Context and /or Aims

The Learning Support Centre Ltd believe in a client led approach. Some clients however may be unable to uphold their rights and protect themselves from harm and abuse. They may have greatest dependency and yet be unable to hold services to account for the quality of care they receive. In such cases Learning Support Centre Ltd have particular responsibilities to ensure that those clients receive high quality care and that their rights are upheld, including their right to be safe. Safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is at the centre of this policy.

There are two fundamental requirements for effective safeguarding in the delivery of personal care, support for people with learning disabilities and mental health difficulties:

  • To prevent safeguarding incidents arising through the provision of high quality support;
  • To ensure effective responses where harm or abuse occurs through implementing safeguarding procedure and policy.

Policy Statement

  • In March 2000, the Department of Health published ‘No Secrets’ requiring statutory, voluntary and independent sector agencies to work together to produce policy, guidance and training about working with adults in need of safeguarding;
  • A vulnerable adult or an adult deemed to be at risk of abuse is considered to be any person aged eighteen or over who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness, or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation;
  • To enable compliance, all staff within The Learning Support Centre Ltd taking part in regulated activities will be required to attend mandatory safeguarding training at commencement of employment and then as a refresher every 3 years;
  • The Learning Support Centre Ltd will be required to have appropriate monitoring arrangements in place to ensure providers and commissioners on behalf of The Learning Support Centre Ltd are meeting their contractual responsibilities in ensuring they are safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults.

Scope of the Policy

  • This Policy is mandatory and applies to all staff (temporary and permanent) within The Learning Support Centre Ltd.

Requirements for Implementation

The policy will be implemented by procedures which will:

  • Promote the prevention of abuse through a positive atmosphere, and support to young people and vulnerable adults;
  • Protect young people and vulnerable adults by ensuring staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to child protection and vulnerable adult concerns;
  • Support clients, children and vulnerable adults who may have been abused;
  • Work with colleges, universities, parents, SOVA, medical professionals and police where appropriate, to ensure communications and actions are undertaken

This policy applies to all staff. We recognise that the protection of vulnerable adults and children is the responsibility of all staff within the Learning Support Centre Ltd. We will ensure that all other working partners are aware of our Safeguarding Policy by stating it on our website, displaying appropriate information and by raising awareness at initial meetings with relevant working partners and clients.

Review and Maintenance of Policy

This policy will be subject to a routine annual review, and will also be subject to alteration if required through the creation of additional national policy, legislation or guidance and / or local guidance. If revised, all stakeholders will be alerted to the new version. The review will be conducted by the Registered Manager and other relevant personnel.

Safeguarding leads

Please do not hesitate to get in touch  with one of our trained safe guarders if need advice or have a concern.

Amy Deignan   Donna Welburn

amyd@learningsupportcentre.com   donna@learningsupportcentre.com

Call: 0116 2548881

amydonna