DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
abuse
Elements of competence
HSC395.1
HSC395.2
HSC395.3
Contribute to assessing the risk of danger, harm and abuse
Contribute to minimising the effects of immediate danger, harm and
abuse
Support individuals to review situations and actions after the immediate
risk has passed
About this Unit
For this Unit you will need to contribute to assessing and act on the risk of danger harm and
abuse, acting to minimise and deal with the effects of harm and abuse and supporting
individuals to review situations and actions when the risk has passed.
Scope
The scope is here to give you guidance on possible areas to be covered in this Unit. The terms
in this section give you a list of options linked with items in the performance criteria. You
need to provide evidence for any option related to your work area.
Actions that could adversely affect the use of evidence in future investigations could
include: asking inappropriate and/or leading questions; not following organisation and legal
procedures; putting undue pressure on individuals.
Communicate using: the individual’s preferred spoken language; the use of signs; symbols;
pictures; writing; objects of reference; communication passports; other non verbal forms of
communication; human and technological aids to communication.
Danger could be: imminent; in the short term; in the medium term; in the longer term.
Harm and abuse within this unit will cover: neglect; physical, emotional and sexual abuse;
bullying; self-harm; reckless behaviour.
Key people include: family; friends; carers; others with whom the individual has a supportive
relationship.
Risks could include the possibility of: danger, damage and destruction to the environment and
goods; injury and harm to people; self-harm; bullying; abuse; reckless behaviour.
Statements that could adversely affect the use of evidence in future investigations:
changing information; removing information; adding to information.
Your knowledge and understanding for this Unit will relate to legal requirements and codes
of practice applicable to the scope of your work and others with whom you work; the nature
of the work you are undertaking; your role and level of responsibility within your organisation
(eg whether you have responsibility to support the work of others); the individuals, key
people1 and others with whom you are required to work and the degree of autonomy you have
for the management of your own work activities.
1
If you are working with children and young people the term “individuals” covers children and young people and “key
people” covers parents, families, carers, friends and others with whom the child/young person has a supportive
relationship
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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Values underpinning the whole of the Unit
The values underpinning this Unit have been derived from the key purpose statement2, the
statement of expectations from carers and people receiving services, relevant service
standards and codes of practice for health and social care in the four UK countries. If you are
working with children and young people they can be found in the principles of Care Unit
HSC34. If you are working with adults they can be found in HSC35. To achieve this Unit
you must demonstrate that you have applied the principles of care outlined in either unit
HSC34 or HSC35 in your practice and through your knowledge.
Evidence Requirements for the Unit
It is essential that you adhere to the Evidence Requirements for this Unit – please see
details overleaf.
2
The key purpose identified for those working in health and social care settings is “to provide an integrated, ethical and
inclusive service, which meets agreed needs and outcomes of people requiring health and/or social care”
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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SPECIFIC EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS UNIT
Simulation:
 Simulation is NOT permitted for any part of this unit.
The following forms of evidence ARE mandatory:
 Direct Observation: Your assessor or an expert witness must observe you in
real work activities which provide a significant amount of the performance
criteria for most of the elements in this unit. For example you may be observed
presenting information at a team meeting, care planning meeting or you may
have reported concerns to your line manager regarding an individual who is at
risk of abuse.
 Reflective Account/professional discussion: These will be a description of your
practice in particular situations. For example this could be a description of your
practice, which shows your ability to assess a situation and provide support to
individuals where they have been subject to, or threatened with, harm and abuse.
You could explain how you protected the individual and those around them and
what action you took to involve other agencies/professionals following the
incident. It is likely that this would also provide evidence for the mandatory
units in the award particularly where you have demonstrated knowledge of
legislation, policy and procedures relevant to the task.
Competence of performance and knowledge could also be demonstrated using a
variety of evidence from the following:
 Questioning/professional discussion: May be used to provide evidence of
knowledge, legislation, policies and procedures which cannot be fully evidenced
through direct observation or reflective accounts. In addition the assessor/expert
witness may also ask questions to clarify aspects of your practice.
 Expert Witness: A designated expert witness may provide direct observation of
practice, questioning, professional discussion and feedback on reflective accounts.
