Revised Sussex Multi-Agency Policy & Procedures for Safeguarding Adults at Risk (formerly “Vulnerable Adults”) Key Changes Working Draft Linda Monk Safeguarding Coordinator

Key Changes and Updates General points and timescales The update of the Multi-Agency Policy & Procedures has been commissioned by East Sussex and West Sussex Adults Safeguarding Boards and Brighton & Hove. The final version of the revised Policy & Procedures will be published in June 2011 following a consultation period that runs from Jan 2011 to the end of March 2011.

Access to The Revised Multi-Agency Policy & Procedures The revised Policy & Procedures are for electronic use rather than a hard copy with a ‘new look’ that is easier to navigate and provides the ability to update sections as required. The procedures can be downloaded and printed. The Policy & Procedures will be updated pan Sussex annually. Appendices will have 2 sections – the pan Sussex section and a local section for each of the Local Authorities.

Key Changes Terminology (outcome of the review of No Secrets) ‘Adults at Risk’ replaces ‘Vulnerable Adult’ ‘Person Alleged Responsible’ replaces ‘Alleged Perpetrator. Proportionality of Response Guidance on low level incidents where no harm has occurred Guidance for staff in determining whether a low level incident should be reported as an Alert or whether it would be appropriate to address this through their own organisation’s Incident Reporting Policy & Procedures.

Level of Response Important changes to thresholds for Investigation – determined by the seriousness of the harm or risk of harm In summary Levels 1 & 2 have a threshold of ‘adverse effect’/’harm’ or ‘potential for significant harm’ Levels 3 & 4 have a threshold of ‘significant harm’ Level 4 applies where more that one vulnerable adult has experienced ‘significant harm’. It is also applies where there are possible indicators of institutional abuse, where a number of vulnerable adults could experience significant harm – it clarifies the term ‘institutional abuse’

Undertaking Level 1 Investigations Provider Manager Complete Investigation with recommended outcome/actions within 14 working days Care Quality Commission should be informed

Undertaking Level 2, 3 and 4 Investigations These levels of investigators are carried out by trained Adult Social Care Staff. The process for these levels include: Formal Investigations Strategy Meetings Case Conferences  During this process the person remains at the centre of the Investigation.  To ensure person centred communication an essential practice requirement in the new Guidance is the distribution of the Investigation Report prior to the Case Conference.