Remember the safety and protection of vulnerable adults is our primary concern.
If, as part of staff work, you are in contact with vulnerable people you:
- will have to undergo an Enhanced ‘disclosure check’ by The Disclosure and Barring Service.
- will receive training with an appropriate organisation. Your line manager may also ask you to go on a training refresher course annually.
- will be entitled to external support/counselling if you have had to deal with adult protection issues. Discuss with your line manager.
Guidelines
These guidelines are here for the protection of the vulnerable adults you may be working with:
- If you believe a vulnerable adult to be in need, is suffering, or is likely to be suffering from significant harm you must pass the information on immediately to the appropriate professional services, (social services or police). You should also report back to your line manager what has happened and the action you have taken.
- You should avoid any situation where you may feel compromised or that may leave you vulnerable to allegations relating to protection issues.
- If you notice any existing injuries which the vulnerable adult has, you should write them down, stating date and time that you noticed the injury, details of the injury and sign the statement.
- If a vulnerable adult is hurt as the result of an incident or accident which happened whilst you are working with that individual you should record the incident in a log and the appropriate carer should be told. You should ask the carer to countersign the incident log, in acknowledgement that they have been told of the accident/incident and the consequent injury.
- You must always maintain a professional relationship with all vulnerable adults and behave accordingly.
- All vulnerable adults, their families and guardians/carers have the right to confidentiality at all times. You may only share information if you believe a vulnerable adult is at risk. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.
