Good safeguarding practice
Access to adults suspected to be at risk or abuse or neglect
This guide aims to clarify the different types of legal powers that can be called upon when access to an adult who is suspected to be at risk of neglect or abuse is required but, for whatever reason, is being denied or restricted.
Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures ( Currently under review, to be re-issued in 2025)
The purpose of the Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures is to support staff to respond appropriately to all concerns of abuse or neglect they may encounter, providing a consistent response across the county. They are updated regularly and practitioners are encouraged to refer to the online version rather than download and retain a copy.
Domestic abuse
A considerable proportion of safeguarding adults work relates to the abuse or neglect of people with care and support needs who are living in their own homes. Domestic abuse is one of the type of abuse and can take many other forms and be perpetrated by a range of people. Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance issued by the home office provides a wide range of information about domestic abuse, including multi agency working to support the survivors of domestic abuse.
Female Genital Mutilation
FGM is illegal in the UK. It is also illegal to take a British national or permanent resident abroad for FGM or to help someone trying to do this. The Slough Child protection procedures includes a clear pathway on what to do if you suspect FGM. FGM pathway for Adults and children provides useful information.
Indicators of Abuse
Some adults at risk may reveal abuse themselves by talking about or drawing attention to physical signs, or – where verbal communication is limited or absent – displaying certain actions or gestures. Practitioners and carers need to be aware of these signs and understand what they may mean. This Indicators of abuse by SCIE lists possible indicators and examples of behaviour to help practitioners identify abuse. This information from NICE Safeguarding adults in care homes provides details regarding indicators of both individual abuse and neglect, as well as organisational abuse and neglect.
Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP)
Adult safeguarding arrangements are there to protect individuals. Making safeguarding personal is a strength based approach which should be person-led and outcome-focused. It engages the person in a conversation about how best to respond to their safeguarding situation in a way that enhances involvement, choice and control as well as improving quality of life, wellbeing and safety. The Making Safeguarding Personal sets out models, theories and approaches that safeguarding practitioners need to be aware of. It can be used as a practitioner guide for pointers on how to respond to individual cases, or as a starting point resource for service development. This approach is ever evolving in light of new developments and best practice. It advocates to put the person and their voice at the centre of all safeguarding practice.
Mental Capacity Act
Mental Capacity is at the heart of Safeguarding and should always be considered from the beginning of any Safeguarding process. The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is designed to protect and empower individuals who may lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. It is a law that applies to individuals aged 16 and over. There is a Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice 2005. In addition, there is a draft code of practice.
What is Executive mental Capacity?
In the context of the Mental Capacity Act, Executive Mental Capacity can be linked to the person’s ability “to understand the relevant information” at the time it is required, and the ability to “use” the relevant information to make the decision at the time it is required.
You may be concerned about someone’s Executive Mental Capacity if they:
- repeatedly makes unwise decisions that put them at significant risk of harm or exploitation
- make a particular unwise decision that is obviously irrational or out of character
Following a number of Safeguarding Adult Reviews in Slough, the Safeguarding Partners have collaborated to develop this Resource Pack to help practitioners in all agencies to consider Executive Functioning within Mental Capacity when working with clients/patients with challenging situations and risky behaviour.
See also Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and this link
Modern slavery and human trafficking
Modern slavery is a serious crime. It encompasses slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Modern slavery victims can often face more than one type of abuse and slavery, for example if they are sold to another trafficker and then forced into another form of exploitation. A person is trafficked if they are brought to (or moved around) a country by others who threaten, frighten, hurt and force them to do work or other things they don’t want to do. Specified public authorities have a duty to notify the Home Office about any potential victims of modern slavery they encounter in England and Wales.
Useful links:
Modern Slavery Helpline. Call 08000 121 700 to get help, report a suspicion or get advice.
How to report modern slavery
Slough Safeguarding Adults Partnership - Exploitation of Adults/Modern Slavery