Adults at Risk Protection Policy and Procedures

Author information

Produced by: Head of Safeguarding

Date created: November 2019

Approval by: Board of Trustees

Last updated: April 2025

Updated by: Head of Safeguarding

Audit date: November 2026

Version history

January 2026

Review of Policy

March 2024

Addition of Prevent Material

June 2023

Moved Safeguarding Team to Safeguarding page

Moved Key Contacts to Safeguarding page

September 2022

Updated list of safeguarding contacts and some changes to formatting.

May 2022

Updated to reflect changes to the Safeguarding team

September 2021

Updated to reflect COVID guidance and name change

June 2021

Katherine Weir joins the safeguarding team

December 2020 Update

Rowan White joins the Safeguarding Team (replacing Sue Stagg)

September 2020 Updates

Document converted to new format

Key Information

If you see, suspect or discover something that concerns you then you should:

Recognise

Recognise the concern and make a note of what you have seen or heard.

Report

Report all concerns to a member of the safeguarding team immediately by either directly speaking to a member of the safeguarding team or calling the safeguarding team Ext 7000 or 07980 735731 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week!). Do not delay!

Record

After contacting a member of the safeguarding team record your concern as a Safeguarding log.

Key contacts

An up-to-date list of key contacts can be found on the Safeguarding page.

Safeguarding Team

An up-to-date list of the Safeguarding Team can be found on the Safeguarding page.

Introduction

Here at InFocus our first duty is to keep our supported adults safe. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare and aim to create a culture of vigilance.

To do this we have put in place lots of ways to make it easy for supported adults, parents, staff and visitors to talk to us about any concerns they have. This policy sets out how we approach our safeguarding responsibilities and what to do if you are worried about a young person at InFocus.

Adults with visual impairment often find it difficult to make friends easily with their peers as they do not see well enough to interpret complex social cues and body language. They can misunderstand social settings and need to develop a secure grasp of social conventions and norms. People around them recognise their vulnerability and can respond in a protective manner, so that to facilitate independence we must strongly encourage the supported adult to challenge others’ views, actions and motivations. Learning difficulties can increase vulnerability with adults working hard to fit in, being manipulated, or finding it difficult to form healthy relationships. Away from home adults meet a lot more adults, so we need to make extra efforts to keep them safe.

To respond to these challenges we work to make our site safe, carefully select our staff and build a culture where it is right to talk about your worries and concerns. No single person, particularly when adults have complex needs, can have a full picture of a supported adults needs or circumstances and if supported adults and their families are to receive the right help at the right time, everyone who comes into contact with them has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action.

Due to their day-to-day contact with supported adults, InFocus staff are uniquely placed to observe changes in supported adults behaviour and the outward signs of abuse. Supported adults may also turn to a trusted adult at InFocus when they are in distress or at risk. It is vital that InFocus staff are alert to the signs of abuse and understand the procedures for reporting their concerns. The college will act on identified concerns and provide early interventions to prevent concerns from escalating.

Our safeguarding team is led by the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mark Hutchinson. He has worked in both adults’ and children’s settings so has a good understanding of what our supported adults need. You can speak to Mark or any of the members of the Safeguarding Team using the details on the back page of this document.

The key message in this document is to share your worries or concerns, and for us to work together to think through what needs to happen with the support of other agencies in Devon.

Being open and honest is the right thing to do, and while this is scary at times our firm commitment is to support anyone who raises a concern and ensure you are not left to worry alone.

If you have any comments about this document, or you want to talk to me in confidence about a concern, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Jane Bell, CEO

Scope

InFocus is committed to the protection and safeguarding of all adults at risk in its care. The welfare of our supported adults will always be our first priority

The Trustees’ take seriously their responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of supported adults; and to work together with other agencies to ensure that adequate arrangements within InFocus are in place to identify, assess, and support those supported adults who are suffering or may suffer harm.

This Policy has been established in accordance with the Care Act 2014 including the six key principles that underpin adult safeguarding.

Empowerment – People being supported and encouraged to make their own 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.

Partnership -Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.

Accountability -Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

InFocus recognise that all staff, Trustees, parents/carers, visitors and volunteers have a full and active part to play in protecting supported adults from the risk of harm and neglect.

Definitions

Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. This must recognise that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear or unrealistic about their personal circumstances.

Adult at risk

An adult (someone over the age of 18) who needs community care services because of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is, or may be, unable to take care of themselves against significant harm or exploitation. The term replaces ‘vulnerable adult’.

Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. Whatever the violation and whatever the reason, abuse cannot be condoned. Whilst there is no standard legal definition of adult abuse, local multi-agency partnerships usually have agreed definitions and common language.

