Introduction

As Fleet and District Voluntary Care Group, known as Communicare, our Safeguarding policy demonstrates our commitment to keeping safe the people at risk of abuse and neglect (over 18) with whom we work. We acknowledge our duty to act appropriately to any allegations, reports or suspicions of abuse. It is important to have safeguarding policy and procedures in place so that volunteer group members can work to prevent abuse and know what to do in the event of abuse. 

Communicare acknowledge that significant numbers of people at risk are abused and it is important that Communicare has a Safeguarding Adults policy and a set of procedures to follow and puts in place preventative measures to try to reduce those numbers. 

Safeguarding

Communicare understand that safeguarding is about keeping people at risk safe from harm and involves identifying adults who may be at risk of abuse, assessing their needs and working with them and with other agencies in order to protect them from avoidable harms.  

We understand that adults who may be the focus of safeguarding range from those whose decision-making capacity is severely impaired, to adults with no underlying cognitive impairment but whose life circumstances, physical situation, or a brief period of illness has temporarily affected their ability to protect their own interests.  

The nature of the harms involved can also range from violent physical and psychological abuse through to varieties of personal, financial or institutional abuse or neglect or a failure to provide timely access to key services.   

Communicare understands that abuse and neglect of people at risk can also take place in a wide variety of contexts, including private homes, nursing or residential care units, hospitals, custodial settings, support groups and in 1-1 volunteering settings.  

Communicare understands that perpetrators of abuse can be family members, professionals, paid care workers, volunteers or other service users. This diversity of contexts and relationships reinforces the complex, multi-agency nature of safeguarding and the extent to which opportunities to promote the welfare of adults who may be vulnerable permeate all aspects of health and social care. 

Adults who may be at risk of abuse and neglect

Communicare recognises that it is the right of adults who have mental capacity to make their own choices, irrespective of how unwise we may consider certain decisions to be. Communicare adopts the Mental Capacity Act 2005 presumption of mental capacity, unless a person’s apparent comprehension of a situation gives rise to doubt.  The mental capacity of the adult concerned to consent to information being shared is a key element in considering any onward disclosure to another agency. The adult concerned should consent to information being shared if the adult concerned has the mental capacity. This is important in helping us to take appropriate and proportionate action in response to a concern.

Communicare acknowledges that adults lacking capacity to make decisions retain the right to be involved in decision-making as far as possible. They may nevertheless require decisions to be made on their own behalf with the emphasis moving to promoting their best interests. 

Communicare understands that whether or not a person is at risk of abuse and neglect will depend upon surrounding circumstances and each case must be judged on its own merits. 

Adults at risk of abuse and neglect may therefore be people who have a/are:

• Substantial learning or physical disability
• Sensory disability
• Mental illness or mental disorder(including dementia) chronic or otherwise
• Dependency upon others in the performance of basic physical functions
• Severe impairment in the ability to communicate with others
• Lack of capability in recognising abuse 
• Impaired in their ability to protect themselves from assault, abuse or neglect
• Failing in faculties due to old age 
• Addicted to alcohol or drugs
• Reduction in physical, mental, or emotional capacity brought about by life events
• Isolated 
• Living in a care setting 
• Long term disability or deterioration in health
• Recently bereaved 
• Affected by domestic abuse
• Affected by sexual abuse 

This is not an exhaustive list and Communicare recognises the wide range of circumstances in which safeguarding issues can arise. Communicare recognises that a person-centred approach that is mindful of an individual’s dignity and independence is likely to be most effective.

Communicare recognises that abuse can happen anywhere and at any time. Communicare recognises that there will always be some sign that abuse and/or neglect are taking place but that some indicators may be more subtle than others. 

Abuse - recognising the signs and symptoms 

Communicare is committed to ensuring that all committee members and other volunteers undertake training to gain a basic awareness of signs and symptoms of abuse. 

Communicare will ensure that all volunteers have access to and undergo training around the safeguarding of adults. Communicare will make use of the online and face-to-face training available from the Good Neighbours Network.

