Bicycle Face Ltd Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults

CONTENTS

1. Aim of Bicycle Face Ltd Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults

2. Context

3. Shared Responsibility

4. Responding to Disclosure

5. Reporting Procedure

6. Reporting

7. Other Relevant Organisational Policies

8. General Code of Behaviour

9. Useful Contacts – Children and Young People

10. Guidance on Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

11. Useful Contacts – Vulnerable Adults

1. AIM

The aim of Bicycle Face Ltd’s Safeguarding Policy is to support the work of Bicycle Face Ltd in delivery of film productions, photography and other creative work linked to children, young people and vulnerable adults.

This Policy will inform and guide those involved in projects by Bicycle Face and can be used by staff and external delivery agents in carrying out their work on behalf of Bicycle Face Ltd. It will ensure that appropriate procedures are put in place to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Any organisations contracted by Bicycle Face Ltd, who come into contact with children, young people and vulnerable adults will be required to demonstrate to Bicycle Face Ltd that they have safeguarding policies and procedures in place.

2. CONTEXT

Bicycle Face Ltd is a design agency based in Northern Ireland providing private companies, organisations and government bodies with creative services such as video production, photography, website design, graphic design and printing.

Legal Context

The legislative context within which children and vulnerable adults are protected includes:

A - United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The most important articles in relation to child protection are:

• Article 19 provides that children have the right to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation including sexual abuse by those looking after them.
• Article 12 further provides that a child who is capable of forming his/her own views should be assured the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, these views being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.

• Finally and most fundamentally Article 3 provides that when organisations make decisions which affect children, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.

B- The Children (NI) Order 1995 states that the welfare of the child must be the paramount consideration and it is this essential principle which underpins this Guidance. Within this legislation a child is a person under the age of 18 years.

C - Data Protection Act (1998). Whilst the Data Protection Act (1984) deals with the right of individuals to obtain copies of individual data held on computer of which they themselves are subject, this legislation which came into effect in 1999 extends the above provisions to manually held data i.e. paper records. Information relating to child abuse or possible abuse is however exempted from disclosure requirements.

D - The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults (NI) Order 2003 (POCVA) is there to prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups. The Order strengthens the existing system for checking people seeking work with children and vulnerable adults against lists maintained by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and by the Department of Education.

E - Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007 (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012) established a vetting and barring scheme. The scheme protects both children and vulnerable adults by preventing those who are known to pose a risk of harm from accessing these groups through their work.

Principles

Policies, Procedures and services to safeguard children and vulnerable adults should be based on the following principles:

• The child’s welfare must always be paramount and this overrides all other considerations;
• Children have a right to be heard, to be listened to and to be taken seriously;
• Parents / carers have a right to respect and should be consulted and involved in matters which concern their families;
• Individuals and agencies concerned with the protection of children must share information and work together in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults.

Through outreach activities, individuals and organisations have the capacity to engage with children, young people
and vulnerable adults of all abilities. To enable children and young people to make best use of these opportunities it is important that both individuals and organisations have guidelines which promote safe working practices to safeguard the welfare of the child and vulnerable adults.

Child abuse occurs in a range of contexts, in families from all social classes and cultures and also in agencies and organisations. ‘Perpetrators’ is an encompassing name for young people and adults who abuse. Perpetrators of abuse do come from all walks of life and occupations / professions. Whilst the motivation of most adults / trainer/ creative specialists is to provide a safe and positive experience for children, young people and vulnerable adults, this Policy will assist them through raising awareness and providing guidance.

However, the underpinning principle behind the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is open communication and sharing of information with all relevant parties.

Good Practice

• Bicycle Face Ltd personnel and external service providers need to work within the principles of good practice

• Bicycle Face Ltd personnel and external service providers need to be aware of the legal context within which they work

• Bicycle Face Ltd personnel and external service providers need to ensure that they are aware of the specific needs of the group they will be working with and discuss with the contracting group how this will impact on their work and how these needs can be met.

• Prior to working in any setting Bicycle Face Ltd personnel and the external service providers should familiarise themselves with both Bicycle Face Ltd and receiving organisation’s Safeguarding and Vulnerable Adult Policies.

3. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

The area of safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults is a shared responsibility and all organisations should continually review their safeguarding policy and procedures. Bicycle Face Ltd takes this responsibility seriously and ensures that it’s staff, and funded third party organisations are aware of and implementing policy and procedures in order that they understand their individual responsibilities and help promote best practice.

Bicycle Face Ltd any associated companies are required to have in place a Safeguarding policy/statement, which is a statement of intent that demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.

All organisations should:
1. Have a safeguarding policy/statement agreed by senior management;
2. Have written procedures for recruitment and selection of staff and volunteers;
3. Have safeguarding checks for staff and volunteers (if required);
4. Provide safeguarding training for designated officer, staff and volunteers;
5. Have written procedures for reporting child protection concerns, disclosures and allegations;
6. Communicate contact details of designated officers to staff/volunteers; and
7. Communicate the safeguarding policy statement to staff/volunteers/children/young people/vulnerable adults and parents (if appropriate).

Good Practice

Bicycle Face Ltd personnel / external service providers need to have discussed what will be the process if they have a cause for concern during their work and the use of their own organisation policy / Bicycle Face Ltd Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults and:

• Ensure that all are fully aware of the organisation’s / group’s / club’s Safeguarding Policy and each individuals responsibility within it. Identity and name of the Designated Officer in the organisation;

• Be familiar with Bicycle Face Ltd Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults and attend relevant training;

• Be clear that the supervising adult is appropriate i.e. knows the children, young people and/or vulnerable adults and is able to meet their needs and concern; and

• Be aware of specific and special needs of the children, young people and vulnerable adults and ensure that consideration is given to enabling their full involvement in the process.

4. RESPONDING TO DISCLOSURE

If a child / young person confides information to you which gives cause for concern about possible abuse and requests that the information be kept secret, it is important that you tell the child as sensitively as possible that you will need to pass the information on. No promise of confidentiality can or should ever be made to a child or anyone else giving information about possible abuse.

You may be alerted to the possibility that abuse is occurring by:
• A child telling you that something has happened;
• Someone else (another adult or child) telling you about his or her concerns;
• Observing physical or behavioural indicators of the child which cause you concern; • Observing the practice of another person which causes you some concern.

If an immediate risk or danger is identified then it is important to discuss this with the supervising adult and agree to either make direct contact with the school’s / group’s Designated Officer or direct contact with the local Health and Social Services Office, the local PSNI Office or the NSPCC.

In responding to the child / young person create a safe environment by:
• Staying calm and not rushing into actions which may be inappropriate; • Confirming you know how difficult it must have been to confide in you; • Show you are taking what is being said seriously.

Be honest and do not make promises you cannot keep. Explain you may have to tell other people in order to stop what is happening.

Ensure you are quite clear about what the child says so you can pass it on to the supervising adult. Keep questions to
a minimum and avoid closed questions (i.e. ones that can be answered by a single word such as yes or no). Use open questions to encourage the child to use his or her own words. The law is very strict and a child abuse case can be dismissed if it appears the child has been led or words or ideas have been suggested.

Following discussion with the supervising adult record exactly what the child has said to you, in a legible and accurate format, as soon as possible after the incident. Separate the facts from your opinion. Include:

• The child’s name, address, date of birth;
• The date and time of any incident;
• Your observations (i.e. a description of the child’s behaviour and emotional state); • Exactly what the child said and what you said;
• Any action you took as a result of your concerns.

Ensure you:

• Sign and date the Cause for Concern Form and send it to the Designated Officer of the school, group, club etc.
• Send a copy to the Bicycle Face Ltd designated Officer for Child Protection.

• Maintain confidentiality. Unnecessary breaches of confidentiality can be very damaging to the child, family and any child protection investigations which take place.
• This is not your sole responsibility. Consult with the supervising adult and follow the Policy and Procedure. If working within an organisation you will also need to follow their procedures.

