Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy
Policy Statement
The Katie Piper Foundation (KPF) is committed to preventing and reducing the risk of significant harm to vulnerable adults from abuse or other types of exploitation, whilst supporting individuals in maintaining control over their lives and in making informed choices without coercion.
The purpose of this policy is to outline the duty and responsibility of staff, volunteers and trustees working on behalf of KPF in relation to the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse.
Definition
All adults have the right to be safe from harm and should be able to live free from fear of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The key objectives of this policy are:
• To explain the responsibilities KPF and its staff, volunteers and trustees have in protecting vulnerable adults.
• To provide staff with an overview of safeguarding vulnerable adults
• To provide a clear procedure that will be implemented if safeguarding issues arise.
The role and responsibilities of KPF staff, volunteers and trustees
All staff, volunteers and trustees working on behalf of KPF have a duty to promote the welfare and safety of vulnerable adults. At some point staff, volunteers and trustees may receive disclosures of abuse and observe vulnerable adults who are at risk.
This policy will enable staff/volunteers and trustees to make informed and confident responses to specific adult protection issues.
It is necessary to:
• Ensure that everyone both individuals and organisations are clear about their role and responsibilities.
• Create strong multi-agency partnerships across the health and private sector.
• Support the development of a positive learning environment across these partnerships.
• Enable access to mainstream community resources to reduce the social and physical isolation which in itself may increase the risk of abuse and neglect.
• Arrange for policies and procedures to be reviewed regularly to reflect any changes in service provision and to adhere to changes in legislation.
Who is an adult at risk?
An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who is or may need community care services due to mental health or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation (Department of Health).
Safeguarding principles
The six safeguarding principles set out by the Department of Health should inform the way staff, volunteers and trustees work with adults.
Empowerment
Adults being supported to and encouraged to make their own decisions with informed consent
Prevention
It is better to take action before harm
Proportionality
The 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, protecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
Accountability
Accountability and transparency in delivering Safeguarding.
Principles of partnership working
Where acts of abuse occur, the fundamental priority must always be the safety, wellbeing and independence of the individual being abused.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and in practice this means that all partner organisations must:
• Actively work together within a multi-agency framework.
• Actively promote the empowerment and wellbeing of adults at risk through the services they
provide.
• Act in a way which supports the rights of the individual to lead an independent life based on
self-determination and personal care.
• Integrate strategies, polices and services relevant to abuse within the current legal
framework.
• Ensure that the law and statutory requirements are known and used appropriately to protect the adults at risk.
Recognising and Responding to Potential Abuse
Everyone should be aware of the potential indicators of abuse and be clear about what to do if they have concerns. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it. It may consist of a single act or repeated acts, and it can occur in any setting, including within a person’s own home, a care home, hospital, or community setting.
Types, Definitions and Indicators of Abuse
Below are the 10 main categories of abuse recognised under the Care Act 2014, with definitions and examples of possible signs:
1. Physical Abuse
Definition: The use of force which results in pain, injury, or physical suffering.
Examples: Hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint, or inappropriate sanctions.
Possible indicators:
• Unexplained bruises, burns, bite marks or fractures
• Flinching when approached
• Reluctance to be examined or touched
• Inconsistent explanations for injuries
2. Psychological or Emotional Abuse
Definition: Actions or comments that cause mental distress, fear, or emotional pain.
Examples: Intimidation, humiliation, threats, verbal abuse, isolation, controlling behaviour, denial
of rights.
Possible indicators:
• Low self-esteem or withdrawal
• Sudden changes in behaviour or confidence
• Fearfulness towards carers or certain individuals
• Disturbed sleep patterns or anxiety
3. Sexual Abuse
Definition: Direct or indirect involvement in sexual activity without consent, or where the person
lacks the capacity to consent.
Examples: Rape, sexual assault, inappropriate touching, exposure to pornography, sexual
harassment.