Communicare recognises that abuse is anything that harms another person and includes:

Physical abuse

• Hitting/slapping/punching
• Burning/scalding 
• Misuse of medication
• Inappropriate restraint
• Locking someone in a room
• Denial of food and/or water/force feeding
• Not being able to use the toilet when needed
• Making someone uncomfortable – taking away blankets, opening a window

Verbal abuse

• Swearing
• Shouting 
• Name calling 

Sexual abuse

• Rape
• Indecent assault
• Indecent exposure 
• Inappropriate touching
• Exposure to pornographic material
• Forcing someone to take part in a sexual act against their will
• Sharing naked photos of someone who does not want them to be shared
• Sexual teasing/inappropriate jokes

Psychological or emotional abuse

• Belittling/name calling/taunting 
• Threats of harm/intimidation 
• Isolation/stopping someone seeing others
• Bullying/cyber bullying
• Unreasonably/unjustifiably taking away support or services
• Threats of being physically hurt, left alone or abandoned

Financial abuse 

• Stealing 
• Spending someone’s money inappropriately when appointed to look after it on their behalf
• Forcing someone to spend money on something they do not want 
• Internet, email, telephone, postal and doorstep scams 

Another example of financial abuse is when someone makes “friends” with a person at risk and then persuades them to give or lend them their benefits money. This kind of abuse can be hard to spot if the person at risk believes they’re just helping a friend.

Neglect and acts of omission

• Withholding the necessities of life such as medication, food or warmth
• Not giving enough food or the right food
• Ignoring medical or physical care needs

Domestic abuse

Usually abuse by someone in the home - like a family member/partner/house mate/carer

• Controlling 
• Coercing 
• Threatening physical violence
• Destroying property
• Hurting or killing pets  
• Degrading 
• Manipulation 
• Financial control 

Discriminatory abuse

This is abuse because of someone’s disability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion. Discriminatory abuse includes harassment, name-calling and unfair treatment.

Institutional or organisational

• Regimented routines and cultures 
• Unsafe practices 
• Lack of person-centred care or treatment

Modern slavery

• Slavery
• Human trafficking 
• Forced labour 
• Domestic servitude

Trafficking and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

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

Honour based violence

Honour based violence is a violent crime or incident which may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family or community. It is often linked to family members or acquaintances who mistakenly believe someone has brought shame to their family or community by doing something that is not in keeping with the traditional beliefs of their culture. Women and girls are the most common victims of honour based violence however it can also affect men and boys. Crimes of ‘honour’ do not always include violence. Crimes committed in the name of ‘honour’ might include:

• Domestic abuse
• Threats of violence
• Sexual or psychological abuse
• Forced marriage
• Being held against your will or taken somewhere you don’t want to go
• Assault

Communicare recognises that abuse may be carried out deliberately or unknowingly. We understand that abuse can happen anywhere and at any time. We understand that abuse may be a single act or repeated acts. We acknowledge that people who behave abusively come from all backgrounds and walks of life and that they may be doctors, nurses, social workers, advocates, staff members, volunteers or others in a position of trust.  We understand that they may also be relatives, friends, neighbours or people who use the same services as the person experiencing abuse.

Safeguarding foundations

Communicare will offer services that embrace the following: 

• Empowerment 
• Prevention 
• Proportionality
• Protection
• Partnerships 
• Accountability 

Safeguarding principles 

Communicare will embrace the following principles: 

• An individual should feel in control and decide what should happen to them
• An individual should have clear information on what do to and who to ask for help
• Safety plans are discussed and agreed with the individual wherever possible
• An individual can get involved in the safeguarding as much or as little as they want
• Personal information is safe/only shared when this helps to keep an individual safe

• Partnership working with the adult at risk/others involved, will be recognised throughout the process
• An individual needs the same care and sensitivity whoever the alleged abuser 
• Think about the risks when deciding what to do
• Don’t interfere more than necessary
• Support and speak up for those that are most at risk
• Work with local people to stop/find out about abuse/tell services what is happening 
• That everyone knows how safeguarding is actioned and how to keep people safe
• Stop the abuse before it happens

Communicare will ensure that all activities will be provided in a manner that respects the rights, dignity, privacy and beliefs of all the individuals concerned and does not discriminate on the basis of race, culture, religion, language, gender, disability, age or sexual orientation. 