 Witness testimony: Can be a confirmation or authentication of the activities
described in your evidence which your assessor has not seen. This could be
provided by a work colleague or an individual.
 Products: These can be incident reports, records of situations and actions taken,
diary evidence of day to day practice.
You need not put confidential records in your portfolio, they can remain where they
are normally stored and be checked by your assessor and internal verifier. If you do
include them in your portfolio they should be anonymised to ensure confidentiality.
GENERAL GUIDANCE




Prior to commencing this unit you should agree and complete an assessment plan
with your assessor which details the assessment methods you will be using, and the
tasks you will be undertaking to demonstrate your competence.
Evidence must be provided for ALL of the performance criteria ALL of the
knowledge and the parts of the scope that are relevant to your job role.
The evidence must reflect the policies and procedures of your workplace and be
linked to current legislation, values and the principles of best practice within the
Care Sector. This will include the National Service Standards for your areas of
work and the individuals you care for.
All evidence must relate to your own work practice.
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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KNOWLEDGE SPECIFICATION FOR THIS UNIT
Competent practice is a combination of the application of skills and knowledge informed by
values and ethics. This specification details the knowledge and understanding required to
carry out competent practice in the performance described in this unit.
When using this specification it is important to read the knowledge requirements in
relation to expectations and requirements of your job role.
You need to provide evidence for ALL knowledge points listed below. There are a
variety of ways this can be achieved so it is essential that you read the ‘knowledge
evidence’ section of the Assessment Guidance.
You need to show that you know, understand and can apply in
practice:
Values
1
Legal and organisational requirements on equality, diversity,
discrimination, rights, confidentiality and sharing of information
when contributing to the assessment of and actions to deal with the
risk of danger, harm and abuse.
2
How to provide active support and place the preferences and best
interests of individuals at the centre of everything you do, whilst
enabling them to take responsibility (as far as they are able and
within any restrictions placed upon them) and make and
communicate their own decisions relating to their protection.
3
Dilemmas between individuals’ rights and their responsibilities for
their own care and protection, the rights and responsibilities of key
people and your role and responsibilities in protecting individuals
from danger, harm and abuse.
4
Stereotypical assumptions based on gender, race, culture, disability,
educational experience etc that affect the perception of danger,
harm and abuse to individuals, key people and others, both as
recipients and perpetrators, contributing to assessing and act upon
risk of danger, harm and abuse.
Legislation and organisational policy and procedures
5
Codes of practice and conduct, and standards and guidance relevant
to your own role and the roles, responsibilities, accountability and
duties of others when protecting individuals from danger, harm and
abuse.
6
Current local, UK legislation and organisational requirements,
procedures and practices for:
(a) data protection, including recording, reporting, storage,
security and sharing of information, including the reporting
of dangerous incidents
(b) protecting individuals from danger, harm and abuse
(c) actions to take on suspicions of and where there is a risk of
danger, harm and abuse
(d) health, safety, assessing and managing risks associated with
identifying and dealing with the risk of danger, harm and
abuse to individuals, key people and others
(e) the collection of information for legal purposes
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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You need to show that you know, understand and can apply in
practice:
(f)
investigating incidents of danger, harm and abuse
(g) any special provisions relating to the individuals because of
their age or conditions
(h) working with others to provide integrated services
7
Practice and service standards relevant to your work setting and for
working and dealing with danger, harm and abuse.
8
How to access records and information on the dangerous, abusive
and harmful behaviour of individuals and key people and incidents
and conditions that might trigger such behaviour.
9
The purpose of, and arrangements for, your supervision when
dealing with dangerous, harmful and abusive incidents and the
disclosure of such incidents by individuals and key people.
Theory and practice
10
How and where to access information and support that can inform
your practice when contributing to the assessment of, and actions to
deal with the risk of danger, harm and abuse.
11
Government reports, inquiries and research relevant to the
protection of individuals, key people and others from danger, harm
and abuse.
12
Theories relevant to the individuals with whom you work, about
aspects of human growth and development and how these can
affect and be affected by individuals being subjected to danger,
harm and abuse.
