Learner Statement on Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults in Healthcare

This learner statement, prepared for a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care, addresses the critical topic of safeguarding and protecting vulnerable adults. The report begins by differentiating between the concepts of safeguarding and protection, emphasizing the importance of creating safe environments and preventing maltreatment. It then evaluates the impact of various policy developments, such as 'Our health, our care, our say' and 'No Secrets,' on safeguarding approaches within a care setting, highlighting the roles of staff training, transparency, and policy reviews. The legislative framework for safeguarding is examined, with discussions on key acts like the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, the Care Standards Act 2000, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The report further analyzes how serious case reviews and inquiries influence quality assurance, regulation, and inspection, emphasizing complaint procedures and the use of these reviews for staff training and policy improvement. Finally, the statement explains protocols and referral procedures for suspected harm or abuse, referencing national minimum standards and the responsibilities of managers and authorities. The report underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and ensure their well-being.

Learner statement Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care
Unit Title: 514 Safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults

Learner statement
Assessor
Use Only-
Assessment
Criteria Met
Learner to provide narrative under each statement of how they meet the criteria.
You must provide answers to each question that allow your assessor to properly assess what work duties
you are doing or what role you have within your work. It expected that you will need approximately 300
words per question. The more detail you provide the less likely your account will be sent back for more
clarification.
You must answer each question in your own words and written in the first person meaning “I do this”. A tip
is always to keep in mind the “who, why, how, where and when” in each answer.
 INTRODUCTION
Safeguarding vulnerable adults form abuse is one of the important task of care homes which engage in area to
provide them appropriate and safe environment. This concept describe the various rights and duties of people so
that they can live with freedom and free form any burden (Stevens, 2013). Government of country make and
encourage various policies describing the rights of various people in order to safeguard and prevent them from any
kind of abuse. Present report is based on the case study on a care home which deliver various type of good quality
services to people who do not have the ability to take care of their own and are not able to take effective decisions.
Various concepts of safeguarding and protection of vulnerable adults is elaborated under this report. Legislative
framework describing the information for protecting the basic right of vulnerable adults is also mentioned under this
essay. Along with this different protocols and various policies contribute in enhancing the quality of various services
is also mentioned under this.

Learning Outcome 1- Understand the legislation, regulations and policies that underpin the protection of
vulnerable adults
1.1 Explain how you analyse the differences between the concept of safeguarding and the concept of
protection in relation to vulnerable adults
Concept of safeguarding vulnerable adults means protecting them from maltreatment and making sure that these
types of adults are living in a safe environment with proper and effective care (Safeguarding and protection of
vulnerable adults. 2017). Safety of vulnerable adults is ensured under this concept. Safeguarding simply means
preventing an individual form impairment and preventing children or vulnerable adults suffering from abuse along
with trying to make sure that service providers are report these incidents. Protection of adults from various causes
play an effective role in promoting and safeguarding their well-being. It is a much wider concept that plays a critical
role in the overall concept of safeguarding.
Agencies that are working in this field with children has a responsibility to minimise the risk of harm and take
corrective actions in case of any concern. Partnership firms working in this field also give concern on this matter
(Manthorpe and Martineau, 2010). Emphasis is also given on the safeguarding of adults.
Concept of protection states about various policies and rules of government for safeguarding basic rights of
individuals so that they can be protected from any harm or abuse. Main emphasis of this is to make the people
understood about their various rights so that they can act accordingly and manage the risk in complicated situations
so that effective care and safe environment can be provided to them.
I think that all people should get knowledge about their rights and duties and should be made aware about various
abuses so that they can handle the critical situations whenever arise. With help of this knowledge they can protect
themselves at health and social care places especially when are consuming the services of a health and social
care. For this, individuals can join various health programmes and get consultation form various coordinators
working in health and social care industry.