Alerter

The person who raises a concern that a supported adult is being, has been, or is at risk of being abused or neglected. This could be the person themselves, a member of their family, a carer, a friend/neighbour or a member of staff/volunteer.

Alerting manager

The person within an organisation to whom the alerter is expected to report their concerns. They may also be the designated safeguarding adults lead within an organisation. It is the alerting manager who will in most cases make the referral and take part in the safeguarding adults process. At InFocus, all members of the safeguarding team may be alerting managers

Designated safeguarding adults lead

The member of staff in an organisation who is given the lead for safeguarding adults. The role may be combined with that of the alerting manager, depending on the size of the organisation.

DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards)

Measures to protect people who lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves. They came into effect in April 2009 as part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and apply to people in care homes or hospitals where they may be deprived of their liberty.

InFocus Safeguarding Aims

InFocus will endeavour at all times to provide a caring, positive, safe and stimulating environment that promotes the social, physical and moral development of the individual supported adult.

We recognise that for vulnerable adults attending any InFocus provision, high self-esteem, confidence, supportive friends and clear lines of communication with a trusted adult helps to prevent abuse.

InFocus Foundation will therefore:

Support the vulnerable adults’ development in ways that will foster security, confidence and independence.
Provide an environment in which vulnerable people feel safe, secure, valued and respected, feel confident and know how to approach staff if they are in difficulties, believing they will be effectively listened to.
Raise the awareness of all staff/volunteers of the need to safeguard vulnerable adults and of their responsibilities in identifying and reporting possible cases of abuse, both on and off the campus.
Provide a systematic means of monitoring vulnerable adults known or thought to be at risk of harm, and ensuring that InFocus contribute to assessments of need and support packages for them.
Emphasise the need for effective and appropriate communication between all members of staff/volunteers, parents/carers and external agencies in relation to safeguarding vulnerable adults.
Ensure that vulnerable adults know that there are adults within InFocus who they can approach if they are worried or are in difficulty.
Develop a structured procedure within InFocus, this will be followed by all members of InFocus in cases of suspected abuse, including incidents that have happened in the wider community.
Develop and promote effective working relationships with all other agencies involved in safeguarding vulnerable adults, especially the Police and Social Care.
Ensure that all staff within InFocus who have access to vulnerable adults have been checked as to their suitability, including verification of their identity, qualifications and a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. A single central record of staff suitability checks is kept for audit.
Notify Care Direct as soon as there is a significant concern.
Provide continuing support to an adult at risk (about whom there have been concerns) who leaves InFocus by ensuring that such concerns are discussed with the allocated social worker and/or a court appointed advocate (where lack of capacity is an issue) as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

All staff working with or on behalf of vulnerable adults have a responsibility to protect them. There are, however, key people within InFocus who have specific responsibilities under this policy. The specific roles are listed at the end of this document.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

The Trustees have strategic responsibility for safeguarding arrangements at InFocus and will appoint a named Trustee with responsibility for working with the DSL on reviewing and monitoring safeguarding and vulnerable adult protection issues.

The role of the designated Safeguarding Trustee is to ensure that InFocus has an effective policy, that the procedures are complied with and to support InFocus in this aspect.

Responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Adults Lead:

InFocus has a responsibility to safeguard vulnerable adults by appropriately sharing any concerns with the appropriate bodies. It is the responsibility of the DSL to ensure this happens.

The DSL is responsible for heading up the Safeguarding Team who will:

Follow the Devon Vulnerable Adult Protection procedure.
Seek advice from the Care Direct Team.
Report termly to the Trustees.

The DSL will provide a termly report for the Trustees detailing any changes to the policy and procedures; training undertaken by all staff and Trustees and other relevant issues. Trustees will not be given details relating to individual protection cases or situations to ensure confidentiality is not breached

It is the role of the DSL to ensure that all of the vulnerable adult procedures are followed within InFocus, and to make appropriate, timely referrals to appropriate Social Care Services. If for any reason the DSL is unavailable, the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSL) or a member of the safeguarding team will act as alerting managers in their absence. Additionally, it is the role of the DSL to ensure all staff employed, including temporary staff and volunteers, within the organisation are aware of InFocus’s internal procedures, to advise staff and offer support to those requiring this.

Responsibilities of the members of the Safeguarding Team

All members of the Safeguarding team will undertake Multi-Agency training delivered through the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, at Level 3, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, MCA and Dols.

The name and contact details of the DSL will be clearly shown within InFocus and can be found at the end of this policy.

