VULNERABLE ADULT PROTECTION POLICY
Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network
1. Introduction
Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network believes that every adult matters and
recognises ‘Safeguarding Adults, A National Framework Standards for good
practice and outcomes in adult protection work’. We are committed to enabling
all our clients who have sought asylum in the UK to retain their independence,
well-being and choice, and to access their human right to live free from harm,
abuse and neglect. While we recognise that many of our clients might not fit the
definition of vulnerable, we will assume relevance and use these guidelines until
and unless information suggests otherwise.
2. Aims of the Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy
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To protect and prevent abuse of vulnerable adults first and foremost
To work to the highest standard of good practice
To provide a clear framework for action when abuse is suspected
To inform staff, trustees and volunteers of their roles and responsibilities,
give a clear practice and procedures, and ensure they are protected in
their work with vulnerable adults
3. Vulnerable Adult Protection Officers
The designated persons with responsibility for Protection of Vulnerable Adults
are the Director, Jon Beech, and the nominated trustee, David Cundall. Their
roles and responsibilities are listed in Appendix 1. All matters relating to
vulnerable adults at LASSN should be referred to them.
Contact details:
Jon Beech, Director
Work number: 0113 3731759
Mobile number: 07845 298047
David Cundall, Trustee
Home phone number: 0113 293 8351
Mobile number: 07989 194726
LASSN Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy – November 2014
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4. Definition of Abuse
The term ‘vulnerable adult’ refers to any person aged 18 years and over
who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental
or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care
of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant
harm or serious exploitation.
At LASSN we also recognise that the impact of seeking asylum can cause
vulnerability due to experiences in the country of origin, or experiences
through the asylum system in the UK.
Abuse is the harming of another individual usually by someone who is in a
position of power, trust or authority over that individual. The harm may be
physical, psychological or emotional or it may be directed at exploiting the
vulnerability of the victim in more subtle ways.
Physical abuse
 Bodily assaults resulting in injuries e.g. hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking,
misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate sanctions.
 Bodily impairment e.g. malnutrition, dehydration, failure to thrive
 Medical/healthcare maltreatment
Sexual abuse
 Rape, incest, acts of indecency, sexual assault
 Sexual harassment or sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not
consented, or could not consent or was pressured into consenting.
 Sexual abuse might also include exposure to pornographic materials, being
made to witness sexual acts and encompasses sexual harassment and noncontact abuse.
Psychological/emotional abuse includes:
 Including threats of harm, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment,
verbal abuse, enforced isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive
networks.
 Humiliation
 Bullying, shouting, swearing
Neglect
 Including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to
appropriate health, social care or educational services
 The withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate
nutrition and heating.
Financial or material
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Including theft, fraud,
Exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or
financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property,
possessions or benefits.
Discriminatory
 Including race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, a person’s disability, and other
forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.
Abusive Traditional Practices
These are cultural practices from countries around the world which may seriously
affect a person’s physical and emotional well-being and are against the law in
this country.
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Female Genital Mutilation –. (FGM) includes procedures that
intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. Procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems
urinating, and later cysts, infections, infertility as well as complications in
childbirth increased risk of newborn deaths. It can occur either in this
country or the person’s country of origin.
Trafficking – the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or
receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of
coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of
a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or
benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another
person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a
minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of
sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or practices similar
to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs
Forced Marriage –a marriage that is performed under duress and without
the full and informed consent or free will of both parties
Multiple forms of abuse may occur in an on going relationship or abusive service
setting to one person, or to more than one person at a time, making it important
to look beyond single incidents or breaches in standards, to underlying dynamics
and patterns of harm. Any or all of these types of abuse may be perpetrated as
the result of deliberate intent and targeting of vulnerable people, negligence or
ignorance.
5. Recognising Abuse
Recognising abuse is not easy and may need professional guidance. Even the
list below is not comprehensive. More information can be found on the website
http://www.leedsadultprotection.net/
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Physical abuse signs
Note: Some ageing processes can cause changes which are hard to distinguish
from some aspects of physical assault e.g. skin bruising can occur very easily
due to blood vessels becoming fragile.
