Policy & Procedures

Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures

The purpose of the Policy and Procedures is to support staff so they can respond appropriately to all concerns of abuse or neglect they may encounter, providing a consistent response across Berkshire.

The Policy and Procedures were adopted by Bracknell, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor & Maidenhead and Wokingham Local Authorities in April 2016. They are regularly updated and staff and managers should regularly refer to the on-line version. Staff can sign up to receive email alerts for amendments.

Our vision in Berkshire is that all agencies will work together to prevent and reduce the risk of significant harm to adults at risk of abuse or neglect, whilst supporting individuals to maintain control over their lives and make informed choices without coercion. 

Amendments

The Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures are reviewed and amended twice yearly by the Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures Group. Proposed changes will be endorsed by the three Safeguarding Adults Boards (Bracknell and Windsor & Maidenhead, Slough, and the West of Berkshire) prior to publication.

https://www.berkshiresafeguardingadults.co.uk/

Allegations against people working with adults with care and support needs

The Care Act 2014 requires a clear policy for dealing with allegations against people in positions of trust i.e. anyone working in either a paid or unpaid capacity with adults with care and support needs.  The Berkshire Allegations Management Framework sets out the standards for clear reporting requirements which must be applied by an organisation where a concern is identified.

Resolving Professional Disagreements about Safeguarding Adults

Safeguarding adults can often be complex and/or challenging involving a number of different professionals who can all have different views and contributions to make. Resolving differences of opinion is a shared responsibility of all organisations which often requires collaboration. Occasionally situations arise when workers within one organisation may believe or consider that the actions, inactions or decisions of another do not adequately safeguard an adult.

The BFSB Escalation Policy will support and guide professionals through the process to resolve and, if necessary, escalate these concerns.