Safeguarding Adults at Risk

Introduction

Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome Support Group (RTSUK) have a responsibility to safeguard adults who are experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse and neglect.

This policy and procedure outlines what adult safeguarding is and what to do if you have a concern. The safeguarding children and young people policy, for those under the age of 18, is covered in a separate document Safeguarding Vulnerable Children & Adults Policy.

Policy statement

This organisation is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment for all people benefiting from or involved in our support and activities. It accepts its responsibility to assist in the welfare of all people and to safeguard them from poor practice, abuse and bullying.

All individuals within the organisation – members, volunteers, staff and trustees – have a role and responsibility to help ensure the safety and welfare of adults.

This organisation accepts that we are required to fulfil our duty of care, which means that we must do everything that can be reasonably expected of us to help safeguard and protect people from harm, and to act when we suspect that someone is being harmed,
or is at risk of harm.

What is Adult Safeguarding?

The official definition of “Adult safeguarding” is working with adults with care and support needs to keep them safe from abuse or neglect. It is an important part of what many public services and charities do, and a key responsibility of local authorities (Care Act 2014).

The safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:

• has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs)
• is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
• is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect, because of those care and support needs.

Adults who fulfil these criteria are ‘adults at risk’.

People can have a need for care and support for a variety of reasons – for example they may have a learning disability, a physical disability, a chronic health condition or have a mental health issue. Such conditions may bring with them additional vulnerabilities, however having care and support needs does not mean that people are automatically adults at risk and need safeguarding.

Safeguarding adults is underpinned by:

• The Care Act 2014
• Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005

Types of abuse suffered by adults identified in the Care Act 2014 are:

• Physical
• Sexual
• Psychological/Emotional/Mental
• Financial and material
• Neglect and act of omission
• Discriminatory
• Organisational
• Modern Day Slavery
• Domestic Violence
• Self Neglect – including hoarding

Other types of harm that adults may experience include:

• Cyber Bullying
• Forced Marriage
• Female Genital Mutilation
• Hate Crime
• Radicalisation

Safe recruitment and safeguarding training

RTSUK want to make sure that all our volunteers and staff have the right skills and qualities to create a safe environment. All directors, committee members, staff and volunteers will be subject to safe recruitment procedures including undergoing enhanced DBS checks. They and will also be updated with any relevant legislation, policies, and procedural changes. Appropriate training will also be identified and offered, including safeguarding adults training.

Communication

RTSUK will make available its Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures to all staff, volunteers, members, and partner organisations.

What to do if you have concerns about an adult member

RTSUK members, staff and volunteers are not expected to be an expert in recognition of a safeguarding concern; however, all adults working, volunteering, and participating have a duty of care to be vigilant and respond appropriately to suspicions of poor practice, abuse, or bullying. They should also respond to any indication of abuse that may be occurring outside of the organisation setting.

This does not mean that it is your responsibility to decide if a situation is poor practice, abuse, or bullying, but it is your responsibility to report your concerns to the (designated person within RTSUK).

If you cannot contact someone within the organisation or feel that your concerns are not being dealt with properly you can contact (the relevant authority – in case of emergency, the Police or else your local Adult Social Services Duty Officer).

Remember

It is not your duty to investigate concerns about an adult but don’t ignore them – talk to the adult if possible and get in touch with someone within your organisation or the local authority for advice.

What to do · pdf.