstances where this is not possible for example where the whistle-blower is an essential witness and Safeline would be unable to investigate the situation further without revealing the whistle-blower’s identity.  Anonymous concerns will be considered but may prove difficult or impossible to investigate.

 

9.0 Responding Appropriately to an adult at risk Making an Allegation of Abuse

Do’s and Don’ts
  • Stay calm.
  • Listen carefully to what is said.
  • Find an appropriate early opportunity to explain that it is likely that the information will need to be shared with others – do not promise to keep secrets.
  • Tell the adult at risk that the matter will only be disclosed to those who need to know about it.
  • Allow the adult at risk to continue at her/his own pace.
  • Ask questions for clarification only, and always avoid asking questions that suggest a particular answer.
  • Reassure the adult at risk that they have done the right thing in telling you.
  • Tell them what you will do next, and with whom the information will be shared.
  • Record in writing what was said, using the adult at risk’s own words as soon as possible – note the date, time, any names mentioned, to whom the information was given and ensure that the record is signed and dated.
  • It is important to remember that the person who first encounters a case of alleged abuse is not responsible for deciding whether abuse has occurred.  That is a task for the Warwickshire County Council Adult Safeguarding Team, following a referral from the DSL in the organisation.

Safeline believes and seeks to adhere to the principle that children/ adults at risk should be given every opportunity to learn that no one has the right to do anything to them that makes them feel uncomfortable. They have the right to not accept any behaviour from adults and children within the organisation that makes them feel threatened.

  • Always put the care needs welfare and safety of a child/ adult at risk first.
  • Respect a child’s/ adult at risk’s right to be involved in making choices and decisions which directly affect them.
  • Respect a person’s right to personal privacy
  • Ensure that when you are working with children/ adults at risk you are not in sight or hearing distance of another adult.
  • Never engage in sexually provocative games or discussion with an adult at risk
  • Never allow yourself or others to touch an adult at risk in a sexually provocative manner
  • Never make sexually suggestive comments to a child/ adult at risk even in jest.
  • Do not engage in rough or physical contact with a child/ adult at risk
  • Never form inappropriate emotional or physical relationships with a child/ adult at risk.
  • Never harass or intimidate an adult at risk because of their age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, socio economic class or disability.
  • Never invite a child/ adult at risk to your home or offer a lift in a car
  • Never let allegations, made by anyone, go unacknowledged, unresolved or be failed to be acted upon.

Staff/workers should be aware of the potential for misunderstandings when touching children/ adults at risk. If it is an accepted part of an activity touching should be appropriate to the situation and follow accepted guidelines where they exist. Consoling a child / adult at risk who is distressed, administering first aid or supporting an individual in an activity is acceptable and necessary behaviour.

Staff/volunteers should endeavour to minimise any possible misunderstandings of their actions.

 

10.0    How information should be recorded

All responses to allegation or suspicions of abuse involving children/ adults at risk will be recorded in the Safeguarding Register. The register will be reviewed on a weekly basis by at least two of the Designated Safeguarding Leads and action taken as appropriate to ensure all adults at risk are protected from harm.

 

11.0    e-Safety Policy  

This policy and the procedures that it underpins apply to all staff, including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, volunteers and sessional workers, agency staff, students and anyone working on behalf of Safeline.

  • to protect adults at risk who receive Safeline’s services and who make use of information technology (such as mobile phones, games consoles and the Internet) as part of their involvement with us
  • to provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to e-safety
  • to ensure that, as an organisation, we operate in line with our values and within the law in terms of how we use information technology
We recognise that:
  • the welfare of the adults at risk who come into contact with our services is paramount and should govern our approach to the use and management of electronic communications technologies
  • All people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • the use of information technology is an essential part of all our lives; it is involved in how we as an organisation gather and store information, as well as how we communicate with each other. It is also an intrinsic part of the experience of our children and young people, and is greatly beneficial to all. However, it can present challenges in terms of how we use it responsibly and, if misused either by an adult or a young person, can be actually or potentially harmful to them
We will seek to promote e-safety by:
  • appointing e-safety coordinators
  • developing a range of procedures that provide clear and specific directions to staff and volunteers on the appropriate use of ICT;
  • supporting and encouraging the adults at risk using our service to use the opportunities offered by mobile phone technology and the internet in a way that keeps themselves safe and shows respect for others;
  • use our procedures to deal firmly, fairly and decisively with any examples of inappropriate ICT use, complaints or allegations, whether by an adult or a child/young person (these may include breaches of filtering, illegal use, cyberbullying, or use of ICT to groom a child or to perpetrate abuse);
  • reviewing and updating the security of our information systems regularly;
  • providing adequate physical security for ICT equipment; ensuring that user names, logins and passwords are used effectively;
  • using only official email accounts provided via the organisation, and monitoring these as necessary;
  • ensuring that the personal information of staff, volunteers and service users (including service users’ names) are not published on our website;
  • ensuring that images service users are used only after their written permission has been obtained, and only for the purpose for which consent has been given;
  • any social media tools used in the course of our work with adults at risk must be risk assessed in advance by the member of staff wishing to use them;
  • providing effective management for staff and volunteers on ICT issues, through supervision, support and training;
  • examining and risk assessing any emerging new technologies before they are used within the organisation.