Possible indicators:
• Bruising or bleeding around genital areas
• Unexplained difficulty walking or sitting
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Changes in sexual behaviour or fear of physical contact
4. Financial or Material Abuse
Definition: The improper use, control, or exploitation of a person’s finances, property, or
possessions.
Examples: Theft, fraud, misuse of money, pressure over wills or property, denying access to money.
Possible indicators:
• Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts
• Missing personal possessions
• Sudden inability to pay bills
• Changes in financial arrangements or wills
5. Neglect and Acts of Omission
Definition: Failure to meet a person’s basic needs, whether deliberate or unintentional.
Examples: Failing to provide food, medication, personal care, heating, or access to healthcare.
Possible indicators:
• Malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene
• Pressure sores or untreated medical needs
• Frequent missed appointments
• Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
6. Self-Neglect
Definition: Behaviour that threatens an individual’s own health or safety, including neglect of
personal hygiene, health, or surroundings.
Possible indicators:
• Living in squalor or unsafe conditions
• Refusal of essential care or medical treatment
• Extreme isolation or lack of engagement
• Hoarding behaviours
7. Organisational Abuse
Definition: Poor or neglectful care practices within an institution or service setting.
Examples: Rigid routines, lack of dignity or respect, unsafe environments, misuse of medication.
Possible indicators:
• Lack of choice or autonomy for residents/service users
• Unexplained deterioration in health or wellbeing
• Overuse of restraint or sedation
• Unsafe staffing levels
8. Discriminatory Abuse
Definition: Harassment, slurs or unfair treatment based on protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010).
Examples: Racist, sexist, ageist, homophobic, or disability-related abuse.
Possible indicators:
• Exclusion from activities or services
• Derogatory language used towards a person
• Unequal treatment or opportunities
• Low self-esteem linked to identity factors
9. Domestic Abuse
Definition: Any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour between those aged 16 or over who are personally connected.
Examples: Physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse within intimate or family relationships.
Possible indicators:
• Frequent injuries with unlikely explanations
• Isolation from friends or family
• Fear of partner or relative
• Sudden changes in financial control or independence
10. Modern Slavery
Definition: Encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude.
Examples: Victims may be controlled through threats, violence, or coercion.
Possible indicators:
• Few or no personal possessions
• Signs of physical or psychological trauma
• Restricted freedom of movement or communication
• Fearful or anxious behaviour around employers or “controllers”
Reporting Procedures
All concerns, disclosures or suspicions of abuse must be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.
It is not the responsibility of any KPF staff member, volunteer, or trustee to investigate or determine whether abuse has occurred – only to report concerns appropriately.
Step-by-Step Reporting Procedure
1. Recognise
o Be alert to signs, indicators, or disclosures of abuse.
o Stay calm, listen carefully, and avoid expressing shock or disbelief.
2. Respond
o Reassure the person that they did the right thing by telling you.
o Do not promise confidentiality — explain that information may need to be shared to keep them safe.
o Do not ask leading questions or probe for more information than necessary.
3. Record
o Write a factual account as soon as possible, including:
§ Date, time, and place of the incident/disclosure
§ Who was involved and what was said or observed
§ Your name, signature, and date
o Keep all written notes secure and confidential.
4. Report
o Immediately contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Johanne Harrison
(details below)
o If the DSL is unavailable, contact the CEO – Kate Naish (details below)
o If there is immediate danger or risk to life, call 999.
o The DSL will determine whether the concern meets the threshold for referral to
the Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team, and/or notify the police or relevant
health services.
5. Refer
o The DSL completes a safeguarding report and, where appropriate, refers the case
to:
§ The Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team in the area where the
person lives.
§ The Police (for suspected crimes).
§ The CQC, if the concern relates to care provision.
§ The Charity Commission, if the concern involves serious incidents or
governance failings.
