1. POLICY STATEMENT
CTI 2000 recognises the unique status of vulnerable people of any age. As a charity committed to serving the community in which we work, we aim to foster relationships of the highest integrity, truthfulness and trustworthiness. All trustees, staff and volunteers of CTI 2000 must act with sensitivity and integrity to ensure that vulnerable adults are protected from harm whilst in our care.
CTI 2000 affirms that vulnerable adults have the right to:
CTI 2000 affirms that its trustees, staff and volunteers will:
CTI 2000 will achieve this by:
2. AIM OF THIS POLICY
The aim of this policy is to outline the practices and procedures for paid and voluntary staff of CTI 2000 to contribute to the prevention of abuse of vulnerable adults through raising awareness and providing a clear framework for action
when abuse is suspected or reported.
It seeks to protect the vulnerable adult and the worker, recognising the risks involved on both sides.
3a. DEFINITION OF VULNERABLE
Vulnerable adults are people who are over 18 years of age and are getting or may need help and services to live in the community. Vulnerable adults may be unable to take care of themselves and unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation by other people.
3b. DEFINITION OF ABUSE
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. The threat or use of punishment is also a form of abuse.
3c. TYPES OF ABUSE
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Psychological/emotional abuse includes:
Neglect
Financial or material
Discriminatory
No abuse is acceptable. Some abuse is a criminal offence and must be reported to the Police as soon as possible.
Remember that abuse can take place in any setting, public or private, and can be perpetuated by anyone. Volunteers, staff and trustees have a duty to identify abuse and report it.
4. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities of CTI 2000
All those making a complaint or allegation or expressing concern, whether they be staff, service users, parents, carers or members of the general public should be reassured that:
Recruitment of staff and Volunteers
DO:
DO NOT:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE
Deciding whether to act
The overriding objective is to protect the vulnerable adult whilst in the care of CTI 2000. However, it is possible that an adult in our care is being abused by someone outside the organization. Suspicion of abuse can arise in a number of ways including disclosure or partial disclosure and changes in behaviour or appearance. On occasion suspected abuse may be observed directly.
All allegations or suspicions are to be treated seriously. No abuse is acceptable. We have a duty of care to protect any vulnerable person in our care if we suspect they may be at risk. Some abuse is a criminal offence and must be reported to the Police at the earliest opportunity. To determine the appropriate action it is important to consider:
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:
Peter Willox 601430
Jean Sheen 603023
Jo Phypers 830827
Peter Wilde 607082
James Wright 600893
There follows a series of summary policy statements to help staff and volunteers to decide what action to take (see Appendix I).
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is crucial to all our work and relationships. The CTI 2000 confidentiality policy should be adhered to except that the welfare of vulnerable adults is paramount and takes precedence over it. Concerns relating to potential abuse of vulnerable adults should not be kept to yourself.
Confidentiality may NOT be maintained if the withholding of information will prejudice the welfare of the adult.
8. CONTACT INFORMATION
Allegation of abuse which occurs when a vulnerable person is over 18 years old falls under the Protection of Vulnerable Adults and needs to be reported to:
Adult Protection Unit: 01274 435400, or complete the online form¬ For information/advice: Contact: Adult Protection Unit, Jacobs Well, Nelson Street, Bradford, BD1 5RW¬ Telephone: 01274 43 1077¬ For additional information please visit: www.bradford.gov.uk/apunit.
APPENDIX I
WHAT TO DO WHEN A RISK IS IDENTIFIED OR A SITUATION SUDDENLY ARISES
THE FIRST PRIORITY SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE ADULT(S). TO THIS
END IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL STAFF TO ACT ON ANY SUSPICION OR EVIDENCE OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT AND TO PASS
ON THEIR CONCERNS TO A MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
• In situations of immediate danger, take urgent action by calling the relevant emergency services (e.g. police, ambulance, GP).
• Remember to have regard for your own safety. Leave the situation if it is not safe to remain.
• Listen to the vulnerable adult, offer necessary support and reassurance.
• Issues of confidentiality must be clarified early on. For example staff or volunteers must make it clear that they will have to discuss their concerns with the Management Committee.
• 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 agreed a consensus of staff not decided by an individual.
• Write your concerns down and any information given to you or witnessed by you.
If necessary, ask for help from other staff, volunteers or helpers.
• By supporting the vulnerable adult and carefully logging any information given to you at this stage, you will lay the foundations for an effective formal investigation.
• Understand the need not to contaminate, and/or to preserve evidence if a crime may have been committed
THE REPORTING AND DECISION MAKING PROCESS
INFORMATION SHOULD BE SHARED WITH A MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.
THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OR ITS NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPROVE ANY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
AND ANY DOCUMENTATION OR CORRESPONDENCE BEING SENT OUT.
Employees, volunteers, parents or carers with immediate concerns should discuss them with a member of the Management Committee on the same day.
In a rapidly evolving and potentially dangerous situation, it is not necessary to obtain Management Committee approval to take actions to bring the situation under control and/or to safeguard the health and safety of the vulnerable person and anyone else at risk from the incident.
Whilst it is the Management Committee’s responsibility to prepare a course of action and maintain a formal written record of the event and subsequent actions, it is very important that the first person who becomes aware of the abuse prepares a detailed written report.
This preliminary report should be signed, dated and if possible witnessed.
TO REFER OR NOT TO REFER
THE DECISION TO REFER OR NOT TO REFER WILL BE MADE BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHEN THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF THE INITIAL REPORT AND HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK ANY FURTHER INFORMATION THEY MAY REQUIRE.
When considering the decision as to whether to refer elsewhere (e.g. to Police, Social Services) the following should be taken into account:
• The wishes of the vulnerable adult, & their right to self-determination
• The mental capacity of the vulnerable adult
• Known indicators of abuse
• Definitions of abuse
• Level of risk to this individual
• The seriousness of the abuse
• The effect of the abuse on the individual
• Level of risk to others
• The effect of the abuse on others
• Whether a criminal offence has been committed
• The need for others to know
• The ability of others to make a positive contribution to the situation
The consent of the vulnerable adult must be obtained except where:
• They lack the mental capacity to make a decision, and a risk assessment indicates that referral would be in their best interests
• Others may be at risk
• A crime may have been committed
INFORMATION, IF KNOWN, WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN REPORTING CONCERNS OR MAKING A REFERRAL:
∙ Details of alleged victim – name, address, age, gender, details of any disability
∙ Details of GP and any known medication
∙ Whether the individual is aware of and has consented to the referral/report.
∙ The mental capacity of the individual (are there are any concerns/doubts about this?)
∙ If known, advise whether the perpetrator is aware of this report.
Also include any relevant information, for example:
∙ Reasons for concerns and therefore this referral/report
∙ Details of how these concerns came to light
∙ Specific information relating to these concerns
∙ Details of any arrangements which have already been made for the protection of the vulnerable adult or any immediate action taken
∙ Details of the alleged perpetrator and if they are a vulnerable adult
∙ Details of alleged abuse and information about suspicions
∙ Any other relevant background information
∙ An impression of how serious the situation might be
∙ Details of any professionals involved
∙ Details of carers and any significant family members, neighbours, friends
CONFIRM IN WRITING INFORMATION GIVEN VERBALLY
Sign and date the report.
It is wise to ask someone to witness the initial report.
Appendix 2
Social Media
Some uses of social media can put vulnerable adults at risk. We encourage everyone to think carefully before using social media to interact with vulnerable people.
Get to know the sites or services that you’re using – if you’re using social networking sites or other content-sharing spaces, make sure that you fully understand how each works and consider the potential safeguarding implications. In particular, look at the privacy and safety tools, the terms of service (these will usually explain what’s considered to be acceptable or unacceptable behaviour for that particular site), and how users can contact the service if they have a concern or complaint.
Some services offer private or ‘closed’ spaces, where you can have more control over who participates. This might be more appropriate for vulnerable adults. Make sure that you look at all the options and seek further advice if you’re unsure. Take time to work out what’s best for your audience, rather than rushing into using the latest tool without thinking about the possible consequences.
Some of the risks associated with social media, particularly for vulnerable adults, include cyber bullying, grooming and potential abuse by online predators. You need to act as role model in e-safety. Remind members that there’s no such thing as ‘private’ online. Tell them what kind of photos and information are okay to post and to never share personal information like name, age or address.
Leaders and volunteers must be careful when using social media to ensure that privacy and confidentiality of members is observed at all times: images of individuals must not be tagged, nor information shared which could lead to identification/exploitation. Filters should be used to avoid the possibility of inappropriate sharing.
Boundaries - It's potentially easier to form inappropriate relationships using social media. Online banter and private messaging can lead to a level of intimacy that you’d ordinarily guard against. Be alert to the potential for misinterpretation. Don't exchange private messages with members via social media or accept 'friend requests' from them without due consideration. Keep your boundaries in place. Favouritism - avoid interacting more with one member than another, eg, if you wish happy birthday to one person, you need to do it for all users.