Good Practice

• It is important that children, young people and vulnerable adult feel they are being listened to and taken seriously;
• Be honest and do not make promises you cannot keep;
• If the child / vulnerable adult is in immediate danger then consult with the supervising adult re: immediate action; • Pass on the information as quickly as possible to the supervisory adult and in writing to the Designated Officer in the school / organisation and, if appropriate, follow your own organisation’s policy;

• Record your concerns including the exact words of the child, young person, vulnerable adult and copy to Bicycle Face Ltd Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults; and

• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and follow the Bicycle Face Ltd Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults.

5. REPORTING PROCEDURE

Bicycle Face Ltd’s designated Child Protection Officer is Geraint Evans, Creative Director.

The reporting procedures must be discussed and agreed at the planning stage for the work. This will assist clarity and ensure that there is no delay in action being taken. The Designated Officer for the school, club, organisation must be named and contact details given.

Organisations that Bicycle Face Ltd works with may have their own Safeguarding Procedures and these will need to be discussed.

The reporting procedures for individual trainer/creative specialists are:

Any Bicycle Face Ltd personnel/external service provider who receives information / disclosure, or notices signs of possible abuse must notify the supervising adult.

If the child / vulnerable adult is in immediate danger then it is important to discuss this with the supervising adult who may contact:

• School’s / Group’s Designated Officer;
• Duty Social Worker at local Health and Social Services Office, NSPCC or local PSNI office.

The supervising adult will put into operation their own Safeguarding Procedures - generally this requires reporting the concern to their Designated Officer i.e.:

• In a school setting as set down in ‘Pastoral Care in Schools – Child Protection’ DENI;
• In a voluntary / community group – as set down in VDA – Our Duty to Care Guidance and own organisation’s Safeguarding Procedures.

The creative specialist will record their concerns and subsequent action on the Cause for Concern Form and forward this within 72 hours:

• To the Designated Officer in the school, organisation or youth club
• And a copy to the Bicycle Face Ltd’s designated officer for Child Protection. The individual may also be required to follow their own organisation’s Safeguarding Procedures.

If the individual wishes he/she can make contact with the Bicycle Face Ltd’s designated Officer for Child Protection to discuss their concerns further.

Good Practice

• Always inform the supervising adult of concerns as quickly as possible;

• Be objective and concise on the ‘Cause for Concern Form’ and forward within 72 hours to the Designated Officer of the school, group, organisation (as above) and copy to the Bicycle Face Ltd Designated Officer for Child Protection;

• Ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults is safeguarded is a shared responsibility. You can talk with Bicycle Face Ltd’s Designated Officer for Child Protection at any time.

6. RECORDING

Please give due consideration to how you record your concerns. Information should be written on the presumption that parents and relevant professionals can request access to them. Ensure that your own personal feelings and reactions are not noted but rather the information is factual, neutral in language and concise. The form should be forwarded to the Designated Officer of the school, group, organisation or unit and the Bicycle Face Ltd designated officer for Child Protection within 72 hours.

It is the responsibility of the Bicycle Face Ltd designated officer and their deputy to consider the appropriate action to take and to record this on the form.

The Bicycle Face Ltd designated Officer must contact the school / Education and Library Board / voluntary organisation’s designated Officer for feedback on actions taken /outcome and record this in writing.

Confidentiality

Whilst it is important to sensitively inform the child / young person that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when there is a cause for concern the following principles should be considered:

• Precautions should be taken to ensure that information is only given to the appropriate person.
• Any disclosure from a young person / adult should be led by the young person at their pace without pressure for detail by Bicycle Face Ltd personnel / external service provider.

Good Practice

• Ensure that your recording is factual, in a neutral language and concise;
• Ensure you record the name of the Supervising Adult and Designated Officer of the school, group, organisation or club;
• Ensure the Cause For Concern Form is forwarded within 72 hours;
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information.

7. OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES

Bicycle Face Ltd recognises that working with children and young people is both worthwhile and fulfilling, but it is also challenging.

Once Bicycle Face Ltd has recruited staff / freelance trainers / creative specialists in accordance with their Recruitment and Selection Policy, they will need to ensure that they are all well informed, trained, supervised and supported, so that they are less likely to become involved in actions that can cause harm or be misunderstood.

