Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy

Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Good Practice Guidance Manual 2011 (replaces the previous Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures 2008)

This is the new Policy and Good Practice Guidance Manual launched on 15 June 2011 and is fully operational across Berkshire.

The new Berkshire wide Manual is now in a web based electronic format for easy access and updating. The new manual has been developed by all six Berkshire Authorities in conjunction with the host organisation Tri-X.

The manual is primarily a policy and procedures manual. However, it also includes information and useful links for partners, carers and adults at risk about the safeguarding process.

It has a full featured "search" function and a keyword glossary provided that gives practitioners definitions of commonly used terms. This also provides links to internal protocols, external websites and guidance.

Main Document

This policy and good practice guidance manual relates to all 'Adults at Risk'. An Adult at Risk is a person who is 18 years or over and who is or may be in need of, community care or health care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.
In this manual, the new term 'Adult at Risk' has been used throughout instead of the term 'Vulnerable Adult'.

An Adult at Risk may therefore be a person who is:

• elderly and frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment
• Has a learning disability
• Has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment
• Has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder
• Has a long-term illness/condition
• Misuses substances or alcohol
• Is a carer such as a family member/friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse
• Is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and support

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