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Safeguarding Adults Policy
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Checked and approved: 11th July 2024
Adopted on: 11th June 2009 Updated on: 9th March 2017 Reviewed on: 9th March 2020 Reviewed on: 11th July 2024 Amended and agreed: 12th March 2026
Policy statement
We all have the right to live our lives free from abuse. It is recognised that certain groups of people may be more likely to experience abuse and less able to access services or support to keep themselves safe.
This policy recognises that whilst none of Newsome Community Forum members are currently classified as vulnerable adults by the above definition, many of its members may be vulnerable at times.
The aim of this policy is to make every member aware of the kind of behaviours that may constitute abuse, ill treatment or unfairness. Members should be aware of a range of behaviours that will therefore not be tolerated and are encouraged to speak out against any occasion of such behaviour, either experienced or witnessed.
The policy also gives information on the actions to be taken should there be a suspected case of abuse.
Definition of a vulnerable adult
- Someone aged 18 or over
- who may need help due to disability or illness, and
- be unable to care for themselves or unable to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation.
“A person who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.” 1997 consultation paper “Who Decides?” issued by the Lord Chancellor’s Department.
One such group is people with community care needs. This group may include people with:-
- a learning, physical or sensory disability
- mental ill health or dementia
- frailty due to age
- acquired brain injury
- a drug or alcohol problem
- certain types of physical illness.
Definitions of abuse
Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons (Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights).
The definitions outlined below are derived from ‘No Secrets’ (2000) with some additional areas identified through consultation.
Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It may be physical, sexual, verbal or psychological; it may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented or cannot consent. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to or exploitation of the person subjected to it.
As a result of abuse harm is done which results in psychological, physical or emotional damage to a person from whom they need care and support to recover.
Physical abuse:
Any deliberate act to cause physical harm including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, rough handling, misuse of medication or misuse of restraint or the use of inappropriate sanctions.
Sexual abuse:
Includes rape and sexual assault, or sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not consented, or to which he or she could not consent or was pressured into consenting. Also the exposure to and observation of sexual acts without informed consent.
Psychological abuse:
Includes emotional abuse, threats or harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
Financial or material abuse:
Includes theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
Neglect or acts of omission:
Includes ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health or social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, nutrition and heating.
Discriminatory abuse:
Includes racist, religious and sexist abuse, abuse based on a person’s disability and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.
Institutional abuse:
Is mistreatment or abuse by a regime, poor practice of the individuals within an institution.
Self‑neglect:
This is not a direct form of abuse but we need to be aware of it in terms of general risk assessment and risk management. There may be a duty of care to a vulnerable individual who places themselves at risk in this way.
Incidents of abuse may be multiple, either to one person in a continuing relationship or service context, or to more than one person at a time. This makes it important to look beyond the single incident or breach of standards to the underlying dynamics and patterns of harm.
Some instances of abuse will constitute a criminal offence. In this respect, vulnerable adults are entitled to the protection of the law in the same way as any other member of the public. When complaints about alleged abuse suggest that a criminal offence may have been committed, it is imperative that reference should be made to the police as a matter of urgency. In such cases criminal investigation by the Police takes priority over all other lines of enquiry.
Who abuses?
Potentially anyone, but those who have greater access therefore have a greater opportunity to abuse. This can include relatives and family members, friends, neighbours, care workers, or even professionals.
Abusers can also be other service users, or volunteer worker or visitor.
There are also those, including strangers, who set out deliberately to exploit people.
Groups, cults and sects can inadvertently abuse by putting vulnerable people under pressure to join or contribute, in an effort to get their message or beliefs across.
Adult abuse can occur across all racial, cultural, gender and social-economic groups.
Where can abuse take place?
Abuse can take place almost anywhere, including:
- Nursing and residential homes, or day care centres
- Hospital
- In their own homes
- Public places.
What to do if you suspect, experience or witness a case of abuse
Should a member Newsome Community Forum find themselves in the above position, the Executive Group would consider that in line with upholding the organisational values of mutual respect and support, that the member would report the incident to a member of the Executive Group. The Executive Group will review each case on its’ individual merits and refer to any appropriate body.
In case of any doubt, please speak to the Newsome Community Forum Adult Protection Officer, (this officer position offers informal advice only).
Confidentiality
Information about an alleged abuse will be shared on a ‘need to know’ basis and treated in the strictest confidence.
The alleged abusers right to confidentiality must also be upheld.
What will happen?
Should we undertake any voluntary work that requires us to work directly with children, young people or vulnerable adults, we will ensure the volunteers are suitably qualified and DBS checked.
Contacts
Newsome Community Forum, Adult Protection Officer, Caroline Waddell, tel: 07719 602473
To report concerns about vulnerable adults telephone Gateway to Care on 01484 414933 (24 hours), or email: gatewaytocare@kirklees.gov.uk
In an emergency situation, if a person is in immediate danger, call 999 If you suspect a crime has been committed call 101