The DSL and Safeguarding Team (the alerting managers) can seek advice from Care Direct referral team as appropriate and attend forums, updates and training from external safeguarding providers to ensure the organisation remains up to date with current practice.

The Adult at Risk Protection Policy will be audited annually to ensure guidance is current.

Staff are kept informed about vulnerable adult protection responsibilities and procedures through induction, briefings and awareness training. There may be other staff at InFocus who rarely work unsupervised, more usually working alongside other members of InFocus staff. However, InFocus will ensure they are aware of this policy and the identity of the DSL and how to contact members of the safeguarding team.

All staff new to the establishment will be informed of how to access this policy, be given the name and contact details of the members of the Safeguarding team, and have these explained as part of their induction.

All visitors to InFocus will be given details of how to contact the Safeguarding team at the point of registration.

Attendance at Adult Protection Conferences

It is the responsibility of the DSL to ensure that InFocus is represented, or a report is submitted, to any protection conference called for in relation to an adult at risk at InFocus. Whoever attends should be fully briefed on any issues or concerns InFocus has and be prepared to make a decision on InFocus’s ability to protect the adult at risk at the end of the conference.

If InFocus is part of a safety planning group then the DSL should ensure that InFocus is represented at these meetings; that there is a record of attendance and issues discussed. All concerns about the adult at risk’s welfare should be discussed and recorded at the meeting unless the adult at risk becomes at further risk of significant harm. In this case the DSL must inform the relevant social care key worker immediately and then record that they have done so and the actions agreed.

Responsibilities of all employees, volunteers and trustees:

To attend the appropriate training in the protection of supported adults organised by the DSL (Induction and mandatory updates).
To have access to the policy and procedure via the intranet and website and the opportunity to discuss their content with their line manager.
To comply with this policy and follow the guidelines in the procedure.
To be aware of the current literature relating to Adults at Risk and ensure they understand its content.
To listen to adults’ concerns and respond in an appropriate way.
To report any concerns about domestic abuse to the DSL who will liaise with Care Direct/ Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) / Police as necessary.
To produce a written and signed report of any concerns, allegations and suspicions/disclosures of abuse and pass it immediately to a member of the safeguarding team, with a copy retained for safety, including any concerns about the vulnerable adult’s life away from InFocus.
Not to conduct an investigation of their suspicions or allegations as this could compromise future proceedings.
To only discuss the disclosure with a member of the Safeguarding team or statutory agencies, unless directed otherwise.
To refer direct to either the Police or Care Direct on 0345 155 1007, Ofsted or CQC if the member of staff has a concern about the way the disclosure is being handled.

Any member of staff who fails to report concerns regarding adults at risk immediately puts themselves at risk of disciplinary action.

Implementation

This policy is considered mandatory reading for all staff. Training and assessment is conducted on a regular basis (including in regular supervisions) to ensure that all members of staff are aware of the policy and its contents.

Policy Text

Procedures

It is the responsibility of all adults to act to prevent or stop abuse to adults at risk. Staff must respond to concerns raised by, or about a supported adult at risk, whether the concern is related to the time the supported adult spends at home, in the community, or at InFocus. Staff also have a duty to report any concerns shared by the supported adult about their siblings or other members of their family.

Anyone can discuss a concern or report a disclosure by phoning the safeguarding phone 07980 735731 (or Ext 7000). This is a dedicated phone for safeguarding and is manned 24/7.

You can phone or go and see any of the safeguarding team, or contact them through the internal phone system. You can also refer direct to Adult Social Care on 08451 551007. You can also make a referral to Ofsted, CQC or the Police.

Parents and visitors are invited to contact InFocus safeguarding team with any concerns or to report to the external agencies identified in the policy.

Whilst we work to keep all supported adults within InFocus safe, there are times when we have to take specific action to protect a specific individual or group of adults from significant harm. This is known as adult protection.

When should you contact the safeguarding team?

Staff must contact the Safeguarding team immediately when:

An adult at risk tells of something that has upset or harmed them.
Someone else reports what an adult at risk has told them, or that they believe that an adult at risk has been or is being harmed either in the care of InFocus or elsewhere.
An adult at risk shows signs of physical injury for which there appears to be no explanation.
An adult at risk’s behaviour suggests he or she is being abused or their behaviour changes suddenly without any known cause.
The behaviour of one of the workers towards an adult or adults at risk is worrying to someone else.
The behaviour of another adult or sibling towards an adult at risk causes you concern.
You witness worrying behaviour from an adult at risk to another child or adult at risk.
Any other situations which make you feel uncomfortable but you do not have a rational explanation for.

When should you record concerns on Databridge?