CTI 2000 recognises the unique status of vulnerable people of any age. As a charity committed to serving the community in which we work, we aim to foster relationships of the highest integrity, truthfulness and trustworthiness. All trustees, staff and volunteers of CTI 2000 must act with sensitivity and integrity to ensure that vulnerable adults are protected from harm whilst in our care.
CTI 2000 affirms that vulnerable adults have the right to:
- be protected from all forms of harm, including neglect, abuse and exploitation
- be listened to and heard
- have their cultural and racial background and experience valued and respected
- be considered as individuals with particular needs
- be given opportunities to reach their full potential
CTI 2000 affirms that its trustees, staff and volunteers will:
- ensure that vulnerable adults are protected at all times
- provide a safe, secure and friendly environment
- provide support, encouragement and stimulation to enable everyone to reach his or her full potential
CTI 2000 will achieve this by:
- Making sure our voluntary and paid staff are carefully selected.
- Providing appropriate training for staff.
- Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of any vulnerable adult in contact with CTI 2000.
- Not physically, emotionally or sexually abusing any vulnerable person in contact with CTI 2000.
- Taking all reasonable steps to prevent any staff member, persons working for us or member of the public from putting any vulnerable adult in a situation in which there is an unreasonable risk to their emotional or physical well being.
- Taking all reasonable steps to prevent any staff member, persons working for us or member of the public from physically, emotionally or sexually abusing any vulnerable adult in our care.
- Reporting to the Management Committee or its designated officer any evidence or reasonable suspicion that a vulnerable adult has been physically, emotionally or sexually abused whilst in our care.
- Where appropriate or legally necessary, reporting any allegations of abuse, whether or not involving CTI 2000 trustees, staff or volunteers to the relevant statutory authorities.
- Implementing this policy in conjunction with our Health and Safety guidelines.
- Promoting awareness of our Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy to all staff and volunteers who work for CTI 2000, to those vulnerable adults in our care and to their parents and carers.
2. AIM OF THIS POLICY
The aim of this policy is to outline the practices and procedures for paid and voluntary staff of CTI 2000 to contribute to the prevention of abuse of vulnerable adults through raising awareness and providing a clear framework for action
when abuse is suspected or reported.
It seeks to protect the vulnerable adult and the worker, recognising the risks involved on both sides.
3a. DEFINITION OF VULNERABLE
Vulnerable adults are people who are over 18 years of age and are getting or may need help and services to live in the community. Vulnerable adults may be unable to take care of themselves and unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation by other people.
3b. DEFINITION OF ABUSE
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. The threat or use of punishment is also a form of abuse.
3c. TYPES OF ABUSE
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 non-contact abuse including via social media
Psychological/emotional abuse includes:
- Threats of harm, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, enforced isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks including via social media
- 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
- 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 racist, sexist, or based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.
No abuse is acceptable. Some abuse is a criminal offence and must be reported to the Police as soon as possible.
Remember that abuse can take place in any setting, public or private, and can be perpetuated by anyone. Volunteers, staff and trustees have a duty to identify abuse and report it.
4. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities of CTI 2000
- To ensure staff and volunteers are aware of the vulnerable adult protection policy and are adequately trained
- To notify the appropriate agencies if abuse is identified or suspected
- To support and where possible secure the safety of individuals and ensure that all referrals to services have full information in relation to identified risk and vulnerability
- To DBS check volunteers and employees that have access to or work with vulnerable adults
- To be familiar with the adult protection policy and procedures including guidance on use of social media (see Appendix 2)
- To take appropriate action in line with the policies of CTI 2000
- To declare any existing or subsequent convictions. Failure to do so will be regarded as gross misconduct, possible resulting in dismissal
All those making a complaint or allegation or expressing concern, whether they be staff, service users, parents, carers or members of the general public should be reassured that:
- They will be taken seriously
- Their comments will usually be treated confidentially, but their concerns may be shared if they or others are at significant risk
- If service users, they will be given immediate protection from the risk of reprisals or intimidation
- If staff they will be given support and, if necessary, afforded protection
- To be made aware of this policy
- To have alleged incidents recognised and taken seriously
- To receive fair and respectful treatment throughout
- To be involved in any process as appropriate
- To receive information about the outcome
Recruitment of staff and Volunteers
- Follow CTI 2000 recruitment procedures and policies, including:
- Risk assessment of role to assess need for DBS Disclosures
- Completion of an CTI 2000 application form
- Check references thoroughly including appropriate Disclosure
- All staff and volunteers have a duty to declare any existing or subsequent convictions. Failure to do so will be regarded as gross misconduct, possibly resulting in dismissal
- Initial familiarization with all CTI 2000 policies and procedures during induction
- Made aware of further training, which may be available dependent on nature of role, e.g.