The name of our e-safety coordinators are Colin Walker, Liz Harrison and Liz Welsh. They can be contacted on 01926 402498.

 

12.0    Confidentiality  Policy

The sharing of ANY information with additional agencies should only be undertaken following consultation with the Designated Safeguarding Leads and in conjunction with the CEO if necessary and wherever possible with the person’s consent.

Regarding allegations against members of staff the Designated Safeguarding Lead in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer will decide on which agencies will be notified following a detailed risk assessment.

 

13.0    Links with other Safeline policies/ procedures

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following Safeline policy documents.

  • Safeguarding – Child Protection Policy
  • Confidentiality Policy
  • Suicide Risk Policy
  • Staff Handbook
  • Compliments and Complaints Policy
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Whistle Blowing Policy
  • ICT Policy
General Data Protection Regulations

This policy should be read in conjunction with Safeline’s Data Protection Policy and complies with the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) dated May 2018.

It is the responsibility of all staff members/volunteers working within Safeline to record and report adult at risk protection concerns, i.e. where they believe an adult at risk is at risk of abuse, or significant harm.  This responsibility extends to all staff and volunteers and not just those specifically working with an adult at risk.

 

14.0    Guidelines for Staff/Volunteers/Sessional Workers on When to Take Action & How
14.a    Any rumour, suspicion or knowledge of any abuse of any adult at risk, must be reported immediately in person or by telephone to Safeline’s DSL,

Safeline’s DSL will refer to the social worker where available or the Adult Safeguarding Team with details of facts only and without any personal opinions or interpretations. The parent/carer/representative of the adult at risk will be informed provided they are not involved in the abuse allegation. Safeline staff/volunteers/Sessional Worker should not attempt to investigate any allegations on their own.

If the abuse allegation is made against a member of Safeline staff/volunteer/Sessional Worker, the matter should be reported immediately to the CEO and or the Trustee representative for Safeguarding:

Sara Shoreman (Designated Safeguarding Trustee)

Queries can also be made directly with the Warwickshire County Council Safeguarding Adults Team (App.2) if the case is urgent.

If the allegation does not concern sexual or physical abuse and is of a minor    nature, the concern should be logged as a Safeguarding concern and discussed at the DSL meeting to decide on the best way to support the adult at risk.

14.b    When an adult at risk makes a disclosure of abuse to you ensure you respond correctly by following the guidelines below.
  • allow them to speak without interruption
  • never trivialize or exaggerate the issue
  • never make suggestions
  • never coach or lead them in any way
  • reassure them, let them know you are glad they have spoken up and that they are right to do so
  • always ask enough questions to clarify your understanding, do not probe or interrogate, no matter how well you know them.
  • spare them having to repeat themselves over and over
  • be honest. Let them know that you cannot keep this a secret, you will need to tell someone else.
  • try to remain calm and exercise patience. Remember this is not an easy thing for them to do.
  • do not show your emotions. If you show anger, disgust or disbelief, they may stop talking. This may be because they feel they are upsetting you or they may feel your ‘negative’ feelings are directed towards them
  • let them know that you are taking the matter very seriously
  • make them feel secure and safe without causing them any further anxiety.
  • Check out how they are really feeling and do not avoid the subjects of self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts. Explore any feelings to ensure there is no serious and immediate intent.
14.c    Confidentiality

Confidentiality and trust should be maintained as far as possible, but staff and volunteers must act on the basis that the safety of the adult at risk is the overriding concern.  The degree of confidentiality will be governed by the need to protect the adult at risk. should be informed at the earliest the disclosure, that the information will be passed on.  All conversations regarding an adult at risk should always be held in private.