Staff must record their concerns on Databridge when:

you have spoken to a member of the safeguarding team about an incident, disclosure or concern, and the safeguarding team has asked you to make a record.
you have any concern about an adult at risk’s welfare but do not believe the individual is at risk of abuse or neglect.
you notice changes in an adult at risk’s behaviour or demeanour that you cannot explain.

Reporting low level safeguarding concerns

If a staff member has a low level concern about an adult at risk and does not believe there is a risk of harm and/or has not received a disclosure, they should:

record their concern on Databridge before the end of the day/shift
record the signs, indicators or behaviour that raised the concern
provide any background information that may give context to the concern

A member of the safeguarding team may contact the staff member for further information.

Feedback

If you have reported a concern or disclosure and want an update please request one from the member of the Safeguarding Team who is working on the concern. If you do not think that there is appropriate action being taken staff should escalate their concern to the DSL. If this remains insufficient the member of staff should escalate to the CEO and / or statutory authorities.

Ten key points for staff to follow if you suspect, or are told, of abuse

Adults working with vulnerable adults should be aware of the risks of abuse and take steps to reduce those risks.

Staff supporting an adult at risk must know what to do if they suspect that someone is being abused, or if they are told by a third party that this is happening, either during the college day, in the residences, or at any other time in the supported adults’ life.
Always stop and listen to someone who wants to tell you about incidents or suspicions of abuse. Allow the adult at risk to set the pace of the conversation.
If you can and if it does not stop the flow of what you are being told, write brief notes whilst they are telling you (these may help later if you have to remember exactly what was said) – keep your original notes to give to the DSL, however rough, even if you have written on the back of something else (it is what you have written at the time and it may be important later – not a tidier and improved version written up later). The DSL will also ask you to make a record on Databridge. If you are not able to write notes at the time, make a record on Databridge of what was said and what you observed as soon as possible afterwards.
Never make a promise about keeping what is said confidential or about keeping a secret – if you are told about abuse or a suspicion of abuse you have a statutory duty to report it. If asked you can explain that you need to pass this information on to a named person as it is very important that something is done to make sure that everyone is safe. You can explain that you will only be telling people who need to know.
Do not ask leading questions as this may put your ideas of what has happened into words. Just ask “what do you want to tell me,” “tell me more about that,” or “is there anything else that you want to say”. Do not correct the words they have used but ask for clarification of what they mean, if you are not clear.
Inform the group leader/teacher/Line Manager that you have had a disclosure and that you need to pass on information to a member of the Safeguarding Team immediately. If the disclosure is about the group leader/teacher/line manager you will need to ensure that the young person is kept safe and raise the alarm as soon as possible. You may need to stay with the adult at risk until you can get assistance.
Never attempt to carry out an investigation of suspected or alleged abuse yourself. Social Care Teams and Police have staff who are trained to do this. You could contaminate the evidence and spoil the chance of any criminal proceedings. It is your responsibility to refer concerns on and not investigate them. Do not tidy up any area connected to the alleged abuse or clean up the adult at risk.
Within 24-hours of a disclosure the member of the Safeguarding Team will refer the matter to the relevant social services teams, taking into account the local criteria for action.
Never think that abuse is impossible in the organisation or in the adult’s home or community, or that an accusation against someone you know well and trust is bound to be wrong.
An adult at risk may tell a peer or peers, rather than staff or other adults, about abuse. The above points should be discussed with supported adults regularly so that they are aware of how to manage any shared concerns and the importance of telling a responsible adult.

All staff have a responsibility to report concerns to any statutory agency (Care Direct, Police, CQC), if they believe that the Safeguarding Team or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has not reacted appropriately to the concern or allegation or if there is a level of institutional abuse which is not being identified or corrected.

Preserving Evidence

The first responsibility is to the safety and welfare of the abused person. However, immediate action may be necessary to preserve and protect evidence. Staff action may be vital in any future proceedings and the success (or failure) of any investigation. The following is advice for preserving evidence after a report of a criminal offence:

Don’t disturb the person.
Keep them calm and quiet until the police arrive.
Don’t change their clothes, bath them or give them a drink.
Don’t disturb the room.
Keep bedding, clothing and so on.
Put any tissues, condoms, or bloody items in a clean envelope or glass.
Don’t let other people go into the room until the police arrive.
Do keep the ‘victim’ and the perpetrator apart.