- Risk assessment & management
- Types of abuse and recognising signs of abuse
- Keeping appropriate records
- Listening skills
- It is the Management Committee’s responsibility to ensure that roles and responsibilities of employees and volunteers regarding their relationships with vulnerable adults are clearly communicated. Employees and volunteers will be encouraged to raise any issues with one or more members of the Management Committee.
- There should be a written record of any concerns. This confidential information will be kept in a locked drawer by the appropriate person, and will be kept for as long as deemed necessary, in line with Data Protection principles.
- All incidents should be reported immediately and within 7 days in writing to the Management Committee.
- Wherever possible paid staff and volunteers should avoid lone working with a vulnerable adult. But if unavoidable, one to one contact should take place in an environment where other staff or volunteers are present or within sight.
DO:
- Be respectful and professional
- Listen, communicate
- Use common sense; be caring, attentive and aware
- Act in an appropriate manner
- Be sympathetic to their needs
- Be aware of your responsibility
- Be aware of policy and procedures
- Know the appropriate contacts and act appropriately
- Be responsible – support and constantly review
DO NOT:
- Belittle, offend or otherwise reduce self-esteem
- Be aggressive
- Physically restrain
- Do anything of a personal nature they can do for themselves
- Re-enforce negative emotions/behaviours
- Engage in inappropriate behaviour
- Place yourself in a vulnerable position
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE
Deciding whether to act
The overriding objective is to protect the vulnerable adult whilst in the care of CTI 2000. However, it is possible that an adult in our care is being abused by someone outside the organization. Suspicion of abuse can arise in a number of ways including disclosure or partial disclosure and changes in behaviour or appearance. On occasion suspected abuse may be observed directly.
All allegations or suspicions are to be treated seriously. No abuse is acceptable. We have a duty of care to protect any vulnerable person in our care if we suspect they may be at risk. Some abuse is a criminal offence and must be reported to the Police at the earliest opportunity. To determine the appropriate action it is important to consider:
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
- By anyone associated with CTI 2000
Peter Willox 601430
Jean Sheen 603023
Jo Phypers 830827
Peter Wilde 607082
James Wright 600893
- By anyone else
There follows a series of summary policy statements to help staff and volunteers to decide what action to take (see Appendix I).
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is crucial to all our work and relationships. The CTI 2000 confidentiality policy should be adhered to except that the welfare of vulnerable adults is paramount and takes precedence over it. Concerns relating to potential abuse of vulnerable adults should not be kept to yourself.
Confidentiality may NOT be maintained if the withholding of information will prejudice the welfare of the adult.
8. CONTACT INFORMATION
Allegation of abuse which occurs when a vulnerable person is over 18 years old falls under the Protection of Vulnerable Adults and needs to be reported to:
Adult Protection Unit: 01274 435400, or complete the online form¬ For information/advice: Contact: Adult Protection Unit, Jacobs Well, Nelson Street, Bradford, BD1 5RW¬ Telephone: 01274 43 1077¬ For additional information please visit: www.bradford.gov.uk/apunit.
APPENDIX I
WHAT TO DO WHEN A RISK IS IDENTIFIED OR A SITUATION SUDDENLY ARISES
THE FIRST PRIORITY SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE ADULT(S). TO THIS
END IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL STAFF TO ACT ON ANY SUSPICION OR EVIDENCE OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT AND TO PASS
ON THEIR CONCERNS TO A MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
• In situations of immediate danger, take urgent action by calling the relevant emergency services (e.g. police, ambulance, GP).
• Remember to have regard for your own safety. Leave the situation if it is not safe to remain.
• Listen to the vulnerable adult, offer necessary support and reassurance.
• Issues of confidentiality must be clarified early on. For example staff or volunteers must make it clear that they will have to discuss their concerns with the Management Committee.
• 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 agreed a consensus of staff not decided by an individual.
• Write your concerns down and any information given to you or witnessed by you.
If necessary, ask for help from other staff, volunteers or helpers.
• By supporting the vulnerable adult and carefully logging any information given to you at this stage, you will lay the foundations for an effective formal investigation.
• Understand the need not to contaminate, and/or to preserve evidence if a crime may have been committed
THE REPORTING AND DECISION MAKING PROCESS
INFORMATION SHOULD BE SHARED WITH A MEMBER OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT THE EARLIEST OPPORTUNITY.
THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OR ITS NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPROVE ANY ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN
AND ANY DOCUMENTATION OR CORRESPONDENCE BEING SENT OUT.
Employees, volunteers, parents or carers with immediate concerns should discuss them with a member of the Management Committee on the same day.
In a rapidly evolving and potentially dangerous situation, it is not necessary to obtain Management Committee approval to take actions to bring the situation under control and/or to safeguard the health and safety of the vulnerable person and anyone else at risk from the incident.
Whilst it is the Management Committee’s responsibility to prepare a course of action and maintain a formal written record of the event and subsequent actions, it is very important that the first person who becomes aware of the abuse prepares a detailed written report.
This preliminary report should be signed, dated and if possible witnessed.
TO REFER OR NOT TO REFER
THE DECISION TO REFER OR NOT TO REFER WILL BE MADE BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHEN THEY ARE IN POSSESSION OF THE INITIAL REPORT AND HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK ANY FURTHER INFORMATION THEY MAY REQUIRE.
When considering the decision as to whether to refer elsewhere (e.g. to Police, Social Services) the following should be taken into account:
• The wishes of the vulnerable adult, & their right to self-determination
• The mental capacity of the vulnerable adult
• Known indicators of abuse
• Definitions of abuse
• Level of risk to this individual
• The seriousness of the abuse
• The effect of the abuse on the individual
• Level of risk to others
• The effect of the abuse on others
• Whether a criminal offence has been committed
• The need for others to know
• The ability of others to make a positive contribution to the situation
The consent of the vulnerable adult must be obtained except where:
• They lack the mental capacity to make a decision, and a risk assessment indicates that referral would be in their best interests
• Others may be at risk
• A crime may have been committed
INFORMATION, IF KNOWN, WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN REPORTING CONCERNS OR MAKING A REFERRAL:
∙ Details of alleged victim – name, address, age, gender, details of any disability
∙ Details of GP and any known medication
∙ Whether the individual is aware of and has consented to the referral/report.
∙ The mental capacity of the individual (are there are any concerns/doubts about this?)
∙ If known, advise whether the perpetrator is aware of this report.
Also include any relevant information, for example:
∙ Reasons for concerns and therefore this referral/report
∙ Details of how these concerns came to light
∙ Specific information relating to these concerns
∙ Details of any arrangements which have already been made for the protection of the vulnerable adult or any immediate action taken
∙ Details of the alleged perpetrator and if they are a vulnerable adult
∙ Details of alleged abuse and information about suspicions
∙ Any other relevant background information
∙ An impression of how serious the situation might be
∙ Details of any professionals involved
∙ Details of carers and any significant family members, neighbours, friends
CONFIRM IN WRITING INFORMATION GIVEN VERBALLY
Sign and date the report.
It is wise to ask someone to witness the initial report.
Appendix 2
Social Media
Some uses of social media can put vulnerable adults at risk. We encourage everyone to think carefully before using social media to interact with vulnerable people.
Get to know the sites or services that you’re using – if you’re using social networking sites or other content-sharing spaces, make sure that you fully understand how each works and consider the potential safeguarding implications. In particular, look at the privacy and safety tools, the terms of service (these will usually explain what’s considered to be acceptable or unacceptable behaviour for that particular site), and how users can contact the service if they have a concern or complaint.
Some services offer private or ‘closed’ spaces, where you can have more control over who participates. This might be more appropriate for vulnerable adults. Make sure that you look at all the options and seek further advice if you’re unsure. Take time to work out what’s best for your audience, rather than rushing into using the latest tool without thinking about the possible consequences.
Some of the risks associated with social media, particularly for vulnerable adults, include cyber bullying, grooming and potential abuse by online predators. You need to act as role model in e-safety. Remind members that there’s no such thing as ‘private’ online. Tell them what kind of photos and information are okay to post and to never share personal information like name, age or address.
Leaders and volunteers must be careful when using social media to ensure that privacy and confidentiality of members is observed at all times: images of individuals must not be tagged, nor information shared which could lead to identification/exploitation. Filters should be used to avoid the possibility of inappropriate sharing.
Boundaries - It's potentially easier to form inappropriate relationships using social media. Online banter and private messaging can lead to a level of intimacy that you’d ordinarily guard against. Be alert to the potential for misinterpretation. Don't exchange private messages with members via social media or accept 'friend requests' from them without due consideration. Keep your boundaries in place. Favouritism - avoid interacting more with one member than another, eg, if you wish happy birthday to one person, you need to do it for all users.