ConGens Safeguarding Adults Policy

1. Our Commitment

1.1. ConGens is committed to practices that protect adults from harm and which create a ‘safer’ environment that promotes well-being and security.

1.2. Staff (paid and volunteers) in this organisation recognise and accept their responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues that may cause harm to adults and promote the concept of the individual’s right to be treated with respect and dignity and live in safety.

2. Definitions

2.1. The term ‘Adult with care and support needs’ was introduced in the Care Act 2014 and has now replaced the terms ‘Vulnerable Adult’ or ‘Adult at Risk’. The Wolverhampton Safeguarding Adults Board agreed definition of an Adult with Care and Support Needs is:

  • 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 is unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.

2.2. Abuse For the purpose of the Safeguarding Adults with Care and Support Needs policy and procedures the term abuse is defined as:

  • a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons Abuse may be:
  • a single act or repeated acts
  • an act of neglect or a failure to act
  • multiple acts (e.g. an adult at risk may be neglected and financially abused).

2.3. Significant Harm The Care Act 2014 describes the concept of ‘significant harm’ as: “…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 of physical, emotional, social or behavioural development”. [Law Commission 1995] The importance of this definition is that, in deciding what action to take, consideration must be given not only to the immediate impact on and risk to the person, but also to the risk of future, longer-term harm.

3. Purpose of this Policy

3.1. The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework to help us ensure that any adult with care and support needs receiving any form of support, service, training, advice or guidance through ConGens, is protected from all forms of exploitation and abuse.

3.2. It is based on, and interprets, legislation and substantial guidance (including Human Rights Act 1998, ‘Safeguarding Adults: multi-agency policy and procedures for the West Midlands’, Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) – including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice, Care Standards Act 2000, Local Practice Guidance for partner agencies), Care Act 2014 to take preventative measures to protect Adults with Care and Support Needs from abuse: domestic; physical; sexual; psychological/emotional; financial or material; neglect and acts of omission; organisational; discriminatory; self neglect; and modern slavery.

3.3. We believe that our current arrangements reflect the level of risk associated with our services. Our policy is to ensure so far as is possible that all who work with ConGens, maintain a proper focus on safeguarding.

4. Principles

4.1. The welfare of Adults with Care and Support Needs is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting them from abuse. Adults have a lot to gain from the services our organisation provides. Our programmes provide an excellent opportunity for participants to learn new skills, grow in confidence and maximise their potential.

4.2. This policy is based on the following principles:

4.2.1. The welfare of Adults with Care and Support Needs is the primary concern.

4.2.2. All Adults with Care and Support Needs have the right to protection from abuse whatever their:

  • Age*
  • Disability*
  • Gender re assignment*
  • Marriage / civil partnership status*
  • Culture
  • Pregnancy / maternity status*
  • Race*
  • Religion or belief*
  • Sex*
  • Class / socio economic background
  • Language
  • Sexual orientation*

* protected groups under the Equality Act 2010

4.2.3. Key Principles from the Care Act 2014 – all adult safeguarding work should reflect the following key principles. [Note: The Principles are not in order of priority; they are all of equal importance.]

Principles

Empowerment – People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent. “I” Statements I am consulted about the outcomes I want from the safeguarding process, and these directly inform what happens.

Prevention – It is better to take action before harm occurs. I am provided with easily understood information about what abuse is, how to recognise the signs and what I can do to seek help.

Proportionality – The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need. I am confident that the responses to risk will take into account my preferred outcomes or best interests. I am provided with help and support to report abuse. I am supported to take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want and to which I am able.

Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse. I am confident that information will be appropriately shared in a way that takes into account its personal and sensitive nature. I am confident that agencies will work together to find the most effective responses for my own situation.

Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. I am clear about the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the solution to the problem.

Our full policy document is available on request.