Categories of abuse

(See SCIE website for more information)

Neglect and acts of omission

Failure to provide or allow access to food, shelter, clothing, heating, stimulation and activity, personal or medical care
Providing care in a way that the person dislikes
Failure to administer medication as prescribed
Refusal of access to visitors
Not taking account of individuals’ cultural, religious or ethnic needs
Not taking account of educational, social and recreational needs
Ignoring or isolating the person
Preventing the person from making their own decisions
Preventing access to glasses, hearing aids, dentures, etc.
Failure to ensure privacy and dignity

Physical abuse

This concerns the actual or likely physical injury to a person, for example:

Assault, hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, hair-pulling, biting, pushing
Rough handling
Scalding and burning
Physical punishments
Inappropriate or unlawful use of restraint
Making someone purposefully uncomfortable (e.g. opening a window and removing blankets)
Involuntary isolation or confinement
Misuse of medication (e.g. over-sedation)
Forcible feeding or withholding food
Unauthorised restraint, restricting movement (e.g. tying someone to a chair)

Psychological or emotional abuse

Enforced social isolation – preventing someone accessing services, educational and social opportunities and seeing friends
Removing mobility or communication aids or intentionally leaving someone unattended when they need assistance
Preventing someone from meeting their religious and cultural needs
Preventing the expression of choice and opinion
Failure to respect privacy
Preventing stimulation, meaningful occupation or activities
Intimidation, coercion, harassment, use of threats, humiliation, bullying, swearing or verbal abuse
Addressing a person in a patronising or infantilising way
Threats of harm or abandonment
Cyber bullying

Sexual abuse

Rape, attempted rape or sexual assault
Inappropriate touch anywhere
Non-consensual masturbation of either or both persons
Non-consensual sexual penetration or attempted penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth
Any sexual activity that the person lacks the capacity to consent to
Inappropriate looking, sexual teasing or innuendo or sexual harassment
Sexual photography or forced use of pornography or witnessing of sexual acts
Indecent exposure

Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse which is often misunderstood by victims and outsiders as consensual. Although it is true that the victim can be tricked into believing they are in a loving relationship, no vulnerable adult can ever consent to being abused or exploited.

Organisational / institutional abuse

Discouraging visits or the involvement of relatives or friends
Run-down or overcrowded establishment
Authoritarian management or rigid regimes
Lack of leadership and supervision
Insufficient staff or high turnover resulting in poor quality care
Abusive and disrespectful attitudes towards people using the service
Inappropriate use of restraints
Lack of respect for dignity and privacy
Failure to manage residents with abusive behaviour
Not providing adequate food and drink, or assistance with eating
Not offering choice or promoting independence
Misuse of medication
Failure to provide care with dentures, spectacles or hearing aids
Not taking account of individuals’ cultural, religious or ethnic needs
Failure to respond to abuse appropriately
Interference with personal correspondence or communication
Failure to respond to complaints

Discriminatory abuse

Unequal treatment based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation (known as ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equality Act 2010)
Verbal abuse, derogatory remarks or inappropriate use of language related to a protected characteristic
Denying access to communication aids, not allowing access to an interpreter, signer or lip-reader
Harassment or deliberate exclusion on the grounds of a protected characteristic
Denying basic rights to healthcare, education, employment and criminal justice relating to a protected characteristic
Substandard service provision relating to a protected characteristic

Financial or material abuse

Theft of money or possessions
Fraud, scamming
Preventing a person from accessing their own money, benefits or assets
Employees taking a loan from a person using the service
Undue pressure, duress, threat or undue influence put on the person in connection with loans, wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions
Arranging less care than is needed to save money to maximise inheritance
Denying assistance to manage/monitor financial affairs
Denying assistance to access benefits
Misuse of personal allowance in a care home
Misuse of benefits or direct payments in a family home
Someone moving into a person’s home and living rent free without agreement or under duress
False representation, using another person’s bank account, cards or documents
Exploitation of a person’s money or assets, e.g. unauthorised use of a car
Misuse of a power of attorney, deputy, appointee-ship or other legal authority
Rogue trading – e.g. unnecessary or overpriced property repairs and failure to carry out agreed repairs or poor workmanship

Modern slavery

Human trafficking
Forced labour
Domestic servitude
Sexual exploitation, such as escort work, prostitution and pornography
Debt bondage – being forced to work to pay off debts that realistically they never will be able to fully repay

Domestic Violence and Abuse

Domestic violence or abuse can be:

psychological
physical
sexual
financial

Domestic violence and abuse includes any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. It also includes so called ‘honour’ -based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Coercive or controlling behaviour is a core part of domestic violence. Coercive behaviour can include:

acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation
harming, punishing, or frightening the person
isolating the person from sources of support
exploitation of resources or money
preventing the person from escaping abuse
regulating everyday behaviour.