6. Record-Keeping and Follow-Up
o All reports are logged in the KPF Safeguarding Register, held securely by the DSL.
o The DSL records outcomes, ongoing actions, and any referrals made.
o Safeguarding cases are reviewed regularly in the weekly MDT
meeting and quarterly Governance Sub-Committee.
o Lessons learned are shared to improve safeguarding practice.
Immediate Risk / Emergency Situations
If at any point there is immediate danger, staff must:
• Call 999 (Police or Ambulance as appropriate)
• Notify the DSL or CEO as soon as possible
• Record the incident and actions taken
Whistleblowing and Escalation
If a member of staff feels that their safeguarding concern has not been appropriately handled:
• They should escalate directly to the CEO or Chair of Trustees.
• If internal escalation fails, they can contact:
o Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Board
o Care Quality Commission (CQC): 03000 616161
o Charity Commission: 0300 066 9197
o Police (non-emergency): 101
KPF’s Whistleblowing Policy supports staff to report any safeguarding or misconduct concerns confidentially and without fear of reprisal.
Confidentiality and sharing of information
Confidentiality is an important principle at enables people to feel safe in sharing their concerns and to ask for help. However, the right to confidentiality is not absolute. Sharing relevant information with the right people at the right time is vital to good Safeguarding practices and should be shared with consent wherever possible.
If there is evidence that sharing information is necessary to support an investigation or where there is a risk to others, then this must be undertaken.
Safer staffing
KPF operates a safe recruitment practice
• Including DBS checks for all staff, volunteers and trustees
• Checking references and employment history.
• Safeguarding / health and safety training appropriate for each role and responsibilities.
• Supervision for front line staff is viewed as essential for good clinical practice and
Safeguarding.
Safeguarding Responsibilities
All KPF staff, trustees and volunteers and are responsible for understanding, reporting and sharing information with regard to the safeguarding of adults.
Managers have a particular responsibility to ensure staff understand safeguarding, receive training and are encouraged and supported through the safeguarding process. In addition, managers are also responsible for guaranteeing that safeguarding standards are adhered to in the delivery of those services they have responsibility for. Whilst safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, there
are a number of specific safeguarding roles that individuals hold within KPF:
• Chief Executive (Kate Naish) – overall accountability regarding safeguarding.
Reporting and relevant safeguarding issues to trustees insuring they are well
informed.
• Delegated Safeguarding Lead – DSL (Johanne Harrison) – Our Head of Patient
Services leads on safeguarding and ensures the effective implementation of the
Safeguarding Policy throughout KPF. Also acts as the first point of call for staff
reporting safeguarding allegations made and ensures all DBS checks have been
carried out. If the Head of Patient Services is unavailable, then the Chief Executive
should be contacted.
• All Managers – carry out the correct safeguarding induction process for all new staff including booking the appropriate training; ensure that all staff within their remit are made aware of this policy and have the appropriate ongoing training.
• All KPF staff and volunteers – adhere to best practice, participating in relevant
training and reporting any disclosure, concern, incident or allegation to the
appropriate Delegated Safeguarding lead.
• Trustees – proactively Safeguard and promote the welfare of KPF beneficiaries.
Ensure safeguarding standards are monitored and being adhered to on a regular
basis.
• Outside organisations and providers –must agree to comply with the KPF
Safeguarding Policy and where relevant have their own policy and procedures in
place.
• Photography – anyone using cameras or film recorders for or on behalf of KPF
must have completed media consent forms from those being photographed or
filmed.
Key Contacts
Designated Safeguard Lead – Johanne Harrison:
Tel: 07496827266
Email: [email protected]
CEO – Kate Naish:
Tel: 07904143894
Email: Kate@ katiepiperfoundation.org.uk
Safeguarding action plan
Where a trustee, staff member or volunteer is concerned about a person’s immediate safety (s)he
should:
• Call the Police on 999
• Call an Ambulance on 999 if the person needs urgent medical assistance.