1.2 Explain how you evaluate the impact of policy developments on approaches to safeguarding vulnerable
adults in own service setting
Range
This may include:
1.2 Policy developments:
 Our health, our care, our say
 Putting People First
 No Secrets
 In Safe Hands
 Vetting and Barring Scheme/Independent Safeguarding Authority
 Local Safeguarding Adults Boards
As per my own setting, impact of development of various policies on different approaches of safeguarding
vulnerable adults can be extensive (Manthorpe and Martineau, 2010). All the adults in my setting are vulnerable
because of their age. Due to the unfamiliar surroundings, many adults did not feel comfortable. In my own setting, I
should make sure to make sand apply relevant policy in the health care place which must be followed by all
members of staff for safeguarding adults from various risks. The policy must have enough comprehensive which
safeguards the staff members from any false claims done by them. Staff members should be capable enough so
that they can report critical issues to the manager. Impact of policy development make it the responsibility of
statutory bodies, service providers and employees to protect adults form any abuse.
Other impact of policy development is that all members of staff should be well trained so that they can deliver
quality services to a large number of individuals at social care services. Main aim of policy development is to deliver
effective services to people. Transparency should be there among all operations as this increases the effectiveness
of services. One of the biggest impacts of policy development is that all staff members should have knowledge
during handling the care of patients if they fail to follow set rules and policies than a serious action can be taken
against them. All policies should be reviewed on regular basis so that necessary modifications can be done.

Evaluate the impact of policy development on approaches of safeguarding adults is necessary as this help social
care workers in formulate better policies. This evaluation should take place on continuous basis so social and health
care homes can offer better and effective services to its customers.
1.2 Explain the legislative framework for safeguarding vulnerable adults
Large number of legislations are there which talk about safeguarding and protecting the interest of vulnerable
adults. Till 2000, there was no such effective legislation who have the responsibility for statutory services, but there
were many small pieces of legislation which support the protection of vulnerable adults (Magill and et. al., 2010). In
1998, crime and disorder act was the first that supported protection of vulnerable adults. All these play an important
party in the development of protection of vulnerable adults.
After that, in 2000, UK government looked at the various practices of safeguard the interest of vulnerable adults and
gave guidance to various legal bodies to kept transparency and gave guidance for protect the vulnerable adults
form any abuse. This increases the responsibilities of various legal bodies of UK to protect adults. It also assists the
right and standard procedure for solving any registered concern. Staff members and supported people should be
enough trained so they can identify and found out the symptoms of any abuse.
Along with this, the care standards act 2000 was implemented including various standards which should be followed
by the social care services. Protection of vulnerable adult is one of the main priorities of this (Fyson and Kitson,
2010). After that, mental capacity act 2005 came into existence which provide a framework to protect and empower
people who are able to take decisions at their own. Major element of legislative framework should be consider by
the managers of health and social care homes during formulate various policies for enterprise. With this they can
serve their patients effectively at health care homes. It is very important to study and consider the legislative
framework as this help health care homes to contribute more in health of patients.
1.3 Explain how you can evaluate how serious case reviews or inquiries have influenced quality assurance,
regulation and inspection relating to the safeguarding of vulnerable adults

Different case reviews have affected quality assurance, regulation and inspection in relation to safeguard the
vulnerable adults from any abuse as all these introduce rights and standards so that all complaints can be solved in
the setting of social and health care. According to the national minimum standards, there is a simple process of
registering a complaint which includes various stages and time scale is also fixed so that effective solution can be
found (Parry, 2013). Outcome of this standard is that various services users, their friends and relatives are confident
that their problems will be effectively listened and effective actions will be taken upon that.
The registered person is responsible to make the complaint procedure available to everyone and at the same time,
he/she promotes it through using brochures, staff meetings, notice boards and in the resident meetings. This also
states that registered person is responsible to respond to the complaint within 28 days (Safeguarding and protection
of vulnerable adults. 2017). Registered manager has to keep a written copy of all complaints and investigations
(Manthorpe and et. al., 2011). Inquiries and case reviews also influence the quality assurance, inspection and
regulation regarding with the protection of vulnerable adults as all these can be used to establish the best solutions
and practice to reduce risk of happening of a similar incident again in the future. All these can be used as a material
of training for staff members for improving their skills and qualities and for better implementation of policies and
procedures for solving an issue at workplace. Further, it is very important to follow the process to get an effective
solution of problem. All this help individuals in find a solution and at the same time help in create a positive
environment at workplace.
1.4 Explain the protocols and referral procedures when harm or abuse is alleged or suspected
National minimum standards for care homes set a standard for protecting the service users from any kind of abuse.
As per this standard, manager is responsible to ensure that service users are safeguarded or protected from abuse
done by staff members, family, friends and strangers. It sets out various policies regarding the protection of abuse.
Under this, managers and authority people can also respond to the suspicion of neglect.
Safeguarding adults makes a framework of standards in 2005 for achieving effective outcomes in the protection of
adults called safeguarding procedure of adults.
According to various standards, an enterprise that receives a report regarding the abuse of an adult should respond
in a positive manner. An organisation should have effective procedure for addressing the problem in an effective

