SAFEGUARDING SERVICE USERS WHO ARE AT SIGNIFICANT RISK OF HARM POLICY
Policy Statement
This document outlines Beyond Move’s policy in relation to the special arrangements for, particularly vulnerable service users. These might be people with complex needs, people with progressive forms of dementia, severe learning disabilities, etc — the description and definition will vary with the type of home].
Beyond Move understands the definition of “vulnerable adult” or “adult at risk of harm” to be a person aged 18 years or over who has care and support needs because of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.
All the attendees at the studio are likely to be somewhat vulnerable through poor health or disability and may need protection from hazards which would present little problem to people in sound health and without disabilities. A minority of our service users are particularly vulnerable or at risk in ways which need to be specifically identified and addressed; this vulnerability may be permanent or temporary, and it may involve all or only some of their activities.
It is not possible or sensible to aim for a lifestyle for vulnerable service users which is free from risk. Indeed, many service users find the taking of risks an essential, and sometimes desirable, element in the way they live.
We consider that service users, except for a small minority in whom the lack of capacity to take responsible decisions about their own welfare (and who might be subject to Court of Protection/Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards processes) has been specifically identified and agreed, should retain the right to take decisions about risks for themselves and we aim to encourage that element in service users’ continued independence. Some, but not all, may want a family member, friend or representative to be involved in decisions about situations in which they might be especially vulnerable.
Beyond Move considers that everyone involved with vulnerable adults have a duty to protect them from the taking of unacceptable risks and to keep them safe.
With the above issues in mind the home adopts the following approach and procedures, which it considers are in line with its duty of care and the regulatory framework in which it operates. For example, the Care Act 2014 requires care services to promote people’s wellbeing while at the same time keeping them safe from harm. The “Fundamental Standards” Regulations (2014) require providers to deliver person-centred care within a care environment and ethos that also ensures service users’ safety.
Assessment of Care Needs
Before we agree to accept a client, we will always ensure that a thorough assessment of the prospective service user’s needs has been undertaken, either by the referring agency or under our own procedures, as the basis for a service user plan of care. The assessment will include the identification of service users who are especially at risk of harm (through, for example, a permanent physical disability) or who have specific areas or times of special vulnerability (such as a recurrent illness or the need for end-of-life care). The person's vulnerability will be reassessed when the service user’s care of plan is reviewed or more frequently if circumstances alter.
Risk Assessment
Any situation which might carry a significant risk will have a formal risk assessment by a trained and qualified person at the time of the drawing up or revision of the care plan. Each risk assessment will list the possible benefits of taking the risk against the possible adverse outcomes, the precautions which should be taken, and the arrangements for reconsidering the matter when appropriate. These factors and the conclusion of the risk assessment will be recorded in the care plan, and the responsibility of the home's staff in relation to any risk likely to be faced by the service user will be clarified. Risk assessments will be reviewed at regular intervals or whenever circumstances change significantly or a new risk arises.
Sources of Danger for Service Users with Specific Vulnerabilities
The assessment of need will consider all sources of possible danger. These include the service user’s own behaviour, illnesses or disabilities, the living environment, specifically dangerous items including medicines, the actions of other people regularly or occasionally present in the home, and situations arising if a resident leaves the premises. The home’s capacity to react to some of these sources of risk will be recognised and considered in the care plan, but it may, with the service user’s permission, be possible to alert other people or agencies who can provide advice or take appropriate action to minimise any danger.
Changes to Agreed Action Following a Risk Assessment
If a particularly vulnerable service user does not follow the action agreed in relation to the assessment of any risk and therefore puts themselves in unacceptable danger, Beyond Move’s staff will consider with the service user whether any further action is required, for example, the seeking of a Deprivation of Liberty authorisation (if the person might lack mental capacity), discussion with family members or other professionals, revision of the risk assessment and care plan, or in extreme circumstances the resident’s moving from the home. Any discussion and the action taken will be fully recorded.
Involving Others in Decisions about Vulnerable Service Users
Except for the small minority for whom the lack of capacity to take responsible decisions about their own welfare has been specifically identified and agreed, our service users retain the right to take decisions about the risks they choose to take. In decisions about care or risk-taking we will only involve others — family members, friends, representatives or other professionals — with the specific permission of the service user.
