Introduction
The Disability Connect Mentoring Scheme is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults that we work with. It applies to all members of staff and anyone working on behalf of the Disability Connect Mentoring Scheme. The Disability Connect Mentoring Scheme does not work or come into contact with individuals under 18 years old. This policy is the Safeguarding Policy for the Disability Connect Mentoring Scheme which will be used to ensure that:
- excellent safeguarding practice is promoted at the Disability Connect Mentoring Scheme;
- all adults who engage with the Disability Connect Mentoring Scheme are treated with dignity and respect;
- all employees, volunteers, interns, advisors, trustees and other stakeholders know what to do in the event of a safeguarding incident and make informed and confident responses to specific safeguarding issues; and
- all safeguarding incidents are dealt with consistently and properly recorded.
Principles upon which the Safeguarding Policy is based;
- Empowerment - Presumption of person led decisions and informed consent.
- Prevention - It is better to take action before harm occurs.
- Proportionality – Proportionate and least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
- Protection - Support and representation for those in greatest need.
- Accountability - Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.
What do we mean by safeguarding?
The Care Act 2014 put the safeguarding of adults on a statutory footing. Safeguarding is defined as “Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect” (Care and support statutory guidance, chapter 14 Safeguarding) . Adult safeguarding is about preventing and responding to concerns of abuse, harm or neglect of adults at risk.
Where is this policy available?
This policy is available on our website disabilityconnect.org.uk and by e-mailing info@disabilityconnect.org.uk
Escalation process
Stage 1 – identifying an incident or concern
All stakeholders have a responsibility to be mindful and aware of adult safeguarding issues. It is not the stakeholder’s responsibility to decide whether the safeguarding incident requires investigation or further action, but each stakeholder has a responsibility to act on any concerns through escalating the matter as set out in this policy. Abuse could happen anywhere in a physical place or in an online environment.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the main types of abuse that all stakeholders should be aware of. Further information about possible signs and symptoms can be found online by visiting the NHS webpage on safeguarding or the Social Care Institute of Excellence webpages on safeguarding.
- Physical abuse - This type of abuse involves hitting, kicking, spitting and biting. It can also involve restraining someone, making someone intentionally uncomfortable or withholding food, water or medication.
- Emotional Abuse - This type of abuse includes including emotional abuse, neglect, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks.
- Sexual Abuse - This type of abuse involves forcing or enticing an individual to take part in sexual activities. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative or non-penetrative acts and may include non-contact activities.
- Online Abuse - This type of abuse can happen when content t illegal, inappropriate or harmful material is being exposed, individuals are being subject to harmful online interactions with other users, or where personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm; for example making, sending and receiving explicit images, or online bullying.
- Discriminatory abuse - This type of abuse includes forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of age, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, socio-economic background, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. • Organisational or institutional abuse - This type of abuse includes neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care. This may range from one-off incidents to ongoing ill-treatment.
- Financial or material abuse - This type of abuse can involve 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
- Modern slavery - This type of abuse encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. If modern slavery is suspected we may also use the National Referral Mechanism.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of issues or incidents which require escalation in accordance with this policy:
- Failing to protect adults from physical harm or danger;
- Failure to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment;
- Sudden changes in an adult’s behaviour or performance;
- Unexplained lack of money or inability to maintain lifestyle; and
- Any physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Stage 2. Consulting about your concern
In the event of becoming aware of a potential adult safeguarding issue, the stakeholder must take the following steps:
- Take a detailed record of their concerns, focusing only on facts and not opinions or judgements.
- Report the incident to Steven Jones info@disabilityconnect.org.uk 07599115615 as soon as possible, following your awareness of the incident.
- You should not attempt to investigate the incident or suspected incident yourself.
- If the adult is at immediate risk of significant harm, you should contact the police or adult social services. You should then immediately contact Steven Jones when you have done so.
Review of Adult Safeguarding Policy
This policy will be reviewed on an on-going basis, but at least once a year, and suitable amendments will be made to the plan as required.