manner (Ash, 2010). Direction for taking action should be included in procedure so that effective actions can be
taken for the protection of public interest. If an individual is suffering with a mental disease then that it must be
heard by all the parties in a appropriate manner which can give important information and options available.
Next standard set out that necessary or relevant information should be shared among all the agencies and service
providers in the case where abuse is suspected. As per the other standard, each partner working in an agency has
to follow the rules and regulations of internal set policies. Every staff member has the right to get training for
delivering effective services or to handle critical issues. Manager has the responsibility to keep a written copy of all
factual information of every process and outcome. It is very essential for manager to offer training because it helps
them in offer better services to all patients and at the same time guide them in take right action in critical situation.
Learning Outcome 2- Be able to lead service provision that protects vulnerable adults
2.1 Explain how you promote service provision that supports vulnerable adults to assess risks and make
informed choices
Different range of measures are involved in safeguarding vulnerable adults to protect patients in critical situations
(Braye,Orr and Preston-Shoot, 2011). Various policies and report has been published by the government for
achieving effective outcomes in safeguarding vulnerable adults from different types of exploitations which help
individuals to maintain control in their lives and provide them support for taking effective decision. Various efforts
done by the government for improve services regarding vulnerable adults. Following are the main six principles for
benchmarking adult safeguarding:
 Empowerment
 Protection
 Prevention
 Proportionality
 Partnership
 Accountability

One of the most important aspects of this is to understand and make effective decisions regarding safety
from neglect and abuse. For taking effective decision, it is important to first have information about what is going on,
the harm which it can cause to an individual as well as options available to individuals to stop the abuse (Abley,
Bond and Robinson, 2011). Everyone has a right to follow a course of action including the party concerned with
abuse. If person chooses to live with the risk of abuse then efforts should be made to minimise the risk of abuse.
Every step included in the plan should be according to the consent of person.
All six principles must be use to safeguard adults because it ensure that better health services is offer to all patients.
These principles should be follow by service providers at time of serving patients. Further, these must be follow at
time of take decisions at workplace. All this help in create a positive work environment. It is very important that all
service providers should have information about what is going at workplace so they can make better decisions. In
this way health and social care homes can promote health and effective work practices.
2.2 Explain how you provide information to others on:
 Indicators of abuse
 Measures that can be taken to avoid abuse taking place
 Steps that need to be taken in the case of suspected or alleged abuse
To provide information to various parties, training on protection of vulnerable adults is to be enclosed in the training
programmes. In the induction program, staff should learn various indicators of abuse along with the measures or
actions that can be used to avoid the same at workplace. Staff members can collect basic information for reporting
abuse. Members of social care have the opportunity to attend various courses certified by various legal agencies for
understanding the indicator of abuse (Collins, 2010). Learning through self-study and reflection of staff members is
also encouraged for better understanding the indicators of abuse. Booklets and posters can be used for providing
information to the relatives, friends and family members.
 Indicator of abuse: Following things should be considered while providing information to the indicators of
abuse:
◦ Physical abuse

◦ Mentally or financially exploitation of an individual
◦ Abusing a person psychologically
◦ Process follow to avoid abuse
◦ Neglect
Abuse can be of many types called financial, sexual and physical as well as many more. Various measures can be
taken by the managers for avoiding abuse to take place at premises. Being a senior support worker, it is my
responsibility to develop structures to deliver best possible care and service, provide training to all staff members for
better handle all the aspects of abuse and investigate any evidence of abuse.
Effective training and proper care should be provided to them so that they can avoid abuse and ensure safe
environment for vulnerable adults (Carr, 2011).
Following are the major elements which must be consider or done by manager at time suspected abuse:
 Stay calm and remain non judgemental.
 Be supportive.
 Assure that the individual did the right by tell about the allegations.
 Ensure safety of individual.
 Gather essential information.
2.3 Explain how you identify the policies and procedures in own work setting that contribute towards
safeguarding and the prevention of abuse
With my own work setting, many policies and procedures can be used for getting contribution to safeguard and

prevention of abuse. Adult protection policy and procedure is one of the main policies. Under this policy, first a
setting is committed or formed for preventing the situation of abuse of residents in their care. This policy is set by
ensuring that all staff members understand the process of reporting to external agencies. The policy ensures
recruitment of right and skilled candidates. Policy informs staff members about the definition of abuse, its types,
indicators of abuse and the process of dealing with it. It also ensures that proper training should be provided to the
staff members.
Whistle-blowing is another policy that contributes a lot towards safeguarding the vulnerable adults from abuse. This
policy gives right to employees to report in case of fraud, wrongdoing and misconduct by any other party
(Cambridge and et. al., 2011). It gives confidence to the other person that his issue will be heard and he will not be
treated unfairly. Procedure of handling complaint is also a option an individual can raise a complaint either verbally
or written at any time. This process also informs whether an individual is happy with the outcome or not. After that,
recruitment and selection process can also contribute in preventing the abuse as skills and capabilities of
employees help in managing the issue.
Residents care plan policy and procedure can also be used for getting contribution in the prevention of vulnerable
adults as care plans hold information about the behaviour of residents. This policy sets out to make or build a plan
regarding potential residents. It is very important to identify the policies that contribute in safeguarding of adults
because it help health care services provider in offer best services to its patients. This must be follow at work
premises especially when delivering services to patients.
2.4 Explain how you monitor the implementation of policies and procedures that aim to safeguard
vulnerable adults and prevent abuse from occurring
Implementation of various policies and procedures regarding the aim of safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse
need proper monitoring so that safe environment can be provide to them. For the same, timely inspection of various
departments is required. Along with this, evaluation of performance of various carers is also needed to be done to
control any deviation. It helps in getting the desired output (Hunter and et. al., 2012). Management of care homes
can be ask by the affected individuals which can assist and provide some relevant information regarding the

performance of nurses. Proper training can be provided to nurses for handling critical situations in an effective way.
Feedback can be collected form the carers in order to evaluate the effectiveness of quality of service.
Standards or benchmarks can be set by the managers in order to evaluate effectiveness of services delivered to
customers and to identify any variation in the performance of nurses. For enhancing the quality of services, training
and development programmes can be conducted for increasing the quality of services delivered by nurses and at
the same time, give them knowledge for handling the complex situation effectively.
For increasing the effectiveness of services, I need to review the policies on regular basis for safeguarding adults
from any abuse. As I am responsible for my own area of monitoring with implementation of services. Areas like staff
training managing the risk associated with prevent adults form abuse as well as keep up to date data many have
take place. Implementation should take place at workplace on continuous basis. It is very important that this should
be done in an effective way because with help of this health and social care homes can offer better and effective
services and in this way they can contribute more in healthy living of patients.
2.5 Explain how you provide feedback to others on practice that supports the protection of vulnerable
adults
After monitoring the implementation of various procedures and policies, it is one of the important to find out any
findings in the form of recommendations and chances and it is also necessary to communicate all the findings with
all members of staff through training and notice. In care homes, effective code of working or practices is required at
every level which helps in ensuring and providing safe working environment for vulnerable adults. Impact of this can
be evaluated or checked by the help of effective review and regular supervision (Reece, 2010). For this, manager of
care homes can record the performance of employees and provide them feedback to do improvements in the
current pattern of working to cater specific requirements and needs of people. Recorded data can be used for
getting both positive and negative response which facilitates in knowing the needs of changes in the current or
existing pattern of work so that better protection can be provided to the vulnerable adults.
One of the main advantages of collecting feedback is that it helps in calculating profit and at the same time, helps in

knowing effectiveness of various services on the life of patients.
Feedback must be collected at work premises on continuous basis as because it helps management in introduce
any change in current policies and to contribute more in healthy living of patients. Feedback helps managers
eliminate the factors that negatively affect the health practices and at the same time help in maximise the elements
that positively affect the process. Overall effective supervision is require at every level in order to ensure that
service providers are offering better services to all patients. Effective communication channels should be there at
workplace so manager can provide the collected feedback to others.
Learning Outcome 3- Be able to manage inter-agency, joint or integrated working in order to protect
vulnerable adults
3.1 Explain how you follow agreed protocols for working in partnership with other organizations
Range
This may include:
3.1 Agreed protocols:
 Boundaries
 Areas of responsibility
 Information sharing
 Limits of authority
 Decision making
 Recording information
Large number of rules and regulations are there which must be ensured or fulfilled while working with other care
homes. Under this, it is the responsibility of top management to pay concentration on key areas. Relevant and
important must be shared between both the enterprises to ensure coordination and cooperation among the various
activities. Important information should be shared during the time of providing treatment to patients so that effective
and right treatment can be provided to them by doctors and therapists (Brown, 2010). Complex tasks will be
delegated among the number of nurses. This will prepare the nurses to make arrangements in advance for