This process includes the following:

Induction

Staff and freelance personnel need clear instructions on the tasks and limits that apply to them as newcomers. They need to be familiar with our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Practice, as well as other policies such as on health and safety.

Probationary or trial period

Bicycle Face Ltd reviews the development and suitability of new staff and freelance personnel within six months of taking up the post. For seasonal posts and short-term contracts, this period is usually reduced.

Supervision and support

This focuses on the work that new staff need to do, and how they should do it. Leaders and managers can also comment on any good work that the new recruits have done. Supervision provides an opportunity for new staff and freelance personnel to share concerns about their working environment; it provides an opportunity for both parties to discuss issues of importance and identify training needs. We recommend that everyone involved keeps a note of any agreed action points.

Training

Bicycle Face Ltd recognises the importance of continual training and development. It is management’s responsibility to identify both the individual and common training needs of our staff and freelance personnel.

Training is an ongoing process, and relevant to the roles that people play in our organisation. All staff and freelance personnel who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults will participate in safeguarding training, which should include: awareness of abuse, implications for practice and organisational policy and procedures

8. GENERAL CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

The primary goal for organisations / agencies working with children, young people and vulnerable adults is to create a safe environment where they can grow, develop and access new experiences. A Code of Behaviour for trainer/creative specialists and arts organisations not only helps protect children, young people and vulnerable adults but also provides protection for the trainer/creative specialist while working within the school, group, club etc.

A Code of Behaviour gives guidance on a number of areas:

A - Physical Touch.

The use of physical touch will depend largely on the age and stage of development of the children, young people and vulnerable adults you work with, the context of the activities you provide and the physical needs of the children and young people in your care, i.e. you may be offering a service to children and young people with profound physical disabilities.

There are however a number of fundamental principles on the use of touch which should always be adhered to. These are:
• Touching should always be with the child’s permission. If a child or young person shows any resistance to touch,
i.e. if you put your hand on their arm and they pull away, it is important that this is respected. A staff member or volunteer should never touch a child or young person in the genital area, buttocks or breasts.

• Touch should always be conducted in an open manner. It should never be carried out in ‘secret’ or in a surreptitious manner. • Touch should always be in response to the needs of the child and not the needs of the adult.

B - Relationships and Attitudes

An individual’s contact with children and young people may be limited to one session or may involve a number or sessions. The importance of open, honest and respectful relationships cannot be over emphasised irrespective of how long the contact is. It is essential that trainer / creative specialists NEVER:

• Engage in physical games or horseplay with children which is not part of structured activities.
• Make sexually suggestive comments to children or young people, or about children and young people even in fun. • Engage in sexually provocative games. Examples of this are ‘spin the bottle’ or ‘strip poker’.
• Use inappropriate language or inappropriate self disclosures.
• Adopt inappropriate behaviour or conversations of a sensitive nature.
• Allow children to use inappropriate language. If this does occur, it is important that
this discussed with the supervising adult.
• Whilst building relationships with the children, young people and vulnerable adults may necessitate one to one interaction, trainer/creative specialists must not: o Spend time alone with children or young people.

- Take children alone on car journeys.
- Escort children and young people in and out of the buildings.
- Take children, young people or vulnerable adults to their home.

C - Tasks of a Personal Nature

Children due to their age, disability etc do require assistance with tasks of a personal nature i.e. toileting, changing. However, these tasks must be carried out by the supervising adult/s and never by Bicycle Face Ltd personnel / external service provider. Supervision of children, young people and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of the external organisation/ group. This needs discussed and agreed prior to work beginning. Making arrangements for the effective supervision of the children and young people’s care is an essential component of safeguarding.

The following principles should always apply:
• The supervising adult should be someone who knows the group well and is able to observe behaviour and to respond to any changes.
• The level of supervision must always be adequate, i.e. the ratio of staff and volunteers to children should ensure the following points are adhered to:

- The ratio of staff plus volunteers to children with disabilities is dependent on the individual needs of the child. - Children and young people should be supervised at all times with the supervising adult in the room. This does not mean leaving the door open and supervising from another room.

