Contribute and implement procedures for the protection of vulnerable participants

​This standard is about dealing safely and effectively with concerns about possible safeguarding issues with regard to children and vulnerable adults (participants).

The standard covers three main outcomes:

1. identify signs of possible abuse
2. respond to a participant's disclosure of abuse
3. follow policies and procedures for recording and reporting possible abuse

The standard is aimed at staff who work directly with children and or vulnerable adults. It is mandatory that you should have training in safeguarding and have a clear understanding of your organisation's regulations and procedures for dealing with safeguarding issues, including possible abuse.

Identify signs of possible abuse
P1 identify the key legislative requirements and organisational policies and procedures relative to safeguarding
P2 recognise any signs and indicators of possible abuse, offering opportunities for participants to disclose and be heard
P3 take action in accordance with the significance of the signs and indicators and the requirements and procedures of your organisation
P4 follow policies and procedures for recording and reporting possible abuse including whistleblowing to keep yourself safe from possible allegations
Respond to a participant's disclosure of abuse
P5 respond to the participant's disclosure of abuse according to organisational regulations and procedures
P6 support the individual to understand when and why you may need to share information with others
P7 provide reassurance and support to the participant
P8 communicate in a manner and pace appropriate to the participant's needs
Follow policies and procedures for reporting possible abuse
P9 record all information concerning possible abuse factually, in the individual's own words and in accordance with organisational regulations and procedures ensuring that it is signed and dated by the individual
P10 ensure your information is accurate
P11 follow your organisation's procedures when responding to requests for reports on incidents, disclosure or suspicions of abuse
P12 provide distinction in your reports between directly observed evidence and information from others
P13 present your reports accordingly to the designated safeguarding lead and/or appropriate agency
P14 intervene as appropriate when policies and procedures are not being followed by having an awareness of the whistle-blowing procedure and following if necessary
P15 ensure outcomes are recorded effectively
P16 encourage others to report any suspicions they have about possible abuse in line with your organisation's policies and procedures
P17 support others to adhere to organisational regulations and procedures without colluding with that person
P18 make sure staff involved in cases of suspected abuse receive the recommended support
P19 gather feedback from others on how well procedures are working
P20 use this feedback to improve procedures

Identify signs of possible abuse
K1 the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2 the definitions of the categories of abuse as defined by relevant agencies
K3 how to make sure your observation of the participant's physical condition and behaviour is sensitive to the participant and the circumstances
K4 the common signs and indicators of physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect
K5 how to take action in accordance with the significance of the signs and indicators
Respond to a participant's disclosure of abuse
K6 the importance of responding promptly and calmly to a disclosure of abuse and appropriate techniques of doing so
K7 how to ensure participants are not asked leading questions or staff do not use suggestive language
K8 why it is important to make it clear that others must be informed of any possible abuse
K9 why it is important to provide reassurance and support during a disclosure of abuse and how to do so
K10 why it is important to communicate at the child's or vulnerable adult's pace and not exert pressure on the child or vulnerable adult to disclose more than they wish
Follow policies and procedures for reporting possible abuse
K11 the importance of recording and presenting all information concerning possible abuse factually and in accordance with organisational regulations and procedures
K12 the importance of following your organisational regulations and procedures when responding to requests for reports on incidents, disclosure or suspicions of abuse
K13 how to provide distinction in your reports between directly observed evidence and information from others hearsay
K14 the support that is available to staff
K15 methods of gathering feedback from stakeholders on how effective procedures are working
K16 how to use feedback to improve procedures and why it is important to do so

Signs and indicators

1. physical
2. behavioural and emotional 

Abuse 

1. physical
2. neglect
3. emotional
4. sexual
5. self harm