Where a trustee, staff member or volunteer has concerns that a vulnerable adult is being harmed
or neglected, or is at risk of this, they should:
• Make a note of the information/observation, and include a record of the time, date and persons present.
• Where possible inform the adult of your intention to share the information and who that will be with.
• Alert the Delegated Safeguarding Lead. Should they be unavailable the Chief Executive should be contacted.
• The discloser / incident will then be assessed and referred to the appropriate service or external agency.
Patient safeguarding reporting and actions
All patient safeguarding risks, near misses and incidents are recorded by the DSL and/or KPF clinician on the individual patient record in the patient database with full details included. On reporting to the CEO, a summary with associated risk rating and follow-on actions are added to the Safeguarding Register.
The Safeguarding Register is discussed between the CEO and Governance sub-committee quarterly with particular focus on ‘near misses’ and incidents.
Any ‘incidents’ would be escalated immediately to the Chair of the Board and Chair of the Governance sub-committee along with a suggested action plan.
As part of the weekly patient MDT meeting any safeguarding issues since the last meeting are discussed and any updates or actions are recorded in meeting minutes, on the patients record or on the Safeguarding Register.
Safeguarding risk ratings and associated actions:
Risk (overall rating 1-8)
• As part of sessions and/or conversations with a patient a KPF clinician has a potential
safeguarding concern.
• This is escalated to the KPF Safeguarding Lead and in discussion with the referring KPF clinician
this is identified as an issue that can be managed by the KPF team.
• The risk is reported to the CEO for inclusion on the KPF Safeguarding Register.
• Issue discussed with the patient as appropriate and with the MDT team with necessary actions
taken and recorded.
Near miss (overall rating 9 – 17)
• As part of sessions and conversation with a patient the KPF clinician has a potential safeguarding
concern.
• This is escalated to the KPF Safeguarding Lead and in discussion with the referring KPF clinician
this is identified as an issue that requires escalation within the KPF team and reporting/in
consultation with associated healthcare professional.
• Reported to the CEO for inclusion on the KPF Safeguarding Register.
• KPF Safeguarding Lead reports to relevant healthcare professional e.g. GP by phone with follow
up in writing.
• Issue discussed with the patient with agreed action plan and with the MDT team with actions
agreed and recorded.
• Any new issues discussed quarterly with the Governance sub-committee.
Incident (overall rating 18 – 25)
• A significant incident such as a patient taking their own life triggers a safeguarding incident.
• This is escalated to the Safeguarding Lead and in discussion with the referring KPF clinician, CEO
and in consultation with associated healthcare professionals.
• Urgent KPF MDT discussion with action plan agreed.
• Chair of Board and Chair of Governance sub-committee notified with details of implications and
action plan.
Related policies
This policy needs to be read in conjunction with the KPF handbook which covers areas such as confidentiality, disclosure and barring service checks and whistle blowing procedure. It should also be read alongside the following stand-alone policies:
• Clinical Governance
• Complaints
• General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
• Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Lone working policy (due to be finalised by end of 2021)
Legislation underpinning this policy
The 2014 Care Act: The Care Act set out the legal framework for safeguarding adults.
Each Local Authority must have a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) that includes the local authority, NHS and police.
This policy reflects the principles contained within the Human Rights Act 1998, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005, covering England and Wales, provides a statutory framework for people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves, or who have capacity and want to make preparations for a time when they may lack capacity in the future. It sets out who can take decisions, in which situations, and how they should go about this.
Depravation of Liberty Safeguard 2009 (DoLS) which is an amendment to the Mental Capacity Act. This covers individuals in Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered setting.
In 2012 the Criminal Records Bureau and the Independent Safeguarding Authority merged to become the Disclosure and Baring Service (DBS).
The Human Rights Act 1998 sets out the fundamental rights and freedom that everyone in the UK is entitled to.
Charity Commission role
The Charity Commission for England and Wales is non-ministerial government department that regulates registered charities in England and Wales and maintains the Central Register of Charities.