Avon Valley Dementia Support
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Introduction
Charity Commission
“Certain types of charity are set up to assist or care for those who are particularly vulnerable. By vulnerable the Charity Commission means children or younger people under 18 years of age or adults who are in receipt of a regulated activity. Charity Trustees are responsible for ensuring that those benefiting from, or working with their charity, are not harmed in any way through contact with it. They have a legal duty to act prudently and this means that they must take all reasonable steps- within their power to ensure that this does not happen. It is particularly important where beneficiaries are vulnerable persons or children in the community. Trustees are expected to find out what the relevant law is, how it applies to their organisation, and to comply with it where appropriate. They should also adopt best practice as far as possible.
Safeguarding
Charity Commission
“Trustees of charities which work with vulnerable groups, must also act in their best interests and ensure that they take all reasonable steps to prevent harm to them. Having safeguards in place within an organisation not only protects and promotes the welfare of vulnerable adults but also enhances the confidence of trustees, staff, all volunteers, families, carers and the general public.
The Commissioner’s role aims to ensure that charities working with, or providing services to vulnerable beneficiaries protect them as best they can and minimise the risk of abuse.
What is Abuse?
There are no uniform or comprehensive definitions of abuse, it is important to define abuse so that there is a clearer understanding of what abuse involves and what appropriate action may need to be taken. The selected definition below captures the meaning of abuse and helps us to understand the importance of safeguarding the people we serve in our Avon Valley Dementia Support Groups.
“Elder Abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person”. Action on Elder Abuse:
One of the key words in the above definition is TRUST. We need to have an awareness and if needed know how to take appropriate action. Out people with dementia and their families trust us implicitly and our aim must be to safeguard them all.
A concern may result as follows:
A direct disclosure by the vulnerable adult or perpetrator
An Observation by a Trustee or volunteer
An expression of concern or complaint made by another person
If there is seen to be immediate danger to a person then your Leader must be informed immediately and a call made to the emergency services.
Where abuse is disclosed and/or identified the Leader must contact a responsible person i.e. an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Worker or if unable to contact the DSW then contact must be made direct to the safeguarding team at Adult Services.
IMPORTANT: All actions must be recorded, dated and signed. These must be contemporaneous, and it is essential that they continued to be recorded.
All details must be included in the client’s notes, so they can be passed to the Dementia Support Worker and later if necessary, to the Safeguarding team at Adult Services.
All details must be included in the notes, so they can be passed on as outlined above.
If you have written something you feel is incorrect do not change it, just write “written in error”.
The do’s and don’ts for safeguarding
DO
Act on any concerns, suspicions or doubts. Inform your Leader immediately.
Make sure the person is not in any immediate danger.
Listen attentively and take notice of body language.
Take it seriously even if the person is not making much sense immediately.
If you are shocked try not to show it, remain calm and non-judgemental.
Record the words the person uses, ensure date and time is also recorded.
Record any visible evidence of injury.
Remember it is not your responsibility to handle the situation
Contacts made are strictly on a need to know basis only.
Don’t
Take it lightly or make a joke of it.
Dismiss or disbelieve what you have been told.
Do not promise complete confidentiality – you are legally obliged to pass on the information to your Leader.
Ask probing questions
Be judgemental or jump to conclusions
Rush the person.
Throw away the interim notes you have made.
Contaminate or disturb any evidence.
Important factors that must be noted by all Trustees.
Confirmation that the policy is approved, endorsed and reviewed by the board or trustee annually or when legislation changes.
A commitment to inform all beneficiaries and carers of the policy and procedures as appropriate.
A commitment to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of staff, trustees and volunteers.
A reference to the principles, legislation and guidance that underpin the policy.
The arrangements for the policy and procedures to be reviewed on a regular basis, and after any safeguarding incident.
A reference to other associated policies such as anti-bullying; health and safety protection on-going; and photography.
The whistle blowing procedures for trustees and volunteers.
A named Designated Person (and deputy) with a clearly defined role and responsibility in relation to problem.
Revised contact details for (an appropriate) vulnerable elderly person or carer with appropriate help lines.
Safe recruitment, selection and vetting procedure which include checks on the suitability of all trustees and volunteers who have direct or indirect contact with at risk adults.
Systems to ensure that all staff and volunteers working with vulnerable adults are approved, monitored and supervised.
Any trustee or volunteer working on a one to one basis with a vulnerable person must be DBS checked.
Gilda Newsham - Secretary
4th July 2020