Vulnerable Adults Policy for Hemel Stags

1. Vulnerable Adult and policy scope

Vulnerable adult refers to all those adults (over 18) who have a physical disability, suffer from mental illness, have a learning disability or who, through illness or injury, are unable to provide adequately for themselves at that point.

Risk refers to any situation or behaviour by an individual or others which presents a real or potential threat or harm to a person’s health, safety or wellbeing.

Hemel Stags recognises that every person has the right to a lifestyle which maintains personal independence, safeguards privacy, offers genuine and informed choices, provides opportunities to enjoy and contribute to society and enables them to have their social, cultural and individual needs met. They also have the right to protection from harm or exploitation.

2.Risk arising from the behaviour of others 

A number of vulnerable adults are at risk as a result of the actions or behaviours of other people, either intentionally or unintentionally. The main categories of abuse are listed below, although this is not exhaustive. Abuse exists in the context of the relationship and means that both the behaviour of the abuser and the effects on the abused come into the definition.

3.Procedures for responding to concerns relating to vulnerable adults or others who are at risk

Situations where vulnerable persons or others are considered to be at risk of abuse, or where actual abuse if suspected, or situations of serious self-neglect should be referred to the Social Services Department.

4.Suspected Abuse

Any suspicion that a person has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be reported to the Club Welfare Officer, who will take steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the individual in question and any others who may be at risk.

The Club Welfare Officer will refer the allegation to the social services department who may involve the police, or go directly to the police if out-of-hours.