Policy

1.1 GBS is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of all who use its services. It recognises that it has a responsibility, through its support for individuals and families, to protect the welfare of adults at risk, who may be in vulnerable situations and to ensure that such adults are protected from harm and abuse.

1.2 GBS is committed to high standards of practice in safeguarding the welfare of adults at risk. It has no statutory remit or role to investigate abuse of adults but acknowledges a responsibility to pass on to the appropriate statutory agency concerns in relation to the safety or welfare of an adult so that these concerns can be assessed.

Objectives

2.1 To explain the responsibilities the organisation and its directors, staff and volunteers have in respect of adult at risk protection.

2.2 To provide all directors, staff and volunteers with a clear definition of what constitutes an adult at risk as defined in local policies.

2.3 To provide all directors, staff and volunteers with an overview of adult at risk protection.

2.4 To provide a clear procedure that will be implemented where adult at risk protection issues arise.

Definition of an adult at risk

3.1 An adult at risk is defined as per the Adult Safeguarding and Capacity Strategy as a person aged 18 years or over who is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to factors such

as:

- Mental health conditions including dementia

- Learning disabilities

- Brain injuries

- Substance addiction

- Frailty or old age

- Physical or sensory disabilities

- Domestic violence

3.2 It is important to include people whose condition and subsequent vulnerability fluctuates.

3.3 In this context, community care services include all care services provided in any setting by any agency whether statutory, voluntary or community. This therefore includes the services provided by GBS.

Principles

4.1 The Adults Safeguarding and Capacity teams should be contacted for all referrals and guidance on adult safeguarding concerns. The Adult Safeguarding team should be consulted before any internal investigation to avoid contaminating evidence. Adult Safeguarding Manager: 01481 226923

4.2 This policy is based on the principles and procedures outlined by the Guernsey Adults Safeguarding Partnership Board.

4.3 All adults supported by GBS or who access GBS services have the right to:

- Be kept safe from harm and protected from abuse, neglect or exploitation

- Have their welfare and best interests considered paramount

- Be supported in making their own decisions and maintaining independence

- Receive support in reporting any abuse

- Have alleged or actual abuse responded to promptly

- Be treated with dignity and respect

4.4 All incidents of alleged poor practice, misconduct or abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.

4.5 It is the responsibility of all GBS staff and volunteers to report any concerns about abuse to:

Safeguarding Lead: Liz Pirouet-Douglas: manager@gbs.org.gg . Tel 01481 257778. If not available contact Sharon Ward (clinical director) : sharonward@gbs.org.gg. Tel: 07911 722220. Or the Designated Person: If the SL is not available, contact the HSC Adult Safeguarding Manager: 01481 226923 (Monday - Thursday 8:45am - 5pm/Friday 8:45am - 4.45pm)

In an emergency call 999.

4.6 Confidentiality and information sharing will follow local protocols and guidance, taking account the Capacity (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2020

Procedure

5.1 All GBS staff and volunteers will receive regular safeguarding training in line with local requirements.

5.2 Where there are concerns about an adult’s safety or welfare, this policy and associated procedures will be followed and information shared appropriately.

5.3 GBS will ensure adults are kept safe through:

- Clear procedures for raising safeguarding concerns

- Safe recruitment practices

- Effective staff training and support

- Clear expectations and protocols for information sharing

- Making safeguarding personal by prioritizing the adult’s views and consent

- Working collaboratively with other agencies as needed

- Safe recruitment processes for all directors, staff and volunteers including the obtaining of references and DBS checks at a level relevant to the role.

Reporting Procedures

6.1 All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the GBS Safeguarding Lead immediately.

6.2 The Lead will ensure concerns are referred to the Adult Safeguarding team as per local procedures and guidance.

6.3 Where there is immediate risk of harm, emergency services will also be contacted.

6.4 Written records of all concerns, discussions and decisions will be maintained securely.

6.5 GBS will share information appropriately to ensure adult safety and cooperate fully with external investigations.

Review

This policy will be reviewed every 3 years in line with the Adults Safeguarding Partnership policy review schedule. It will be updated as needed to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, and organisational learning.

Dated: 25/10/23

Version: 2

Review: October 2026

Author: S Ward

Reviewed by: GBS Board