BIRMINGHAM SAFEGUARDING ADULTS BOARD (BSAB) ANNUAL REPORT 2012/13 ALAN LOTINGA Service Director Health and Wellbeing, and Chair of BSAB Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee 26 TH March 2014

What is Abuse? “…a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. Abuse may consist of single or repeated acts. It may be physical, verbal or psychological, it may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot consent. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it” (No Secrets, paragraph 2.5, p 9).

By Whom? It may be caused by anyone who has power or influence over the person whether they are a carer, a paid member of staff or professional. It can be caused by a person deliberately intending to harm, failing to take the right action or through their ignorance. It can involve one or a number of people. Institutional abuse can occur when the abuse arises as a result of persistently poor care or a rigid and oppressive regime. Defining abuse is complex and can be subject to wide interpretation. Many instances of abuse will constitute criminal offences, involving intent, recklessness, dishonesty or negligence by the perpetrator. Note - Abuse as defined above can also be acted out as self-harm by the vulnerable person on themselves.

Who is Responsible? A concern to the whole community. "No Secrets" (2000) national framework, Care and Support Bill intends to make statutory. Adult social services expected to lead, national outcomes framework. Safeguarding Boards (LAs, NHS, Police, Probation). Birmingham in line with proposed legislation - Annual Reports, annual plans, information protocols, etc. NHS moving responsibilities to CCGs + other changes e.g. Mental Capacity Act/Deprivation of Liberty.

Key Messages from 2012/13 Annual Report 9% increase in referrals (3,056) via "Eyes and Ears" public campaign and other awareness-raising. Further development of well-used Bsab.org website Excellent performance maintained on key performance indicators - speed of assessments and packages. Backed up by better management information. Improved engagement with and involvement of service users – “Making It Real” agenda, clear and easy to follow information. Development of Serious Case Review approach and publication of “A2” case – issues around understanding of Mental Capacity Act, quality and use of risk assessments, working with reluctant service users, supervision and support for staff that agencies provide. Improvement of processes in response to allegations of institutional abuse.

Safeguarding Performance

Priorities for Current Year 2013/14  Working productively with GPs and Clinical Commissioning Groups and their new responsibilities  Running a focussed winter “eyes and ears” campaign (mate crime)  A conference and other means to help develop, train and express importance to professionals of Mental Capacity Act issues.  Close monitoring of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards responsibilities  Quality of safeguarding practice – case file audits, more service user involvement.  Improving our data recording.  More Board member challenge as equal professionals. Self-assessment and assurance.  Preparing for SABs being made statutory and other aspects of Care Bill.  Closer working with Children’s Safeguarding Board on cross-cutting issues.

Suggested Reading/Guidance Adult Safeguarding Scrutiny Guide April 2010 (Centre for Public Scrutiny/IDeA). NHS Commissioning Board - Arrangements to Secure Children's and Adult Safeguarding in the Future NHS. LGA Councillors’ Briefing: safeguarding adults March 2013.