Self-neglect

Lack of self-care to an extent that it threatens personal health and safety
Neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings
Inability to avoid self-harm
Failure to seek help or access services to meet health and social care needs
Inability or unwillingness to manage one’s personal affairs

Indicators of abuse

Physical signs define some type of abuse, for example, bruising, bleeding or broken bones resulting from physical or sexual abuse, or injuries sustained whilst a supported adult has been inadequately supervised. The definition of physical signs is complicated, as adults at risk may go to great lengths to hide injuries, often because they are ashamed or embarrassed, or their abuser has threatened further violence or trauma if they ‘tell’. It is also quite difficult for anyone to categorise injuries into accidental or deliberate with any degree of certainty. For these reasons, it is vital that staff are also aware of the behavioural indicators of abuse and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Team.

For detailed lists of indicators of the different types of adult abuse, see the SCIE website.

Other specific issues

Physical Intervention

The InFocus procedure on physical intervention with young people over the age of 18 is set out separately, and acknowledges that staff must only ever use physical restraint as a last resort, when an adult at risk is endangering themselves or others, carrying out a criminal act or causing significant damage to property. At all times it must be the minimal force necessary and applied for the shortest possible time.

All staff are reminded that physical intervention of a nature which causes injury, humiliation or distress to an adult at risk may be considered under criminal procedures (assault) and / or safeguarding or disciplinary procedures.

Bullying/Adult-on-Adult Abuse

The InFocus procedure on bullying is set out in a separate document and acknowledges that to allow or condone bullying may lead to consideration under these adult protection procedures. Bullying includes cyber, racist, homo- or trans-phobic and gender related bullying.

Forced marriage and honour based abuse

Forced marriage is when a person faces physical pressure to marry (e.g. threats, physical violence or sexual violence) or emotional and psychological pressure (e.g. if you’re made to feel like you’re bringing shame on your family).

So-called honour based crime is intended to protect ‘family honour’ through violence, threats, insults or other acts around forced marriage, where a cross-cultural relationship is suspected, or where other ‘taboos’ are broken such as wearing of non-traditional clothes or attending events that violate a family or cultural ‘norms’.

If staff become aware of either possibility it must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Team or the Police.

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a form of violence against women and young girls and is a criminal offence in the UK. It is a grave violation of the human rights of girls and women to life and is illegal in almost every country in the world. The UK Government has signed a number of international human rights laws against FGM.

Prevention

InFocus recognises that the commitment of the establishment and the staff play a significant part in the prevention of harm to vulnerable adults by ensuring effective lines of communication with trusted adults, supportive friends and an ethos of protection are maintained.

We will:

Provide opportunities which equip adults at risk with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know whom they should turn to for help.
Inform staff that it is not acceptable to use personal mobile phones and emails to communicate with adults at risk and/or their families.
Inform staff that it is not acceptable to communicate with adults at risk using social networking sites.
Inform staff that it is not acceptable to take or store photographs of adults at risk on personal mobile phones, cameras or other photographic equipment, personal email/computers and social networking sites.
Ensure that all InFocus recruitment documentation state its commitment to safeguarding vulnerable groups.
Ensure that each interview panel contains a member of staff who has completed the Safer Recruitment training.
Ensure appropriate notifications are made to the DBS should a safeguarding allegation result in InFocus removing a person from regulated activity.

Radicalisation

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism. Extremism is defined by the Government in the Prevent Strategy as:

Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Extremism is defined by the Crown Prosecution Service as:

The demonstration of unacceptable behaviour by using any means or medium to express views which:

Encourage, justify or glorify terrorist violence in furtherance of particular beliefs;
Seek to provoke others to terrorist acts;
Encourage other serious criminal activity or seek to provoke others to serious criminal acts; or
Foster hatred which might lead to inter-community violence in the UK.

There is no such thing as a “typical extremist”: those who become involved in extremist actions come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and most individuals, even those who hold radical views, do not become involved in violent extremist activity.

Adults may become susceptible to radicalisation through a range of social, personal and environmental factors – it is known that violent extremists exploit vulnerabilities in individuals to drive a wedge between them and their families and communities. It is vital that InFocus staff are able to recognise those vulnerabilities.

Extremism: is the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Terrorism: is an action that endangers or causes serious violence to a person/people; causes serious damage to property; or seriously interferes or disrupts an electronic system.

