Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy
The Pasty Connection is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people who use our services are
not
abused and that working practices minimise the risk of such abuse. Staff, volunteers, service
users
and anyone working on the behalf of The Pasty Connection have a duty to identify abuse and
report
it.
Definition
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.
Abuse can include:
Physical - Including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication,
restraint or
inappropriate physical sanctions
Financial or Material - Including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation
to an
adult's financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property,
inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property,
possessions or benefits
Sexual - Rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching,
sexual teasing, or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing
sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has
not
consented or was pressured into consenting
Psychological - Including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation
of
contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal
abuse,
cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or
supportive networks
Discriminatory - Including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment: because of
race,
gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion
Emotional abuse – Including teasing, ridicule, sarcasm, making fun or putting some one
down, withholding attention
Neglect - Including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to
provide
access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding
of
the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating
Abuse can take place in any setting, public or private, and can be perpetuated by anyone.
Rights & Responsibilities Responsibilities of The Pasty Connection Directors / Management team:
To notify the appropriate agencies if abuse is identified or suspected
Contact 0300 1234 131 Option 3 (out of hours number 01208 251300) or email
accessteam.referral@cornwall.gov.uk . For vulnerable adults speak to the Adult Care
Triage
Team 01872 326433
Responsibilities of The Pasty Connection staff, volunteers, service users and anyone working
on
behalf of The Pasty Connection:
To be familiar with the vulnerable adult protection policy
To take appropriate action in line with the policy
Support for those who report abuse
All those making a complaint or allegation or expressing concern, whether they are staff,
volunteers,
member 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 with
the appropriate authorities if they or others are at significant risk
Anyone wishing to make a complaint or allegation must speak to one of the Directors / Management
Team in the first instance. They will then follow the process above. All services users will be
made
aware of this through the Terms and Conditions agreed at the point of joining The Pasty
Connection.
The Vulnerable Adult has the right:
To be made aware of this policy
To have alleged incidents recognised and taken seriously
To receive fair and respectful treatment throughout