Practice guidance and resources
A range of documents and resources to help you respond to people with complex needs or circumstances who do not require an adult safeguarding enquiry
About the resources
It is the responsibility of all organisations to make sure they have a skilled and competent workforce. Staff must be able to take on the roles and responsibilities needed to protect adults at risk and respond appropriately if abuse or neglect happens.
At this time, the Somerset Safeguarding Adults Board does not provide single or multi-agency safeguarding training.
Safeguarding resources by theme
Swan Advocacy
Swan Advocacy are the commissioned provider of Statutory Advocacy services in Somerset. In England and Wales there are four different types of Statutory Advocacy:
- Mental Health
- Care Act
- Mental Capacity
- Health Complaints
Swan Advocacy also work with clients on generic (sometimes called ‘community’) advocacy and is also commissioned to provide the Victims of Crime Advocacy Service in Somerset (VOCAS).
What is Discriminatory Abuse?
Discriminatory abuse may involve race, gender, disability, or any of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act.
Examples of discriminatory abuse might involve harassment, slurs, or similar treatment based on the difference or perceived difference.
Discriminatory Abuse – Practice Update (webinar currently being uploaded to YouTube)
About falls prevention
About home visiting
About information gathering and sharing
The checklist lists the type of information to think about at the initial stage of responding to a safeguarding concern.
This document explains the need to share information to support the functions of the Safeguarding Adults Board in Somerset and includes a useful flow chart of when and how to share information.
Multi Agency Risk Management (MARM) Guidance
This document is intended to empower all agencies (in their management of risk) to feel confident to instigate multi-agency risk management meetings. This is in relation to people with complex needs or circumstances who do not require or meet the criteria for a local authority led adult safeguarding enquiry under Section 42 the Care Act (2014).
Organisational abuse guidance and service monitoring
There is a need for professional assessment and judgement in determining when poor practice becomes Organisational Abuse.
The following appendices have been published separately from the main document:
- Appendix G: Local Authority Raising Concerns Planning Meeting Agenda
- Appendix H: Local Authority Raising Concerns Planning Meeting Template
- Appendix I: Local Authority Safeguarding Enquiry Review Meeting Template
The importance of recognising, identifying and acting on organisational abuse is critical and underlined by many safeguarding adults reviews and enquiries. This resource has been developed by the organisational abuse expert reference group, hosted by Partners in Care and Health, including representatives from local government, health and regulatory bodies.
Local Government Association – Organisational abuse resources
Service Monitoring Checklist
This service monitoring checklist sets out examples of potential indicators for concern within provider settings. The areas of care listed may highlight that care is neglectful and could be harmful to residents.
About professional curiosity
Professionals need to have an awareness of their own personal bias and how it affects how they see those they are working with, and they are encouraged to use reflective supervision to support their practice.
About professional differences
This guidance explains how professional differences relating to the safety of adults at risk of abuse should be resolved. It is applicable to all individuals and organisations who have a role in the safeguarding of adults at risk of abuse, and supports Somerset’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults policy.
Adult Safeguarding Risk Decision Making Tool
The Adult Safeguarding Risk Decision Making Tool (formerly Adult Safeguarding Risk Assessment Tool) is designed to assist practitioners in considering the vulnerability of the adult at risk the seriousness of the abuse that is occurring and the impact of the abuse and the risk of it recurring.
It is not designed to determine further actions, but rather to provide guidance and key considerations for practitioners who are assessing and managing risk. Practitioners should always seek advice from agency Safeguarding Leads when unsure what action should be taken in relation to concerns they may have. Safeguarding procedures should be used to not only react to significant harm occurring but also to prevent it from occurring where there are clear indicators of vulnerability and risk. Careful assessment of past information may indicate that although significant harm has not occurred on this occasion, it is highly likely to in the future. Therefore, a multi-agency response following safeguarding procedures is the best course of action.
About medicine management
Self-neglect guidance
Self-neglect and MCA webinar, part 1
Self-neglect and MCA webinar, part 2
Self-neglect Practice update
Michael Preston Shot Presentation
- SSAB Self-neglect Tool kit – Working with people who experience self neglect Nov 23
- SSAB Self-neglect Toolkit – Flowchart Nov 23
- SSAB Self-neglect Toolkit – Hoarding guidance Nov 23
- SSAB Self-neglect Toolkit – MCA and Self Neglect Nov 23
- SSAB Self-neglect Toolkit – Legal powers and responsibilities Nov 23
- SSAB Self-neglect Toolkit – Directory of Services in Somerset Nov 23
- Minute Briefing Self-neglect, Exploitation and Alcohol and Substance misuse
- RIPFA Self Neglect Practice Guidance
- SSAB Safeguarding Adults – Self-Neglect slides
- Self-Neglect and Fire Risk
Substance use guidance
However, some population groups are subject to high risks. Their circumstances can hinder recovery and increase inequality.
People using substance misuse services may need extra support temporarily or long-term either because of their personal circumstances, the health conditions they have, or other needs and complexities. Some people are particularly vulnerable to complications during detoxification and withdrawal.
Think Family
Familiarise yourself with the family, their unique culture and characteristics, strengths and vulnerabilities.