13
The ways in which danger, harm and abuse in the short, medium
and long term can affect the well-being of individuals.
14
How power and influence can be used and abused by:
(a) yourself and others when supporting people who are in
danger of harm and abuse and when they have been harmed
and abused
(b) others wishing to harm, abuse and exploit individuals
15
How individuals who have been harmed and abused are vulnerable
to exploitation and the ways in which such exploitation can be
prevented.
16
How people who harm and abuse individuals conceal what is
happening.
17
How to work in partnership with individuals, key people and those
within and outside your organisation to support individuals who
you and others suspect are in danger of harm and abuse and for
individuals who have been harmed and abused.
18
What to do if you suspect or have evidence that the person
responsible for harm and abuse is a colleague.
19
How to protect yourself, individuals, key people and others with
whom you work from danger, harm and abuse.
20
Different views on what is harmful, dangerous and abusive and
how they relate to your role and tasks.
21
Factors that may lead to danger, harm and abuse.
22
Signs and symptoms of danger, harm and abuse and the correct
actions to take when you suspect that danger, harm and abuse has
been disclosed.
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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You need to show that you know, understand and can apply in
practice:
23
The effects of being at risk of harm, in danger or abused and their
impact on the individuals, other people involved, your own and
other’s behaviour.
24
How to work, and support others to work with individuals who are
distressed, fearful and uncertain about what will happen to them.
25
The type of evidence that is valid in investigations and court and
how to ensure that your actions and statements do not contaminate
evidence or prejudice investigations.
26
The way that supportive relationships can help individuals and
other people involved to cope with what has happened to them.
27
How to deal with and the actions to take when individuals and key
people disclose abuse.
28
How to contribute to assessing levels of risk and the appropriate
action to take to reduce or remove risk.
29
Working with, and enabling others to work with individuals whose
behaviour is likely to cause, or is causing, risks to themselves or
others.
30
Working with, and enabling others to work effectively, when there
is a crisis that involves potential or actual harm and abuse.
31
Carrying out your role in plans to manage the risk or to prevent
further danger, harm or abuse.
32
Working with others outside your organisation who are involved in
any review of the risks or any action that is to be taken.
33
How to reflect upon and evaluate how your behaviour and actions
could contribute to incidents of danger, harm and abuse.
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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HSC395.1
Contribute to assessing the risk of danger, harm and abuse
Performance criteria
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
DO
RA
EW
Q
P
WT
You identify signs and symptoms of
immediate risks of danger, harm and
abuse.
You obtain information on situations and
the actions that might lead to danger,
harm and abuse for individuals, key
people and others.
You respond appropriately to any
disclosures of risks of danger, harm and
abuse to individuals, key people and
others, checking that you have understood
the situation correctly.
You seek support and assistance in
situations that are outside your
competence to deal with.
You contribute to assessing risks with
individuals, key people and others.
You develop positive, honest, trusting
and sensitive relationships, which enable
individuals to communicate their fears
and knowledge of potential and actual
danger, harm and abuse.
You treat individuals with respect and
dignity assuring them that you are
available and encouraging, but avoiding
pressurising them, to communicate their
experiences.
You respond to individuals in ways that
avoid actions and statements that could
adversely affect the use of evidence in
future investigations and court, and
making clear your role and
responsibilities for the disclosure of
information.
You complete accurate, timed and dated
records and reports, on incidents where
there have been risks of danger, harm and
abuse to individuals, key people and
others:
(a) within confidentiality agreements
(b) according to legal and
organisational requirements
(c) avoiding statements that could
adversely affect the use of evidence
in future investigations and court
DO = Direct Observation
EW = Expert Witness
RA = Reflective Account
P = Product (Work)
Q = Questions
WT = Witness Testimony
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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HSC395.2
Contribute to minimising the effects of immediate danger, harm and
abuse
Performance criteria
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
DO
RA
EW
Q
P
WT
You take action to deal with:
(a) immediate and potential risks that
may lead to danger, harm and
abuse of individuals, key people
and others
(b) actions of individuals, key people
and others that are dangerous,
harmful and/or abusive
according to legal and organisational
requirements, and your own role and
responsibilities within the organisation
You request further support and
assistance in situations that are outside
you expertise, experience and skill and
responsibility to deal with.