 A history of unexplained falls or minor injuries
 Bruising in well protected areas, or clustered from repeated striking
 Finger marks
 Burns of unusual location or type
 Injuries found at different states of healing
 Injury shape similar to an object
 Injuries to head/face/scalp
 History of GP or agency hopping, or reluctance to seek help
 Accounts which vary with time or are inconsistent with physical evidence
 Weight loss due to malnutrition, or rapid weight gain
 Ulcers, bed sores and being left in wet clothing
 Drowsiness due to too much medication, or lack of medication causing
recurring crises/hospital admissions
Sexual abuse signs
 Disclosure or partial disclosure (use of phrases such as ‘It’s a secret’)
 Medical problems, e.g. Genital infections, pregnancy, difficulty walking or
sitting
 Disturbed behaviour e.g. depression, sudden withdrawal from activities, loss
of previous skills, sleeplessness or nightmares, self-injury, showing fear or
aggression to one particular person, repeated or excessive masturbation,
inappropriately seductive behaviour, loss of appetite or difficulty in keeping
food down.
 Behaviour of others towards the vulnerable adult
Psychological/emotional signs:
 Isolation
 Unkempt, unwashed, smell
 Over meticulous
 Inappropriately dressed
 Withdrawn, agitated, anxious not wanting to be touched
 Change in appetite
 Insomnia, or need for excessive sleep
 Tearfulness
 Unexplained paranoia, or excessive fears
 Low self esteem
 Confusion
Neglect signs
 Physical condition poor
 Clothing in poor condition
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Inadequate diet
Untreated injuries or medical problems
Failure to be given prescribed medication
Poor personal hygiene
Financial or material signs
 Unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills
 Unexplained or sudden withdrawal of money from accounts
 Disparity between assets and satisfactory living conditions
 Extraordinary interest by family members and other people in the vulnerable
person’s assets
Discriminatory signs
 Lack of respect shown to an individual
 Signs of substandard service offered to an individual
 Exclusion from rights afforded to others, such as health, education, criminal
justice
Other signs of abuse
 Inappropriate use of restraints
 Sensory deprivation e.g. spectacles or hearing aid
 Denial of visitors or phone calls
 Failure to ensure privacy or personal dignity
 Lack of flexibility of choice e.g. bedtimes, choice of food
 Restricted access to toilet or bathing facilities
 Lack of personal clothing or possessions
 Controlling relationships between care staff and service users
People who might abuse:
Vulnerable adults may be abused by a wide range of people including
 Informal carers, family, friends, neighbours
 Paid staff, volunteers
 Other service users
 Neighbours
 Strangers
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6. How to deal with a disclosure or suspicion of abuse
All allegations or suspicions are to be treated
seriously. No abuse is acceptable and some abuse
is a criminal offence and must be reported to the
Police as soon as possible. To determine the
appropriate action it is important to consider:
It is not your responsibility
as a worker/volunteer at
LASSN to decide if abuse
is occurring, but it is your
responsibility to act on any
concerns you have
Risk – does the vulnerable adult, staff member or
volunteer understand the nature and consequences
of any risk they may be subject to, and do they willingly accept such a risk?
Self-determination – is the vulnerable adult able to make their own decisions
and choices, and do they wish to do so
Seriousness – A number of factors will determine whether intervention is
required. The perception of the victim must be the starting point. Factors
informing assessment of seriousness will include:
 The perception by the individual and their vulnerability
 The extent of the abuse
 The length of time it has been going on
 The impact on the individual
 The risk of repetition or escalation involving this or other vulnerable adults
 Is a criminal offence being committed
Summary
 The employee or volunteer’s primary responsibility is to protect the vulnerable
adult if they are at risk
 LASSN would seek to offer support to those involved with the vulnerable adult
(including staff and volunteers) to help them to do things better
 Each employee or volunteer has a duty to take action on any suspicion or
evidence of abuse or neglect and to pass on their concerns to the responsible
person
 Employees or volunteers should not have to cope alone. REMEMBER IT IS
NOT NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE FOR YOU TO DECIDE IF ABUSE IS
OCCURRING OR TO SEEK EVIDENCE. By supporting the vulnerable adult
and carefully reporting or logging any information given to you at this stage,
you will lay the foundations for an effective formal investigation.
