We at Mayday believe that everyone has a right to live free from violence, fear and abuse and should be protected from harm or exploitation. A person has a right to independence even though that may involve some degree of risk. Working in line with the multi agency policy we will ensure that the service users, family members, carers and staff receive information about how to raise concerns if they suspect or experience abuse by using appropriate sources of advice and support.

We enable staff to recognise abuse or poor practice and how to respond appropriately, we recognise as an organisation that vulnerable adults are abused and that this should be acknowledged and protection should be sought for them. We also recognise that staff may wrongly be accused of abuse and in this instance we provide the help and support needed for that staff member to continue their role within our organisation without prejudices.

All our staff receive safeguarding/adult abuse training in line with their level of responsibilities. This training informs staff about the types of abuse that are covered by our policy and procedures, how to recognise the types of abuse, how to respond, report and record abuse and allegations of abuse and although policy and procedures will not always necessary prevent abuse happening, it does make staff aware that they are in place to help the prevention of abuse and also makes people aware that abuse is not acceptable, and legislation is in place to protect vulnerable Service User groups and can secure convictions where necessary.

This is updated periodically as per CQC guidelines/recommendations. Implemented in this training is our whistle blowing policy which all staff members are encouraged to use when appropriate. It also provides them with the security of anonymity should they require it.

Our rigorous recruitment policies and selection practices take place before commencement of a position within our organisation. Two verbal and written references (1 from last or current employer) are obtained and verified along with a CRB and POVA first check where this applies and each candidate will complete an application form stating past experiences, previous employment and medical history before being asked to attend for interview.

Managers help to eliminate risk of abuse by working alongside our contracts team and using electronic monitoring, quality assurance and reviewing policies and regularly keep abreast of policies and procedures on good practice and address any difficulties in implementing adult protection procedures. They use the adult protection safe guarding alerting procedure and also work along side multi agency framework providers i.e Safe Guarding Authority, CQC, Borough Councils Safe Guarding Team, The Police, G.P.s , District Nurses and other Service User Providers to reduce the risk and also obtain help and support for the protection of a vulnerable adult.

They ensure that they continue to be knowledgeable in their operational guidance and appropriate training in areas such as managing challenging behaviour, control and restraint, risk assessment and management, control and administration of medicines, involvement with service users property and finances and approaches to race, culture, religion, discrimination and sexuality, so they are able to pass their knowledge, expertise and experience to others along with being able to offer the help, advice and support needed to the service user and staff members.

Confidentiality will be maintained at all times unless there is a recognised need that keeping confidences may be inappropriate where there are concerns about abuse and other people being at risk. Any shared or exchange of information will be in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

On receiving a disclosure we will ensure that the person understands what will happen at each stage of the disclosure and how we can help, support and protect them whilst an investigation takes place. We will make clear that any information provided by them will be kept confidential in line with policy and procedures and ensure them that their wishes will be respected and carried out throughout. We will also inform them that should they wish to withdraw a disclosure then they are perfectly within their rights to do so, we will ensure that a strategy is put in place as a matter of urgency for the continuing protection of that person.

We remain committed to ensuring a right to an independent lifestyle and choices. We recognise self determination can involve risk and we ensure such risks are recognised, understood and dealt with appropriately and minimised wherever possible for the safety of the service user.