Safeguarding implementation

Communicare will work towards the aim of providing activities that ensure: 

• Activities are managed in a way which promotes safety and prevents abuse

• People at risk have a safe environment and are protected
• Decisions of people at risk are respected even if that decision involves risk
• All risks that people at risk encounter are carefully assessed, minimised and managed
• People at risk are treated with sensitivity at all times
• Any allegations of abuse or suspicions are dealt with appropriately

• The person experiencing abuse is supported by an advocate if they wish
• The freedom & dignity of any person that has experienced abuse
• The rights of all people to live free from abuse and coercion
• People who do not have the capacity to decide how they want to respond to abuse that they are experiencing feel safe 
• Recruitment of volunteers follows the safer recruitment process safe with two references taken, a confidential declaration form completed and any relevant DBS checks made 
• Effective management of volunteers through supervision/support/training 
• Volunteers are familiar with this policy and procedures
• We share information with the GN Network so we can all protect people from abuse
• We work towards everyone knowing how to stop abuse & keep people safe
• We act within our confidentiality policy usually gaining permission from individuals  before sharing information about them 
• We will inform an individual that where a person is in danger, an adult is at risk or a crime has been committed then a decision may be taken to pass information to another agency without their consent
• We will keep up to date with developments in preventing abuse/welfare of adults

Safeguarding procedure 

Introduction

Communicare is committed to the belief that the protection of people at risk from harm and abuse is everybody’s responsibility and the aim of these procedures is to ensure the welfare and protection of any adult who accesses services provided by Communicare. The aim of these procedures is to ensure that all Group member/volunteers act appropriately in response to any concern around adult abuse.

Communicare recognises that adult abuse can be a difficult subject for volunteers to deal with. 

Communicare understands that procedures provide a framework to ensure that agencies work together for the protection of adults at risk. They are not a substitute for professional judgement and sensitivity. 

Preventing Abuse

Communicare is committed to putting in place safeguards and measures to reduce the likelihood of abuse taking place within the services it offers and that all those involved with Communicare are treated with respect. 

Safer Recruitment

Communicare is committed to safer recruitment practice for volunteers. This may include appropriate DBS disclosures for volunteers, requesting two references and the completion of a confidential declaration form at application stage. Communicare is committed to provide adequate training on safeguarding adults for all volunteers. Management committee members will be required to provide two references and have an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

Communicare will work within the current legal framework for reporting volunteers that are abusers. Information will be available about abuse and the Complaints policy and Safeguarding Adults policy statement will be made available to group volunteers. 

Responding to people who have experienced/are experiencing abuse

Communicare recognises that it has a duty to act on reports, or suspicions of abuse or neglect. It also acknowledges that taking action in cases of adult abuse is never easy. 

Communicare understands that on receiving an allegation volunteers will:

• Remain calm and accept what is being said
• Not judge or show shock or disbelief
• Listen carefully without interrupting
• Reassure them that they are right to tell and acknowledge their courage in telling
• Reassure them that the abuse is not their fault 
• Not agree to keep information secret
• Inform the person that you have duty to refer
• Inform them that the information will be taken seriously
• Not start to investigate and avoid asking leading, detailed or probing questions
• If necessary to question, ask open, non-leading questions
• Tell him or her, if you can, what you will do next
• Check you have noted their details correctly 
• Carefully record the conversation as soon as possible
• Write factual and objective notes using the persons’ words wherever possible  
• Keep records in a secure place
• Reassure them that they will be involved in decisions about what will happen
• Provide support/information in a way most appropriate for people with specific communication needs
• Do not confront the person alleged to have caused the harm * 

* As this could place someone at risk, or provide an opportunity for the alleged person to destroy evidence, or intimidate the person alleged to have been harmed or potential witnesses.