D. Managing Difficult Behaviour

Some of the children and young people in the workshop may at times exhibit difficult behaviour i.e. aggression, sexualised behaviour etc. This behaviour may be a manifestation of abuse which has occurred or it may be a result of other factors in the child’s life.

Having a clear strategy to manage difficult behaviour is important and can be discussed with the external organisation at the planning stage. The management of children and young people during the activity will be the responsibility of the supervising adult – although the trainer/creative specialist should support them in this.

• Be aware of your own emotions. Try to appear calm as this may defuse the situation.
• Treat children and young people with courtesy and respect. If you do overreact to certain behaviour (i.e. shout at the child) then be willing to apologise to them.
• Be consistent. It is important to try to respond in a similar way to similar events and to carry through what you have said you are going to do.
• Always make a distinction between children and their behaviour. Make it clear that it is the behaviour you do not like. Emphasise that you will go on liking them regardless of their behaviour.
• Teach by example. Show by your actions and reactions that adults can be honest, accepting, trustworthy, dependable and willing to listen to children and young people at all times.
• Reward rather than punish. Rewards are a much more effective way of changing behaviour than punishments. Take every opportunity to praise children and young people.

Good Practice

• Having a Code of Behaviour will help protect you and the children and young people you work with.
• The Code of Behaviour should reflect your needs in relation to your creative specialism. It makes sense to also refine the Code of Behaviour in some specific areas.

Code of Behaviour

• Children, young people and vulnerable adults must be treated with respect at all times.
• Children, young people and vulnerable adults have a right not to partake in an activity which they feel uncomfortable with.
• The need to seek permissions required from parents / primary carers /children and young people.
• The need to obtain consent / release forms for use of any material produced by participants e.g. film, video, photography etc. These Consent / Release forms must provide as much information as possible for parents / carers to give informed consent.
• The need for the provision of information in advance in relation to the content and requirements of the performance / workshop e.g. methods, touch etc.
• The need for content and material that is age specific and appropriate to the needs of the group.
• The need to be aware of guidance in the Bicycle Face Ltd Policy and Procedures on Safeguarding Children, Young Adults and Vulnerable Adults regarding adult / child ratios.
• Any creative medium can invoke personal reactions and emotions in participants and therefore sensitivity and awareness are important.

Film Production and Photography

It is important to realise that the increase in visual forms of communication has greatly enhanced our world today which for the most part is extremely positive. However, the internet has also provided an avenue for the exploitation of children and young people through images.

In relation to Safeguarding good practice issues the following are specific areas to be aware of:

• That clear information is given to those persons whether children, young people or vulnerable adults and their parents / guardians / carers as to the exact detail of the visual art being used.
• It is important to understand the motivation of a person who is involved in the sexual exploitation of children, young people and vulnerable adults and that for them even the most innocent of photographs, images or film can provide them with sexual stimulation.

• The inclusion of a child, young person or vulnerable adult’s image on a website has been another positive communication medium for visual facilitators to highlight their work and showcase the work of groups. However, the internet is a medium with no boundaries and therefore an image can be forwarded to any number of other websites / emails / individuals. The security of these images to your particular website cannot be guaranteed.
• In recognising these issues it is therefore good practice to ensure that those adults signing a consent form are aware of all the visual mediums that their child or young person’s image may be displayed on and permission sought for their consent in this way.
• As a production company you must abide by safeguarding guidelines which would request that you do not place a child in an at risk situation. Therefore it is good practice to question your motivation when considering displaying an image or film of a child or young person and if it is absolutely necessary.
• If showcasing a piece of work then it is good practice that consent for that image is received from the responsible parent / carer /guardian for that child / adult in that image.

