Safeguarding Adults Policy

Purpose and Scope

The policy details Aura Norfolk LTD's commitment to safeguarding adults at risk, aligning with the policies of Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council. It establishes a zero-tolerance standard for abuse and neglect and aims to protect the Service User's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

The policy applies to:

  • Roles Affected: All Staff.

  • People Affected: Service Users.

  • Stakeholders Affected: Family, Advocates, Representatives, Commissioners, External health professionals, Local Authority, NHS, and Housing Provider Partners.

Key Responsibilities and Accountability

  • Overall Management Responsibility: The Registered Manager, Arlen Figuracion, and Elenny Figuracion, Nominated Individual, have overall management responsibility for the policy.

  • Overall Accountability and Safeguarding Lead: Arlen Figuracion is the Safeguarding Lead at Aura Norfolk LTD and has overall accountability for managing safeguarding concerns.

  • Local Authority Contact: The Local Authority is Norfolk County Council; Great Yarmouth Borough Council, and the main contact number is 0344 800 8020.

Definition of Abuse and Safeguarding

  • Safeguarding Definition: 'Safeguarding' is defined as the actions taken to keep Service Users safe from harm and neglect.

  • Care Act 2014 Criteria: Adult safeguarding duties apply to any adult who has care and support needs, is experiencing or is at risk of abuse and neglect, and is unable to protect themselves as a result of those needs.

  • Definition of Abuse: Abuse is a violation of an individual's human or civil right by any other person, which puts them at risk of harm and impacts on their health and wellbeing.

  • Forms of Abuse: The policy details various forms of abuse and their signs and indicators, including: Physical abuse, Domestic violence or abuse, Sexual abuse, Psychological or emotional abuse, Financial or material abuse, Modern slavery, Discriminatory abuse, Organisational or institutional abuse, Neglect or acts of omission, and Self-neglect.

Reporting Procedure

  • Staff Responsibility: Care Workers must be able to recognise and respond to suspected abuse and substandard practice and report concerns of harm or poor practice.

  • Responding to Disclosure: If a Service User discloses potential or actual abuse, staff must remain calm, listen carefully, not interrupt or press for details, ensure immediate safety, and call 999 if there is an emergency or crime in progress.

  • Reporting Internally: Staff must document what they have seen or been told and report immediately to the Registered Manager and Safeguarding Lead, Arlen Figuracion. The Registered Manager, Arlen Figuracion, can be contacted at 0203 916 2872 (AURA).

  • Registered Manager's Action (Referral): Arlen Figuracion is responsible for identifying the sources and level of risk, recording information, and contacting the Norfolk County Council Adult Safeguarding Team.

    1. If the Service User is at immediate risk of harm, the Registered Manager will contact the police, and the CQC will also be informed.

    2. A safeguarding referral must be made to the local authority Safeguarding Adults Team, even if the Service User does not consent, when abuse or neglect is suspected.

  • Whistleblowing: Staff are encouraged to use the clear Raising Concerns, Freedom to Speak Up and Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure to report genuine concerns about safety or wrongdoing, especially if they feel they cannot follow the regular reporting procedure or if the manager does not take appropriate action.

External Reporting and Review

  • CQC Notification: Aura Norfolk LTD must notify the Care Quality Commission (CQC) without delay of incidents and allegations of abuse.

  • Local Authority Enquiry: The Local Authority (Norfolk County Council; Great Yarmouth Borough Council) will lead the safeguarding enquiry (Section 42 enquiry).

  • Involving the Service User: The process must be person-led ("Making Safeguarding Personal") and focused on the outcomes the Service User wants to achieve. The Service User must be involved throughout the enquiry and their consent obtained, if possible.