Indicators of vulnerability include:

Identity crisis – the adult is distanced from their cultural / religious heritage and experiences discomfort about their place in society;
Personal crisis – the adult may be experiencing family tensions; a sense of isolation; and low self-esteem; they may have dissociated from their existing friendship group and become involved with a new and different group of friends; they may be searching for answers to questions about identity, faith and belonging;
Personal circumstances – migration; local community tensions; and events affecting the adult’s country or region of origin may contribute to a sense of grievance that is triggered by personal experience of racism or discrimination or aspects of Government policy;
Unmet aspirations – the adult may have perceptions of injustice; a feeling of failure; rejection of civic life;
Experiences of criminality – which may include involvement with criminal groups, imprisonment, and poor resettlement / reintegration;
Special Educational Need – the adult may experience difficulties with social interaction, empathy with others, understanding the consequences of their actions and awareness of the motivations of others.

However, this list is not exhaustive, nor does it mean that all adults experiencing the above are at risk of radicalisation for the purposes of violent extremism.

More critical risk factors could include:

Being in contact with extremist recruiters;
Accessing violent extremist websites, especially those with a social networking element;
Possessing or accessing violent extremist literature;
Using extremist narratives and a global ideology to explain personal disadvantage;
Justifying the use of violence to solve societal issues;
Joining or seeking to join extremist organisations; and
Significant changes to appearance and / or
behaviour;
Experiencing a high level of social isolation resulting in issues of identity crisis and / or personal crisis.

Preventing radicalisation – the Prevent duty

In order to reduce the risks of adults being radicalised whilst involved with InFocus, we will:

ensure that staff at InFocus are aware that the DSL is there to protect adults at InFocus from radicalisation and involvement in terrorism;
maintain and apply a good understanding of the relevant guidance in relation to preventing adults from becoming involved in terrorism, and protecting them from radicalisation by those who support terrorism or forms of extremism which lead to terrorism;
raise awareness about the role and responsibilities of InFocus in relation to protecting adults from radicalisation and involvement in terrorism;
monitor the effect in practice of the college’s promotion of British values to ensure that it is used to promote community cohesion and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs;
raise awareness within INFOCUS about the safeguarding processes relating to protecting adults from radicalisation and involvement in terrorism;
require the DSL to act as the first point of contact within InFocus for case discussions relating to adults who may be at risk of radicalisation or involved in terrorism;
collate relevant information from referrals of vulnerable adults into the Channel[1] process;
ensure the DSL attends Channel meetings as necessary and carries out any actions as agreed;
ensure that progress on actions is reported to the Channel Co-ordinator; and share any relevant additional information in a timely manner.

Safer recruitment

InFocus endeavours to ensure that it employs ‘safe staff’ by complying with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

Safer recruitment means that all applicants will:

understand their duties to safeguard adults at risk from the outset through the advertisement and in their job description
complete and sign an InFocus application form which includes a full education and employment history (with explanations for any gaps)
provide business contact details for two verified, formal referee statements following a InFocus format, including their current or most recent employer and at least one who can comment on the applicant’s suitability to work with supported adults (the last employer if they have one). One reference must be from someone who has known the candidate for at least 5 years
provide evidence of identity and qualification
be checked in accordance with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) code of conduct as appropriate to their role, including a check of the relevant barred list(s) if the individual will be in regulated activity with adults and/or children
provide evidence of their right to work in the UK
be interviewed by a panel of two testing skills and abilities with Value Based questions against the job description including at least one person with safer recruitment training.

InFocus will also verify the candidate’s mental and physical fitness to carry out their work responsibilities. All new members of staff will undergo face-to-face induction training which includes familiarisation with the safeguarding policies and procedures and support to identify their Adult Protection training needs. All staff will sign to confirm that they have read and understood the safeguarding policies and procedures including ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’. InFocus Charity obtains written confirmation from supply agencies that agency staff have been appropriately checked, and their suitability to work with adults at risk at InFocus will be assessed. InFocus maintains a single Central Register of recruitment checks undertaken.

Training

All staff who work with supported adults will undertake appropriate safeguarding awareness training to equip them to carry out their responsibilities effectively; this will start at induction and will be kept up to date by formal refresher training at no more than three yearly intervals. In addition, regular briefing sessions to all staff at least annually will be used to increase knowledge and skills, highlight changes in legislation and needs of the vulnerable groups that use our services.

Temporary staff and volunteers who work with adults at risk at InFocus will be made aware of InFocus’s arrangements for adult protection and their responsibilities. They will be given information at reception which informs them of the contact details of the safeguarding team.

Safe setting, safe staff

Supporting Staff

InFocus recognises that staff working here who have become involved with an adult at risk who has suffered harm, or appears to be likely to suffer harm may find the situation stressful and upsetting.