Communicare understands that when an individual discloses abuse that they should contact the Good Neighbours Network to get advice and agree the next steps.

Protecting someone who may be being abused 

Communicare understands that protecting people at risk is everyone’s responsibility and that to protect a person at risk volunteers will:

• Not assume that someone else is doing something about the situation 

• If a volunteer believes that a person is at immediate risk of harm when they leave them, they make a referral directly to the appropriate agency – Police or Social Services 
• If anyone is injured, call a doctor or ambulance
• If you think a crime has been committed, contact the police 101 straight away
• Report to the GNN 
• Understand that no concern is too small 
• Act on all disclosures, issues or concerns seen or that you are made aware of ASAP
• Not investigate as an individual
• Never make assumptions

Communicare understands that if a volunteer witnesses abuse or abuse has just taken place the priorities will be:

• To call an ambulance if required
• To call the police if a crime has been committed
• To preserve evidence
• To keep oneself, staff, volunteers and others safe
• To record what happened with factual objective notes
• To report to Communicare Cordinator/Safeguarding Representative 

Managing an allegation made against a member of Communicare

Communicare will ensure that any allegations made against members or member of Communicare are dealt with swiftly. Where a volunteer is thought to have committed a criminal offence the police will be informed. If a crime has been witnessed the police should be contacted immediately. The safety of the individual(s) concerned is paramount. 

A risk assessment must be undertaken immediately to assess the level of risk to all individuals posed by the alleged perpetrator. This will include whether it is safe for them to continue in their role or any other role within the service whilst the investigation is undertaken. 

Communicare understands that they should contact the Good Neighbours Network within 24 hours about an allegation. The GNN and the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser will liaise with Adult Social Care if necessary to discuss the best course of action and to ensure that any disciplinary procedures are coordinated with any other enquiries taking place as part of the ongoing management of the allegation. 

If a member of Communicare feels unable to raise this concern with the GNN then concerns can be raised directly with Adult Social Care. The alleged victim will be told that this will happen.  

If it is appropriate and there is consent from the individual, or there is a good reason to override consent, such as risk to others or a mental capacity issue, a referral will be made to Adult Social Care team. If the individual experiencing abuse does not have capacity to consent, a referral will be made without that person’s consent, in their best interests. 

Recording and managing information around safeguarding issues

Communicare is committed to maintaining confidentiality wherever possible and information around safeguarding adults and understands that issues should be shared only with those who need to know.

Communicare recognises that people may not make a formal complaint about abuse until many years after the event. It is therefore important in all circumstances where it has been considered that abuse might have taken place to make careful, factual records. 

Communicare understands that record keeping is essential and will ensure that:

• All records should be made as soon as possible after the event
• These records must be kept securely and indefinitely as an allegation or subsequent action may not happen for many years

Disseminating/reviewing policy and procedures

Communicare understands that this Safeguarding Adults policy and procedure should be clearly communicated to volunteers. Communicares’ Safeguarding Representative will be responsible for ensuring that this is actioned. Communicare understands that the Safeguarding Adults policy and procedures will be reviewed annually and the GNN Adviser can be involved in this process and can recommend any changes, if necessary. 

Personal code of conduct

Communicare recognises all volunteers will:

• Treat everyone with respect, setting positive examples for others
• Develop appropriate relationships based on mutual trust and respect
• Ensure any actions cannot be misinterpreted by someone else 
• Challenge unacceptable behaviour and language 
• Do not put anyone, including oneself in a compromising position 
• Never keep allegations or suspected abuse secret

Who to Contact 

Communicare Safeguarding Lead - communicareinfleet@gmail.com

GNN Office                               02392 899671

Hampshire Adult Services        0300 555 1386 (out of hours 0300 555 1373)

In an emergency call 999

Policy adopted on    27th February 2023                         Date for review February 2025

Name: Helen Butcher,  Chair of Communicare, Fleet and District Voluntary Care Scheme

  Signed   27/02/2023