Outsiders is committed to ensuring that vulnerable people who use our services are not abused and that working practices minimise the risk of such abuse. This policy should be used in conjunction with the Outsiders Equal Opportunities Policy.
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, financial, material, sexual, psychological, discriminatory, emotional abuse and neglect. 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.
The volunteers and staff reporting of incidents of suspected or potential abuse may find that the victim and/or the other responsible adult concerned i.e. are upset or angry. The Coordinator will support you. Other support may take the form of support provided by work colleagues or support or counselling provided by an outside body if required.
Volunteers and staff themselves may also be the subject of an allegation of abuse. While support will be offered, Outsiders will ensure that Social Services are given all assistance pursing any investigation. Suspension and/or discipline may be implemented.
Where a member of volunteers and staff is suspected of abuse the following action should be taken:
Confidentiality is crucial to all our work and relationships and the Outsiders confidentiality policy should be adhered to except that the welfare of vulnerable adults is paramount and takes precedence over it. Do not keep concerns relating to potential abuse of vulnerable adults to yourself.
Confidentiality may NOT be maintained if the withholding of information will prejudice the welfare of the adult.
Allegation of the alleged abuse which occurred when the person is over 18 years old falls under the Protection of Vulnerable Adults and needs to be reported to the local Social Services Adult Care Duty Officer, 68 Haliford Street, London N1, telephone 020 7527 8200.