You take action to minimise any risks to
yourself, individuals, key people and
others in the immediate vicinity.
You take steps to respond to the needs of
individuals and others, when and if safe
to do so.
You make the environment as safe as
possible, removing all dangerous
substances and materials and ensuring
that any evidence which may be used in
an investigation is preserved.
You check that you understand the
situation correctly.
You respond appropriately to disclosures
of possible danger, harm and abuse,
avoiding actions and statements that
could adversely affect the use of evidence
in future investigations and court.
You support individuals to identify and
communicate what they would like to
happen about any disclosures, offering
them reassurance and support.
You inform relevant people and
organisations according to legal and
organisational requirements and
procedures, about disclosures.
You seek support for your personal
emotional reactions to the disclosure.
DO = Direct Observation
EW = Expert Witness
RA = Reflective Account
P = Product (Work)
Q = Questions
WT = Witness Testimony
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
abuse
HSC395.2
Contribute to minimising the effects of immediate danger, harm and
abuse (cont)
Performance criteria
11
DO
HSC395.3
2
3
4
5
EW
Q
P
WT
Support individuals to review situations and actions after the immediate
risk has passed
Performance criteria
1
RA
You complete accurate, timed and dated
records and reports, on actions to
minimise risks of danger, harm and abuse
to individuals, key people and others
where danger, harm and abuse has been
disclosed:
(a) within confidentiality agreements
(b) according to legal and
organisational requirements
(c) avoiding statements that could
adversely affect the use of evidence
in future investigations and court
DO
RA
EW
Q
P
WT
You offer appropriate reassurance and
support to individuals.
You interact with individuals in ways
that:
(a) recognises their needs
(b) respects their rights
(c) helps them to recognise their
responsibilities
You reflect upon your own actions and
behaviour to evaluate whether they might
have contributed to creating situations of
dangerous, harmful and abusive
behaviour.
You support individuals to identify the
factors that led up to situations and
behaviour that was dangerous, harmful or
abusive.
You contribute to supporting those
involved in dangerous, harmful or
abusive situations and behaviour to:
(a) recognise the consequences of their
behaviour
(b) help them to seek help, advice and
assistance
(c) take actions that will avoid further
dangerous, harmful and abusive
situations and behaviour
DO = Direct Observation
EW = Expert Witness
RA = Reflective Account
P = Product (Work)
Q = Questions
WT = Witness Testimony
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
abuse
HSC395.3
Support individuals to review situations and actions after the immediate
risk has passed (cont)
Performance criteria
6
DO
RA
EW
Q
P
WT
You complete accurate, timed and dated
records and reports, on situations and
incidents of danger, harm and abuse:
(a) within confidentiality agreements
(b) according to legal and
organisational requirements
(c) avoiding statements that could
adversely affect the use of evidence
in future investigations and court
DO = Direct Observation
EW = Expert Witness
RA = Reflective Account
P = Product (Work)
Q = Questions
WT = Witness Testimony
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and
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To be completed by the Candidate
I SUBMIT THIS AS A COMPLETE UNIT
Candidate’s name: ……………………………………………
Candidate’s signature: ………………………………………..
Date: …………………………………………………………..
To be completed by the Assessor
It is a shared responsibility of both the candidate and assessor to claim evidence, however, it
is the responsibility of the assessor to ensure the accuracy/validity of each evidence claim and
make the final decision.
I CERTIFY THAT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO MEET
ALL THE ELEMENTS, PCS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS UNIT.
Assessor’s name: …………………………………………….
Assessor’s signature: ………………………………………....
Date: …………………………………………………………..
Assessor/Internal Verifier Feedback
To be completed by the Internal Verifier if applicable
This section only needs to be completed if the Unit is sampled by the Internal Verifier
Internal Verifier’s name: ……………………………………………
Internal Verifier’s signature: ………………………………………..
Date: ……………………………………..…………………………..
Unit: DK40 04 (HSC395) Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse
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