 In situations of immediate danger, take urgent action by calling the relevant
emergency services (e.g. Police, ambulance, GP)
 Remember to have regard to your own safety. Leave the situation if it is not
safe for you.
 Listen to the vulnerable adult, offer necessary support and reassurance.
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Issues of confidentiality must be clarified early on. For example staff or
volunteers must make it clear that they will have to discuss the concerns with
their manager.
Where a vulnerable adult expresses a wish for concerns not to be pursued
then this should be respected wherever possible. However, decisions about
whether to respect the service user’s wishes must have regard to the level of
risk to the individual and others, and their capacity to understand the decision
in question. In some circumstances the vulnerable adult’s wishes may be
overridden in favour of considerations of safety.
Decisions to override the vulnerable adult’s wish not to take the matter further
should if possible be the product of discussion with appropriate line
management.
Note your concerns and any information given to you or witnessed by you.
Report concerns to the appropriate line manager.
Understand the need not to contaminate, or to preserve evidence if a crime
may have been committed.
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Concerns or
suspicion of abuse
or neglect
Third party tells
of abuse
Disclosure of abuse
by vulnerable adult
If Police presence or medical
attention is required contact the
relevant Emergency Services, 999
Do not encourage
disclosure but do
record what has
been said
on the disclosure
report record form
Discuss with Project Manager
and / or LASSN Vulnerable
Adult Protection Officer
LASSN will offer
support to the
client, volunteer
and staff involved
Complete the Cause for Concern
Report or Disclosure Report
Discuss implications of risk, self-determination
and seriousness (see above). If there are still
concerns refer to the relevant agency.
Complete the
Action Taken or not taken form
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7. Confidentiality, record retention and destruction
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Suspicions and disclosures will be kept confidential and will be shared only
with the Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer.
Written records of causes of concern and subsequent action will be kept in a
locked cabinet.
Records will be retained in accordance with the requirements of current
official guidelines and the principles of the Data Protection Act (1998) will be
adhered to at all times.
Records will be adequate, relevant and not excessive.
Records will be accurate and kept up to date where necessary.
Records will not be kept for longer that necessary for their purpose. Personal
information will not normally be kept for longer than 6 years after the last
contact. When records are kept for more than 6 years they will be clearly
marked and the reason for the extension identified.
Criminal records Bureau disclosure certificates will not be stored for more
than 6 months.
Records relating to vulnerable adult concerns against an employee will be
kept until the person reaches retirement age, or for 10 years if that is longer.
Records will only be accessed by those with appropriate responsibility.
Records will be securely destroyed when they are no longer required.
8. LASSN working practices
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LASSN will follow statutory procedures. Should these change, then the new
statutory procedures will supersede those outlined in this policy and LASSN
will update the policy to reflect the changes as soon as practicable.
LASSN will recruit workers and volunteers to a clear job description.
We will obtain at least one written reference about their work or character
before appointing a worker or accepting a volunteer.
Appropriate Disclosure and Baring Service check will be made for all LASSN
workers and volunteers in contact with vulnerable adults and for LASSN
Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer. A DBS report dated within the last 6
months will be viewed and accepted alongside appropriate Independent
Safeguarding Authority checks
All workers will be subject to a 3-month probationary period.
Workers and volunteers will recognise that their work gives them privileged
access to the lives of vulnerable adults. Workers and volunteers will establish
appropriate clear boundaries to relationships with vulnerable adults.
All volunteers and workers in contact with vulnerable adults receive
appropriate training, support and guidance to ensure they are informed of
LASSN’s Vulnerable Adult Protection policy and what to do if they feel a
vulnerable adult is at risk.
All volunteers must complete initial training which includes Vulnerable Adult
Protection issues.
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Supervision sessions will be used to check that workers are implementing
proper procedures.
Concerns about inappropriate behaviour by another worker or another
volunteer must be shared with the relevant Co-ordinator, Manager, Director or
Trustee.
LASSN internet/email/computer facilities will not be used either to view, store
or to download pornographic, indecent or offensive images, text or sound
files.
When working with other agencies LASSN will take all reasonable steps to
ensure the safety and well being of the vulnerable adult/family.
The Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy will be kept in an accessible place and
will be made available as required.
The procedures for protection of vulnerable adults will be reviewed
periodically in the light of experience, developments about good practice and
recommendations from the relevant Safeguarding Board.
9. Further information
For current guidance on safeguarding,
http://www.leedsadultprotection.net/
Date approved:
11 September 2013
Reviewed:
November 2014
Next review date:
September 2016
legislation
LASSN Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy – November 2014
and
resources
see
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Appendix 1 – roles and responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities of Vulnerable Adult Protection Officers
 To be familiar with current legislation and guidelines on safeguarding
Vulnerable Adults
 To understand and implement relevant Vulnerable Adults Protection
procedures
 To take responsibility for organising appropriate training for staff and
volunteers
 To ensure appropriate recruitment and vetting of staff and volunteers
 To ensure adequate supervision for staff and volunteers working with
Vulnerable Adults
 To establish good communication with agencies working in the field of
Vulnerable Adults protection
 To promptly investigate and refer appropriately any allegations or
suspicions of abuse of Vulnerable Adults
 To maintain appropriate links with the Safeguarding Board
Roles and responsibilities of all trustees of LASSN
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To apply the current legislation and guidelines on safeguarding Vulnerable
Adults
Roles and responsibilities of all staff of LASSN
 To work within LASSN’s Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and guidelines
 To inform and support the Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer with any
concerns or worries regarding Vulnerable Adults’ safety and well being
 To attend appropriate training on Vulnerable Adults’ Protection
 To follow agreed procedures for reporting any causes for concern or
worries about a Vulnerable Adult
 If required, to submit a report to any investigation or case conference
concerning any causes for concern
 LASSN staff are to ensure that volunteers are aware of this policy and
their responsibilities as volunteers through training and supervision.
Roles and responsibilities of Volunteers
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To work within LASSN’s Vulnerable Adult Protection policy and inform the
relevant project manager of any concerns or worries concerning a
Vulnerable Adult’s safety and well-being
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Appendix 2 – Causes of Concern report
Confidential LASSN Vulnerable Adult Protection
Causes of Concern Report
Adult’s Date of Birth:
Name of Adult:
Adult’s Home Address:
Date form completed:
Time form completed:
Your name:
Signature:
Your role at LASSN:
Reasons for your concern
Continue on separate sheets as necessary
Please record Who?
the following
as
factually
as possible
What?
Where?
When?
Offer an opinion where relevant (how and why this may have happened)
Continue on separate sheets as necessary
Please continue on separate sheets as necessary
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Confidential LASSN Vulnerable Adult Protection
Record of Action Taken or not taken
Record of all action taken, comments or statements made, agencies contacted
and at what time
Time/date
Action taken/not taken (and reason if appropriate)
Initial
Continue on separate sheets as necessary
Signed:
Print Name:
Date of report:
Please give the completed report to
the LASSN Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer
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Confidential LASSN Vulnerable Adult Protection
Disclosure report record
DO NOT encourage further disclosure
but do record what has been said.
Name of Adult:
Adult’s Date of Birth:
Adult’s Home Address:
Date of disclosure:
Time of disclosure:
Your name:
Your role at LASSN::
Where did the disclosure discussion take place:
If anyone else was present please give their name and relationship to the adult if
any:
The disclosure:
Please write as much as you can remember of the conversation you had. Record
what the adult has said, their demeanour and actions as soon as possible after
the disclosure. The conversation should be recorded as far as possible in the
adult’s own words and should clearly note any questions asked by the
worker/volunteer.
Please continue on separate sheets as necessary
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Disclosure Summary:
Who the allegations are against?
What is there relationship to the adult?
What are they alleged to have done?
(physical, sexual, neglect or emotional)
When did, or is the alleged abuse
taking place?
To your knowledge is there more than one victim?
Yes / No / Don’t know
What evidence have you seen to support the allegation (bruises, burns, overt
changes in behaviour, etc?)
Additional Information: Please use this space to share any other information you
may feel is relevant to the disclosure.
Signed:
________________________
Date:
________________________
Please give the completed report to
the LASSN Vulnerable Adult Protection Officer
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