Any action taken to safeguard a service user who is at risk using this policy and its procedures should ensure the participation of the person throughout the process wherever possible.
All staff are expected to respect the right of the adult at risk to make their own decisions regarding their present and future circumstances wherever that adult can make informed choices. This must include decisions relating to situations perceived by professionals or others to be risky or dangerous. In such cases, the person should be given information about the options available to them that could protect them from abuse. Whatever their decision, however, a service user’s wishes must never be allowed to undermine Beyond Move’s responsibility to act.
Circumstances, where it is suspected that the service user does not have the mental capacity to be able to make an informed choice, will be addressed under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Decisions are taken by those planning the protection of the service user, based on the assessment of their mental capacity. Such decisions must be based on a judgment of what is in the best interests of the person, informed, where appropriate, by a discussion with relatives and carers. Any action taken should be proportionate to the assessed level of risk and must respect the right of the service user to confidentiality. Where the assessment indicates that an advocate is required this should be provided.
Inter-agency Working
Beyond Move recognises the complexity often involved in working for the protection of adults at risk of harm and is aware of the benefits to be gained from good multi-disciplinary and inter-agency working. All staff are required to work actively together with other agencies on the prevention, identification, investigation, and treatment of alleged, suspected, or confirmed abuse and management of risk. The local safeguarding authority will be contacted in line with its safeguarding policies and procedures.
Staff
We will ensure that all staff having contact with particularly vulnerable service users are adequately trained and appropriately experienced to provide the best possible service. Where a service user presents an area of vulnerability outside the experience of the staff allocated to their care, the staff will be given specific briefing or training. Qualified and experienced senior staff supervise care workers, who always have access to a responsible and competent person for advice and support.
Charging for Services
If the fact that a service user is especially vulnerable significantly affects the way in which our service needs to be provided or calls for special training or preparation of the responsible staff, this may be reflected in the agreed fees.
Training
All staff members receive training to make sure they understand the home’s policy regarding adults at risk who need specific measures to keep them fully safe.
Staff receive further and more specialised training in the care of adults at high risk of harm in line with their roles and responsibilities.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY FOR CHILDREN
Beyond Move works with children and families as part of its activities such as children exercise classes e.g pilates, yoga, dance classes, parties.
The purpose of this policy statement is:
To protect children and young people who receive [name of group/organisation]’s services. This includes the children of adults who use our services
To provide parents, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection
This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of Beyond Move, including senior, managers, paid staff, volunteers, sessional, workers, agency staff, contractors and students.
Legal framework
This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England. A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/childprotection.
We believe that:
Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind
We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them
We recognise that:
The welfare of the child is paramount
All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues
Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies are essential in promoting young people’s welfare
We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:
Valuing, listening to and respecting them
Appointing a nominated child protection/safeguarding lead, a deputy child protection/safeguarding lead and a lead trustee/board member for safeguarding
Developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice
Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents, families and carers appropriately
Creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise developing and implementing effective online safety policy and related procedures
Sharing information about child protection and safeguarding best practice with children, their families, staff and volunteers via leaflets, posters, group work and one-to-one discussions
Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures
Implementing a code of conduct for staff and volunteers
Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately
Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place
Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance
Recording and storing information professionally and securely.
Related policies and procedures
This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies and procedures, including:
Procedures for responding to concerns about a child or young person’s wellbeing
Dealing with allegations of abuse against a child or young person
Role of the designated safeguarding officer
Managing allegations against staff and volunteers
Safer recruitment policy and procedures
Adult to child supervision ratios
Code of conduct for staff and volunteers
Anti-bullying policy and procedures
Online safety policy and procedures for responding to concerns about online abuse
Photography and image sharing guidance
Child protection records retention and storage policy
Whistleblowing policy
Contact details
Nominated child protection lead
Name: Noemi Nagy-Bhavsar
Phone/email: 07870 066 384
noemi.nagybhavsar@gmail.com
Please find more details and information from NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000
We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually.