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GEARS+ Ltd fully recognises its responsibilities for protecting vulnerable adults. A vulnerable adult is a person who is 18 years and over who is or may be unable to take care of him or her self, or unable to protect him or her self against significant harm or exploitation. For the purposes of this policy this may include a person who: - Has a learning disability
- Has a physical disability
- Is a substance misuser
- Has a mental or personality disorder
- Is homeless
Our policy applies to all staff, directors and volunteers working in the business. All staff and volunteers are carefully recruited, using the appropriate safeguards that help to keep dangerous people out of our services and all staff that come in regular contact with service users are made aware of the vulnerability of some of our users to abuse and are taught to recognise and respond appropriately to suspicions, allegations or abuse. A structured programme of induction is provided for all new staff that takes account of their level of knowledge about learning disability and vulnerability. Induction will ensure that employees know what behaviour is and is not acceptable, understand what might constitute abuse and who should be informed if abuse is suspected. Raising awareness of protection issues and equipping participants with the skills
needed to keep them safe. Developing and then implementing procedures for identifying and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse. Supporting individuals who have been abused in accordance with his/her wishes. Establishing a safe environment in which people can learn and develop. We recognise that because of day to day contact, members of staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. The organisation will therefore: Establish and maintain an environment where people feel secure, are encouraged
to talk, and are listened to. Ensure that participants know that there are, staff in the organisation whom they can approach if they are worried and are encouraged to comment and complain about the service they receive and those complaints will be taken seriously. Include opportunities in the curriculum for people to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse. Staff members are in a position of trust and any betrayal of this trust will be viewed most seriously. Therefore any member of staff suspected of abuse will be subject to disciplinary procedures as detailed in the reporting process. All staff have a duty to report incidents of abuse and failure to do so is a serious abdication of responsibility and will also incur disciplinary action. We adopt a Code of Practice that protects the interests and the wishes of vulnerable adults and protects them from abuse. Ensure we have a designated senior person for protection of vulnerable adults who has received appropriate training and support for this role. Ensure we have a nominated Director responsible for protection of vulnerable adults. Ensure every member of staff (including temporary staff and volunteers) and the Board knows the name of the designated senior person responsible for the protection of vulnerable adults and their role. Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities in being alert to the signs of abuse and responsibility for referring any concerns to the designated senior person responsible for the protection of vulnerable adults. Ensure that participants have an understanding of the responsibility placed on the organisation and staff for their protection. Develop effective links with appropriate agencies and co-operate as required with their enquiries regarding the protection of vulnerable adults and if requested, attend at case conferences. Keep written records of concerns about individuals, even where there is no need to refer the matter immediately. Ensure that all records are kept securely in the care of the Director responsible for protection of vulnerable adults, separate from their main file, and in a locked location. Follow procedures where an allegation is made against a member of staff or volunteer. Ensure safe recruitment practices are always followed. We recognise that people who are abused or witness violence may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth. They may feel helplessness, humiliation and some sense of blame. The organisation may be the only stable, secure and predictable element in the lives of people at risk. When in the organisation their behaviour may be challenging and defiant or they may be withdrawn. The organisation will endeavour to support the person through: - The content of the curriculum.
- The ethos of the organisation which promotes a positive, supportive and secure environment and gives people a sense of being valued.
- The organisations behaviour policy which is aimed at supporting vulnerable people. The organisation will ensure that the individual knows that some behaviour is unacceptable but they are valued and not to be blamed for any abuse which has occurred.
- Liaise with other agencies that support the vulnerable adults.
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