Safeline complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998, which           allows for disclosure of personal data where this is necessary to protect the vital           interests of an adult at risk.

Whatever happens, always be open and honest with the adult at risk of your          intention to take the case further.

You must not discuss the case with anyone other than those involved in the case.  If you have any concerns about the progress of the case or have any other concerns these must be discussed with the DSL/CEO/Trustee acting.

14.d    Allegations Against Staff/Volunteers/Sessional Workers

The primary concern of Safeline is to ensure the safety of the adult at risk. It is essential in all cases of suspected abuse by a member staff that action is taken quickly and professionally whatever the validity.

There could be occasions where an adult at risk will accuse a member of staff/volunteer of physically or sexually abusing them. In some cases, this may be false or unfounded. However, in some cases the allegations may be true.

Any instance of an adult at risk being abused by a member of staff is    particularly serious. On the other hand, for an innocent person to be accused of      such an act, is a serious ordeal which can result in long term damage to their health and career.

If any member of staff/volunteer/sessional worker suspects any other member of staff/volunteer/sessional worker of abusing a Safeline user, it is their responsibility to bring these concerns to the CEO        who should inform the designated safeguarding Trustee.

If the allegation concerns the CEO or a trustee, the matter should be discussed directly with the Chair of Trustees.

 14.e   The member of staff will be advised to:
  • contact their union representative if they have one or a legal adviser
  • keep records of all conversations, meetings attended, letters received and telephone calls relating to the allegation.
 14.f   If a decision is made to pursue an allegation of abuse against a member of staff, this will be dealt with under Safeline’s disciplinary procedures related to adult at risk abuse allegations.
14.g  CODE OF BEHAVIOUR ON ADULT AT RISK PROTECTION FOR SAFELINE’S STAFF/VOLUNTEERS/SESSIONAL WORKER

Safeline recognises that it is not practical to provide definitive instructions that   would apply to all situations at all times whereby staff and volunteers come into   contact with adults at risk and to guarantee the protection of adults at risk and     Safeline’s staff and volunteers.

However, below are the standards of behaviour required of staff or volunteers who work in an unpaid capacity on behalf of Safeline in order to fulfill their roles. This code should assist in the protection of both adults at risk and members of staff and volunteers

Staff/volunteers must implement the Adult at Risk Protection Policy and Procedures at all times.

14.h    Staff must never:
  • engage in rough, physical games including horseplay with service users
  • allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind
  • do things of a personal nature for service users that they can do for themselves
  • physically restrain a service user unless the restraint is to prevent physical injury of the person or anybody else. In all circumstances physical restraint must be appropriate and reasonable, otherwise the action can be defined as assault
  • make sexually suggestive comments to or within earshot of a service user.
  • Invite a service user on their own and into their own vehicle, unless this is as a part of the ISVA role. Also, it is essential that there is adequate insurance for the vehicle to cover transporting service users as part of the business of your work. In extreme emergencies (for medical purposes) where it is required to transport a service user on their own, it is essential that a line manager is notified immediately
  • spend time alone with a service user on his/her own, outside of the normal working relationship, i.e. a counselling sessions or private meeting
  • engage in a personal relationship with a service user, beyond that appropriate for your professional role/relationship.
14.i     Implications for staff, volunteers and sessional workers

Staff who breach any of the above may be subject to the disciplinary procedure or, if volunteers, the complaints procedure. If an allegation against a member of staff has occurred then an investigation will be carried out in accordance with the Complaints Procedure

14.j     Action to be taken if you receive an allegation about yourself.
  • Keep calm. Do not get involved in an argument which is likely to make the situation worse.
  • Immediately inform your line manager. The quicker that action is taken to investigate the allegations, the sooner the situation will be resolved.
  • Record the facts as you understand them.
  • Ensure that no-one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise. Do not contact another agency involved with the service user or the person concerned.
  • Await further contact from your line manager.
14.k    Action to be taken if you suspect an abuse of trust has occurred
  • Discuss your suspicions with your line manager.
  • Record the facts which support your suspicions
  • Once your suspicions have been passed on to the appropriate person, you should have no further involvement.
14.l     Whatever the nature of the complaint, it must be kept confidential. You must not discuss the disclosure with any individual or party other than those identified in the above procedure.

 

We are committed to reviewing our policy, procedures and good practice annually.

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SAFEGUARDING – ADULTS AT RISK PROTECTION POLICY

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