9. USEFUL CONTACTS

ACE (Advisory Centre for Education
www.ace-ed.org.uk 

Anti-bullying Alliance
www.antibullyingalliance.org

Bullying
Good advice for children on bullying is outlined here - how to recognise it, and what to do if you are the victim or know of someone who is. For those unwilling to tell anybody, help is available on the site via email.
www.bullying.co.uk
www.familylives.org.uk
Tel: 0808 800 2222

Child Exploitation Online Protection
www.ceop.gov.uk

Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU)
cpsu@nspcc.org.uk
www.thecpsu.org.uk
028 90351135

Childline Northern Ireland
Got a problem? Childline has helped hundreds of thousands of children in trouble or danger. If you feel you can’t face ringing them, check out their website. There are fact sheets on many subjects including bullying.
www.childline.org.uk
Helpline 0800 11 11
2nd Floor, Lanyon Bldg., 14 Queen Street, Belfast BT1 6ED.
Tel: 0870 336 2945

Children’s Law Centre
www.childrenslawcentre.org
3rd Floor, Philip House, York St, Belfast, BT15 1AB

Counselling for young people
www.contactyouth.org

Domestic Violence
www.womensaid.org.uk

Drugs and alcohol
www.contactyouth.org

Health
www.kidsallergies.co.uk

Health and Social Care Trust Gateway Teams
Belfast HSC Trust Gateway Team
028 90507000

Northern HSC Trust Gateway Team
0300 1234333

South-Eastern HSC Trust Gateway Team
0300 1000300

Southern HSC Trust Gateway Team
08007837745

Western HSC Trust Gateway Team
028 71314090

Out of Hours Contact

Internet Safety
www.iwf.org.uk

Kidscape
Open Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. Nearly everyone is bullied at some time in their lives according to this charity. It offers information and support to young people and their parents.
www.kidscape.org.uk
020 7730 3300

National Children’s Bureau
www.ncb.org.uk

NI Anti-Bullying Forum
www.niabf.org.uk

NI Commissioner for Children & Young People
www.niccy.org

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
www.nspcc.org.uk
Helpline 0808 800 5000

Parentline Plus
Advice for parents on supporting a child who is being bullied.
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
E-mail: contact@parentlineplus.org.uk
Freephone 0808 800 2222

Parents Advice Centre (Belfast & L’Derry)
Parenting Education Project, Parenting Forum NI and The Men’s Project - www.parentsadvicecentre.org
Belfast Tel: 028 9031 0891
L’Derry Tel: 028 7137 2006
Freephone 0808 8010 722

Special Education Needs
www.throughtheroof.org

Sport Northern Ireland
www.sportni.net
Tel: 028 90381222

Suicide and self-harm
www.pips-project.com
www.samaritansbelfast.org

There4Me
NSPCC On line advice service for 11- 16 year olds
www.there4me.org.uk

10. SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE ADULTS

In the course of our work staff may become aware of situations where a vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse or is being abused. It is important that staff are alert to signs of abuse and take appropriate action to safeguard vulnerable adults.

Who is a vulnerable adult?

A vulnerable adult is any person aged 18 years or over who is, or may be, unable to take care of him or herself or who is unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation. This may be because he or she has a mental health problem, a disability, a sensory impairment, is old and frail, or has some form of illness.

Because of his or her vulnerability the individual may be in receipt of a care service in his or her own home, in the community or be resident in a residential care home, nursing home of other institutional setting.

Why do we need to protect vulnerable adults?

Vulnerable adults are entitled to have their civil and human rights upheld and to live a life free from abuse. They need to be treated with respect and dignity and be able to choose how to live their lives independently. They should be afforded the opportunity to participate in their local community as active citizens, fulfil personal aspirations and realise their potential in all aspects of their daily lives.

If abuse does occur, vulnerable adults need to be assured that they will be protected by the law and have their civil and human rights upheld in the course of any investigation that takes place.

What makes an adult vulnerable?

The definition of vulnerable adult is linked to the range of services targeted at people who by virtue of the need to access those services is more likely to render them vulnerable. This includes the services of a residential care home, nursing home, domiciliary and health care services, prison and probation services, welfare services and services offered to adults who have particular needs generated by age, a disability or health impairment.

What is meant by work with a vulnerable adult?

