Adult Support and Protection (Safeguarding) Policy

1. Policy Statement

Platinum Carers Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing, rights, and independence of all individuals we support. We recognise our legal and ethical responsibility to protect adults at risk of harm and to ensure that all concerns are responded to promptly, effectively, and in a person-centred manner.

This policy is informed by the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Health and Social Care Standards: My support, my life. We adopt a proactive approach to safeguarding, embedding prevention, early identification, and partnership working into all aspects of service delivery.

2. Key Principles

In all safeguarding activity, Platinum Carers applies the following core principles:

• Benefit: Any intervention must provide a clear benefit to the adult at risk.
• Least Restrictive Option: Actions taken must be the minimum necessary to protect the individual while respecting their rights and freedoms.
• Participation: Individuals will be supported to participate as fully as possible in decisions affecting them.
• Respect for Wishes: The views, wishes, and feelings of the individual will be considered.
• Non-Discrimination: Safeguarding will be applied equally and fairly to all individuals.
• Partnership Working: Effective safeguarding requires collaboration across agencies.

3. Definition of an Adult at Risk

In line with the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, an "adult at risk" is defined as a person aged 16 or over who:

• Is unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights, or other interests.
• Is at risk of harm.
• Is more vulnerable to being harmed due to disability, mental disorder, illness, or physical or mental infirmity.

Note: All three criteria must be met for an individual to be considered an adult at risk under this legislation.

4. Types of Harm

Harm is defined as all harmful conduct which causes physical harm, psychological harm, unlawful conduct which appropriates or adversely affects property, rights or interests (e.g., theft, fraud, or financial exploitation), and self-harm. Categories include:

• Physical harm: Injury, restraint, or inappropriate use of medication.
• Psychological/emotional harm: Intimidation, humiliation, isolation, or coercion.
• Financial harm: Theft, fraud, exploitation, or misuse of funds.
• Sexual harm: Any non-consensual sexual activity or exploitation.
• Neglect and acts of omission: Failure to provide necessary care or support.
• Self-neglect: Failure to care for personal health, hygiene, or environment.
• Discriminatory & Institutional harm: Harassment based on protected characteristics or poor care practices.

5. Multi-Agency Working & Reporting Concerns

Platinum Carers works in close partnership with Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Police Scotland, NHS services, and local Adult Protection Committees.

Immediate Reporting Procedure for Staff:

• Step 1 (Recognize): Be alert to signs, indicators, or disclosures of harm.
• Step 2 (Immediate Safety): If the person is in immediate danger, call 999.
• Step 3 (Support): Stay calm, listen without judgment, do not promise confidentiality, and do not investigate.
• Step 4 (Report): Report immediately to the Registered Manager or senior on duty.
• Step 5 (Record): Write a clear, factual, objective account including dates, times, and names.

6. Key Local Contact Numbers (Glasgow)

• Adult Protection / Social Care Direct (Glasgow City HSCP): 0141 287 0555 (Email: socialcaredirect@glasgow.gov.uk)
• Out of Hours Emergency Social Work: 0300 343 1505
• Police Scotland (Non-Emergency): 101 (Emergency: 999)
• Care Inspectorate: 0345 600 9527

7. Safe Recruitment & PVG Scheme

Safeguarding begins with robust hiring practices. All staff working in regulated roles at Platinum Carers Ltd are required to be members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme managed through Disclosure Scotland, alongside comprehensive reference checks and professional register verifications[, 15].

8. Staff Training

All staff complete mandatory safeguarding training during induction and regular refresher modules tailored to their role (Levels 1 to 3) to ensure absolute competency in protecting adults at risk.