Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

Introduction

Litter Networks is committed to Safeguarding Adults in line with national legislation and relevant national and local guidelines.

We will safeguard adults by ensuring that our activities are delivered in a way which keeps all adults safe.

Litter Networks is committed to creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm to adults which necessitates: the recognition of adults who may be at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk.

Litter Networks is committed to best safeguarding practice and to uphold the rights of all adults to live a life free from harm from abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Policy Statement

Litter Networks believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.

Litter Networks is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.

Litter Networks acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to prevent abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved.

Actions taken by Litter Networks will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of Litter Networks to safeguarding adults and to ensure that everyone involved in Litter Networks is aware of:

  • The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults.
  • Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
  • What to do if they have a concern relating to the welfare of an adult.

Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP)

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who volunteers on behalf of the organisation has a role to play and should ensure that their approach considers this at all times.

Litter Networks has a Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP), James Coates, who can be contacted on 07871 382709 and James.coates@litternetworks.org The DSP is responsible for ensuring that the Safeguarding Adults Policy and procedures are adhered to.

In implementing this policy, Litter Networks will:

  • Ensure that all those who volunteer understand their duty to report concerns about a vulnerable adult to the DSP
  • Ensure that the DSP understands his responsibility to refer any safeguarding concerns to the statutory protection agencies (i.e. Police and/or Adult Social Care)

Abuse and Neglect

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by another person or persons. It can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it. Any or all of the following types of abuse may be perpetrated as the result of deliberate intent, negligence, omission or ignorance.

There are different types and patterns of abuse and neglect and different circumstances in which they may take place.

Safeguarding legislation in each home nation lists categories of abuse differently however, they all include the following types of abuse:

  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Psychological
  • Neglect
  • Financial

Abuse can take place in any relationship and there are many contexts in which abuse might take place; e.g. Institutional abuse, Domestic Abuse, Forced Marriage, Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Sexual Exploitation, County Lines, Radicalisation, Hate Crime, Mate Crime, Cyber bullying, Scams. Some of these are named specifically within home nation legislations.

Some examples of abuse within the context of a community clean up session include:

  • Harassment of a participant because of their (perceived) disability or other protected characteristics.
  • Not meeting the needs of the participant e.g. not providing PPE tailored to individual need
  • A participant threatens another participant with physical harm

Abuse or neglect outside of this context could be carried out by:

  • A spouse, partner or family member
  • Neighbours or residents
  • Friends, acquaintances or strangers
  • People who deliberately exploit adults they perceive as vulnerable
  • Paid staff, professionals or volunteers providing care and support

Often the perpetrator is known to the adult and may be in a position of trust and/or power.

Discussing, Recording and Reporting Concerns

Litter Networks recognises its duty to follow up and report all concerns or allegations made against any of its volunteers and all such concerns or allegations of abuse will be treated seriously. If an allegation is made, the DSP should be informed, and a disciplinary investigation will be carried out. There may also be criminal (police) investigations. If necessary, the appropriate authorities will be contacted and if there is any concern for the immediate safety of a Vulnerable Adult then the police/social services will be contacted.

Sources of Information and Support

Action on Elder Abuse
A national organisation who aims to prevent the abuse of older people by raising awareness, encouraging education, promoting research and collecting and disseminating information.
Tel: 020 8765 7000
Email: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk
www.elderabuse.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line
For male domestic abuse survivors
Tel: 0808 801 0327

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
Tel: 0800 999 5428

ENGLAND 24Hour Freephone Domestic Abuse Helpline:
Tel: 0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/contact-us

Rape Crisis Federation of England and Wales
Rape Crisis was launched in 1996 and exists to provide a range of facilities and resources to enable the continuance and development of Rape Crisis Groups throughout Wales and England.
Email: info@rapecrisis.co.uk
Web: www.rapecrisis.co.uk

Respond
Respond provides a range of services to victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse who have learning disabilities, and training and support to those working with them.
Tel: 020 7383 0700 or  0808 808 0700 (Helpline)
Email: services@respond.org.uk
Web: www.respond.org.uk

Stop Hate Crime
Works to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity. Stop Hate UK provides independent, confidential and accessible reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties.
24 hours service: Telephone: 0800 138 1625
Web Chat: www.stophateuk.org/talk-to-us/
Email: talk@stophateuk.org
Text: 07717 989 025