Since September 2012, the new definition of regulated activity relating to adults no longer labels adults as ‘vulnerable’. Instead, the definition identifies the activities which, if any adult requires them, lead to that adult being considered vulnerable at that particular time. This means that the focus is on the activities required by the adult and not on the setting in which the activity is received, nor on the personal characteristics or circumstances of the adult receiving the activities.

Who might the abuser be?

It can be anyone:
• A partner, child, relative or friend.
• A paid or volunteer carer.
• A health, social care or other worker.
• A person claiming to be an employer of one of the above
• A stranger.

Where might the abuse occur?

Abuse can happen anywhere:
• In someone’s own home.
• At a carer’s home.
• Within nursing care, residential care or day care.
• At work or in educational settings.
• In rented accommodation or commercial settings.
• In public places.

How can you be alert to signs of abuse?

• You may see or hear something happen.
• A vulnerable adult may disclose an allegation to you.
• A colleague, family member or somebody else may tell you something that causes you concern.
• You may notice injuries or physical signs that cause you concern.
• You may notice either the victim or perpetrator behaving in a certain way that alerts you something may be wrong.

What should you do if you suspect abuse?

Remember your role is primarily supportive rather than investigative.

Do...

• Be open and honest about your concerns

• Stay calm.

• Listen very carefully.

• Ensure that no one is in immediate danger.

• Call for emergency services if urgent medical / police help required.

• Be aware that medical and forensic evidence might be needed.

• Encourage the person not to wash or bathe as this could disturb medical/forensic evidence.

• Tell the person that they did the right thing in telling you.

• Express concern and sympathy about what has happened.

• Reassure that the information will be taken seriously and give information about what will happen next.

• Let the person know that they will be kept involved at every stage; that they will be told the outcome and who will do this.

• Give the person contact details so that they can report any further issues or ask any questions that may arise.

• Explain that you must tell your line manager or designated officer.

• Inform your line manger or designated officer immediately.

• Explain what you have heard or seen that has given rise to your concerns.

• Give as much information as possible.

  Do NOT...

• Stop someone disclosing to you.

• Be afraid to act on your concerns.

• Press the person for more details.

• Promise to keep secrets or make promises you cannot keep.

• Gossip about the disclosure or pass on the information to anyone who does not have a legitimate need to know.

• Contact the alleged abuser.

• Attempt to investigate yourself.

• Tidy up, as this may disturb forensic evidence.

• Be judgmental.

• Leave details of your concerns on a voicemail or by e-mail.

  
  Who do I contact if I suspect abuse?

It is important to remember that if a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger you should contact the emergency services immediately by dialling 999.

If you have any concerns discuss them with your line manager whose responsibility it will be to refer these concerns to the appropriate Health and Social Care Trust Adult Protection Co- ordinator. All the telephone numbers you will need can be found at the end of this policy.

If you have raised your concerns in the above way but either the vulnerable person or your line manager is reluctant to proceed with the referral, you should make a record and contact your HSC Trust’s Adult Protection Co-ordinator or a Designated Officer with responsibility for Adult Protection.

If all mechanisms for reporting allegations of abuse have been exhausted without your concern being taken seriously, it should be noted that the Public Interest Disclosure (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 provides for the active safeguarding and protection of what are commonly known as ‘whistle-blowers’.

We are all responsible for the protection of vulnerable adults.

11. USEFUL CONTACTS

Northern Health and Social Care Trust
9am to 5pm – 028 2563 5558
Out of hours – 028 9446 8833

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
9am to 5pm – 028 9266 5181 extension 4544
Out of hours – 028 9056 5444

Southern Health and Social Care Trust
9am to 5pm – 028 3083 2650
Out of hours – 028 3083 5000

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
9am to 5pm – 028 9056 5707
Out of hours – 028 9056 5444

Western Health and Social Care Trust
9am to 5pm – 028 7131 4090
Out of hours – 028 7134 5171

Police Service of Northern Ireland
Emergency 999
Non-emergency and general enquiries 0845 0600 8000

Helpline numbers
24-hour Domestic Violence helpline – 0800 917 1414
Action on Elder Abuse helpline – 0808 808 8141

Other sources of advice
The Older People’s Advocate – 028 9031 6383