Safeguarding Policy

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Safeguarding Adults Policy

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC

Aims and Objectives

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC is dedicated to engaging in a collaborative approach across multiple agencies to safeguard adults at risk. This policy serves as a framework to guide staff in responding effectively to safeguarding concerns and ensuring the protection and support of our clients.

Scope of the policy

These procedures address the abuse of vulnerable clients by individuals in positions of trust, such as friends, relatives, carers, or staff, as well as instances where clients are targeted due to their vulnerability by strangers. They do not encompass incidents of abuse from Service Users towards staff, nor do they cover staff-to-staff harassment. However, certain aspects of the procedures may be applicable in such cases.

Definitions

Adult At Risk refers to individuals over 18 years old who may require community care services due to mental health, age, or illness, and who may lack the capacity to care for themselves or protect themselves from harm or exploitation. This term replaces "vulnerable adult" within this policy and its procedures. Staff should presume its relevance unless information suggests otherwise.

Safeguarding

This term encompasses all efforts aimed at enabling adults "who are or may be eligible for community care services" to maintain independence, well-being, and autonomy, thereby accessing their human right to a life free from abuse and neglect (Safeguarding Adults, ADaSS, 2005).

Harm encompasses not only ill treatment, including non-physical forms such as sexual abuse, but also any actions leading to the deterioration of physical or mental health, as well as hindering physical, intellectual, emotional, social, or behavioral development (No Secrets, 2000).

Abuse constitutes a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons (No Secrets, DoH, 2000).

"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, cited in Responding to Elder Abuse, CDNA, September 2003).

Abuse may be intentional or unintentional, resulting in harm or distress to the adult at risk either temporarily or over time, and can manifest in various forms, including physical, verbal, psychological, neglect, financial exploitation, or sexual coercion.

Principles of Safeguarding

● Prevention of abuse is paramount.

● Support individuals in safeguarding themselves or intervene where they are unable to make decisions about their safety.

● Listen to and take seriously the concerns expressed by adults at risk.

● Promote empowerment, independence, and well-being.

● Respect individuals' privacy, dignity, and right to an independent life.

● Uphold individuals' rights regardless of background or beliefs.

● Minimize risks through open discussion and collaboration.

● Respond effectively through partnership and least disruptive interventions.

Ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal frameworks.

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC's Responsibility

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC is responsible for ensuring that all staff are familiar with this policy, relevant procedures, and for periodically reviewing and updating them as necessary.

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC will:

● Implement recruitment and selection procedures to mitigate risks posed by potentially abusive employees, including triennial DBS checks for all staff and obtaining a minimum of two references.

● Provide comprehensive training and supervision for all staff to deliver services in accordance with best practice standards, integrating safeguarding into management practices.

● Incorporate safeguarding policy and procedures into staff induction programs.

● Offer appropriate support and supervision to staff dealing with abuse cases.

● Ensure clients are educated on identifying and reporting abuse concerns, both internally and externally.

● Foster understanding of appropriate staff-client boundaries through policy discussions.

● Facilitate easy access to information on voicing concerns or complaints internally and externally.

Maintain a whistle-blowing policy in alignment with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and offer support to staff exposing malpractice.

Director's Responsibilities

The Director’s, or their delegate’s, will provide leadership on safeguarding matters by establishing strategies, objectives, and priorities, including:

● Developing a sound understanding of safeguarding issues.

● Ensuring policy and procedures align with local protocols.

● Raising awareness about preventing and recognizing adult abuse.

● Informing relevant statutory and regulatory authorities of safeguarding concerns.

● Offering guidance and support to staff, emphasizing their partnership role.

● Promoting a culture of learning and improvement.

Reporting safeguarding issues annually.

For initial advice, contact the current Safeguarding lead, Toni Denton or Sarah McKimm (Director’s)

Staff, Students/Trainees, and Volunteers' Responsibilities

● Act promptly to safeguard individuals.

● Be vigilant regarding the risk of neglect, harm, or abuse, and report concerns to the Director.

● Take action whenever encountering a person believed to be at risk of abuse or exploitation.

● Collaborate with partner agencies and share best practices.

● Ensure that their actions or omissions do not jeopardize the safety of adults at risk.Maintain a relationship with clients based on trust and respect, avoiding any behavior that could be construed as abusive.

Policies

Distinguish between "alert" (within the organization) and "referral" (to the safeguarding partnership process).

Alert

Take all allegations or suspicions of abuse seriously and respond promptly and appropriately.

Contact emergency services (999) if the adult at risk is in imminent danger or requires urgent medical attention. Notify the Director immediately of any concerns or information indicating potential abuse. Record incidents, concerns, and actions taken objectively and clearly, and share them with the Director. Inform the adult at risk that information about abuse cannot be kept confidential, and they will need to be shared with the Director.

Referral

● Discuss the situation with the Director promptly after the alert.

● Gather all relevant information and determine the appropriate course of action.

● Make a referral to the Adult Social Care Contact Centre (Leeds) Gateway if abuse is suspected.

● Respect the autonomy of adults with capacity unless specific circumstances warrant intervention.

● Inform the client if a referral is made without their consent, agreeing on a framework for ongoing support and monitoring.

● Contacting Emergency Services

● Contact the police early to determine if a crime has been committed and to preserve evidence.

● Notify the Director immediately if the alleged abuser is a staff member.

● Recording Information

● Maintain clear and objective records of all information and actions taken in case notes and RISK forms.

● Document dates, times, names, and relevant details comprehensively.

● Ensure that all records adhere to data protection regulations.

Handling Allegations

Refer allegations involving staff to the Director for appropriate action, including following disciplinary procedures if necessary.

Notify partner agencies if another client is suspected of abuse.

Conduct formal investigations into allegations of abuse as needed, particularly if staff or emergency services are involved.

Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy Service

Work with the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) in cases where adults lack capacity and safeguarding measures are necessary.

Communication and Information Sharing

Exchange information securely and in accordance with data protection regulations to protect adults at risk.

Internal Reporting and Monitoring

Send copies of all RISK forms and safeguarding referrals to the Director.

Provide an annual summary of safeguarding referrals and investigations to the Board of Trustees.

This policy and its associated procedures underscore Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC's commitment to safeguarding adults at risk and promoting their well-being and autonomy.

Disseminating and reviewing the policy and procedure 

This policy will be reviewed biennially to ensure that it reflects changes and developments in safeguarding policy.

To make a referral you can call Leeds Adult Social Care Contact Centre on 0113 2224401 (Text phone for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people 0113 2224410) (8am – 6pm Mon-Fri, excluding Bank Holidays). And tell them you wish to make a Safeguarding Adults referral 

If immediate action is needed, contact the emergency services on 999 

If you need to report a crime but it is not an emergency, telephone the police on 101 Appendix 1 

Useful Contacts in Leeds 

If you’re not sure what to do you can call the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Partnership Support Unit for advice on 0113 2243511 or e mail safeguarding.adults@leeds.gov.uk