InFocus will support such staff through a variety of means including providing an opportunity to talk through their anxieties with the DSL. A confidential telephone counselling service and additional resources will be sought if required.

InFocus understand that staff should have access to advice on the boundaries of appropriate behaviour. The InFocus Code of Practice and Code of Conduct must be adhered to by staff.

InFocus recognise that designated staff should have access to support through supervision and appropriate workshops, courses or meetings.

Allegations against staff

All InFocus staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position with an adult at risk. Staff must adhere to the ‘Working Alone with Vulnerable adults’ and ‘Intimate Care’ procedures.

InFocus understands that an adult at risk may make an allegation against a member of staff.

The DSL or CEO on all such occasions will discuss the content of the allegation with the adult safeguarding coordinator at Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership and/or Care Direct.

If the allegation concerns the CEO, the DSL will immediately inform the Chair of Trustees without notifying the CEO first.

Whistleblowing

The staff at InFocus occupy a vital position in promoting good practice and professional conduct throughout the organisation. We recognise that staff are committed to providing a high standard of service.

InFocus recognises that the vulnerable adults cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so.

All staff should be aware of their duty to raise concerns, where they exist, about the management of vulnerable adult protection, which may include the attitude or actions of colleagues. If necessary, they should speak to the DSL or Care Direct, Police, CQC or Ofsted.

If a member of staff notices anything that gives them cause for concern it is vital that this is raised.

Acting upon staff concerns is fundamental in order to ensure good practice and support for staff.

Resolving issues must be viewed by all staff as a positive action and not a breach of trust between colleagues or an attack on the organisation.

InFocus values an atmosphere of candour, openness and honesty and welcomes suggestions, complaints and criticisms.

Whistleblowing includes raising and passing on concerns about any of the following:

Poor standards of service
Issues of bad practice
The conduct of colleagues or managers
Anything which is not in the best interest of the vulnerable adult or the organisation
Any instance which contravenes the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) code of practice
Any instance which contravenes the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) code of practice
Anything which is illegal or unacceptable behaviour.

InFocus has a detailed Whistle Blowing procedure in place which is available through the staff intranet and from the DSL on request.

Who do I need to speak to?

You can contact a Designated Person (member of the Safeguarding Team) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 07980 735731 or Ext 7000 (from a InFocus landline).

InFocus personnel responsible for carrying out safeguarding procedures are:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL; Training: Level 3 Child Protection Training with evidence of CPD annually)
- Head of Safeguarding
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs)
- Head of Learning
- Director of Care and Support Services
- Principal
- Head of Health and Therapy
Safeguarding Team (Designated Safeguarding Persons or DSPs; Training: Level 3 Child Protection Training renewed at least every 2 years with annual updates)
Designated Trustee (contact via the CEO’s PA EXT 201)

Ofsted can be contacted on www.ofsted.gov.uk or 0300 1234 666

Care Quality Commission (CQC) can be contacted on www.cqc.org.uk or 03000 616161

Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub can be contacted on 0345 155 1071

LADO can be contacted on 01392 384964

Care Direct can be contacted on 0845 155 1007

Annex 1: Safeguarding Concern Pathway

Safeguarding Concern raised about a child/adult/Staff Member (RECOGNISE).
Speak to member of the Safeguarding Team (REPORT)
Safeguarding team member will decide who should complete a Databridge log (RECORD)
Case is screened to decide if it is a Safeguarding Case.
If no then manage via operational and/or close. Move to step 8.
If yes then there will be further assessment by the safeguarding team resulting in:
1. Refer to MASH or LADO, or internal only (children)
2. Refer to Care Direct, or internal only (adult).
Outcomes are then are then shared more widely.
If dissatisfied with Organisational response Escalate to: Police, Care Direct, MASH, LADO, Ofsted (Child), CQC (Adult), Chair of Trustees as appropriate.

Reporting a concern

Where staff have a concern about a supported adult, they should continue to follow the process outlined in the school safeguarding policy (recognise, report, record), which includes making a report via Databridge which can be done remotely.

Associated documents

This Policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies and procedures:

Child protection and safeguarding policy

Positive Behavioural Support
Physical Intervention
Anti-bullying
Whistle Blowing
Complaints
Confidentiality
Working alone with Vulnerable adults
Intimate Care
Support and Supervision of staff
Staff selection and recruitment procedures
Online safety Policy
Safe Recruitment
Risk Assessment Guidelines
Sex and Relationship Education Procedure (SRE)
InFocus COVID-19 Safety Measures

Access to this document

This document is stored on the InFocus Intranet and website.

Please contact the MIS office if you would like a copy of this document in an alternative format such as Braille or large print.