safeguarding vulnerable adults

The legal definition of a ‘Vulnerable Adult’:
o Over 18 years old
o Someone who needs care and support
o At risk of experiencing abuse or neglect
o Someone who can’t protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

An adult may be vulnerable for many reasons:

• Mental illness – Some with mental illness are at risk of being taken advantage of.

• Physical disability – Some persons with a physical disability require extra support from carers

• Short-term or long-term illness – Some illnesses can indeed make a person vulnerable,

  whether their condition takes away mobility or their ability to make clear choices.

• Age – An elderly person may need to rely on someone to help them physically and to

  understand the choices they make. On the flip side, an 18-year-old isn’t automatically able to

  look out for their own interests.

• Homelessness – Without a place to sleep that’s secure, a person can become vulnerable to

  different types of abuse.

• Substance abuse – Most substances have the ability to change the way we think and behave in

  some way, making us more vulnerable to getting taken advantage of.

  Safeguarding is about embedding practices throughout the organisation to ensure the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse and responding to circumstances that arise.

  Abuse can be caused by those inflicting harm or those who fail to act to prevent harm. Abuse is not restricted to any socio-economic group, gender or culture.
  It can take a number of forms, including the following:

  • Physical abuse

  • Domestic violence and Domestic abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Psychological abuse

  • Financial or material abuse

  • Modern slavery

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Organisational abuse

  • Neglect and acts of omission

  • Self-neglect

    This policy aims to safeguard any potentially vulnerable person Six Till Six Ltd comes into contact with whilst carrying out of their activities, preventing them from coming to harm or from being overlooked or exploited.

    As per the Care Act 2014, we will take into account the six key principles for safeguarding a vulnerable adult:

• Empowerment – to give every person as much say as possible in the decisions being made about them

• Prevention of harm from the decisions we make or the actions we take

• Ensure that any interventions based on factors which could make a person vulnerable, be as

  unobtrusive as possible

• To ensure that those in greatest need to be looked after, supported and represented

  adequately

• To partner with other agencies where necessary.

• To remain accountable to ensure that decisions are made transparently, without secrets and

  with clear reasoning.

  Six Till Six Limited makes a positive contribution to a strong and safe community and recognises the right of every individual to stay safe. The organisation comes into contact with vulnerable adults through activities such as overnight audits and other information gathering exercises relating to our work in the leisure industry.

  This policy seeks to ensure that the company undertakes its responsibilities with regard to protection of vulnerable adults and will respond to concerns appropriately. The policy establishes a framework to support staff in their practices and clarifies the organisation’s expectations.

  Six Till Six Limited expects any representative of the company to promote good practice by being an excellent role model, contribute to discussions about safeguarding and to positively involve people in developing safe practices.

  Employees of Six Till Six Limited understand their duty to raise and report safeguarding concerns.

  o To seek immediate medical attention for the adult,if required
  o To signpost the adult to any available support–SafeSpace, NightMarshalls, Police etc
  o To assist the adult to seek support if necessary

  Six Till Six Limited expects staff to protect the professional integrity of themselves and the organisation.
  The following professional boundaries must be adhered to:

o They will not receive gifts of any monetary value from an individual whilst carrying out their duties.

o They will not give gifts of any monetary value in the course of their duties unless provided by the company as part of a planned activity.

o They will not use foul or derogatory language whilst representing the company,
o They will not make bias or discriminatory statements, whether as a personal view or speaking on behalf of the company.
o They will not pass on personal contact details except where strictly necessary in the course of company activity.
o They will not accept personal contact details except where strictly necessary in the course ofcompany activity
o They will not remain alone, in an enclosed space, with a vulnerable person

Six Till Six Limited and it’s individual representatives, recognise their duty to report concerns or allegations made against them to the appropriate authority.

Where an employee of Six Till Six Limited feels that they require formal training with regards to the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, or their activities require them to have an in-depth knowledge, suitable and relevant training will be provided.