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Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee

Biennial Report

2010 to 2012

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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT ........................................................................ 4

1.1 Establishing the Committee ................................................................................. 4

1.2 Frequency of Meetings ........................................................................................ 4

1.3 Membership of the Committee ............................................................................ 4

1.4 Agenda and Standing Items ................................................................................. 5

1.5 Developmental Agenda ........................................................................................ 6

1.6 Scottish Government Feedback on the First Biennial Report .............................. 6

1.7 Sub-Groups .......................................................................................................... 7

1.8 Governance Arrangements ................................................................................... 7

1.8.2 Chief Officers’ Group ................................................................................... 8

1.9 Support Arrangements ......................................................................................... 8

1.9.1 Committee ..................................................................................................... 8

2. SERVICE USERS AND CARERS .......................................................................... 9

3. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION ........................................................................ 11

4. CRITICAL CASE REVIEW ................................................................................... 26

4.1 Significant Case Reviews (SCR) ....................................................................... 26

4.2 Mental Welfare Commission (MWC) Published Enquiries .............................. 26

4.3 Adult Protection Support Unit ........................................................................... 27

5. PUBLIC INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 28

5.1 Local Media Campaign ...................................................................................... 28

5.2 Public Information Leaflets ............................................................................... 29

5.3 Web-pages .......................................................................................................... 30

5.4 Evaluation .......................................................................................................... 30

6. MANAGEMENT OF SERVICES AND STAFF .................................................... 31

7. COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN AGENCIES ............... 32

7.1 Procedures, Protocols and Guidance .................................................................. 32

7.1.2 Inverclyde CHCP Procedures, Policy and Operational Guidance ............ 32

7.1.2 Adult Protection/Child Protection Interface – Multi-agency Guidelines ... 34

7.1.3 Significant Case Reviews ............................................................................ 34

7.2 Communication and Cooperation in Practice .................................................... 34

7.2.1 ICHCP ......................................................................................................... 34

7.2.2 Care Inspectorate ........................................................................................ 35

7.2.3 Strathclyde Fire and Rescue ....................................................................... 35

7.2.4 Strathclyde Police ....................................................................................... 35

7.2.5 Registered Social Landlords ....................................................................... 36

7.2.6 Community Safety Team ............................................................................. 36

7.2.7 Service Providers ........................................................................................ 36

7.2.8 General Practitioners (GPs) ....................................................................... 37

7.2.9 Scottish Prison Service (SPS) ..................................................................... 37

7.3 Responding to allegations of harm .................................................................... 37

7.3.1 Use of Protection Orders ............................................................................ 38

7.4 Evaluation .......................................................................................................... 38

7.4.1 SWIFT Adult Protection Module ................................................................ 38

7.4.2 ICHCP Staff Survey .................................................................................... 38

8. ADULT SUPPORT AND PROTECTION TRAINING 2010-2012 ....................... 39

8.1 Introduction and purpose ................................................................................... 39

8.2 Review of Core Training, April 2010 to March 2012 ....................................... 39

9. FORMAL EVALUATION AND AUDIT ............................................................... 44

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10. CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE PLANS ................... 45

11. APPENDICES ....................................................................................................... 47

11.1 Appendix 1 - Committee Membership ............................................................ 48

11.2 Appendix 2 - Chief Officers’ Group ................................................................ 49

11.3 Appendix 3 - Your Voice Network, the CHCP and the Inverclyde Alliance .. 50

11.4 Appendix 4 - Adult Protection Business Plan 2012 – 2014............................. 51

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1. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT

1.1 Establishing the Committee

The Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee initially met as a Steering Group on the 8th of February 2008. Mr Hugh Clark was appointed Independent Convenor and attended his first meeting on the 7th of July 2009. The committee has since met on 47 occasions up until the 18th of September 2012. All meetings of the committee have been chaired by Mr Clark.

1.2 Frequency of Meetings

Until the 26th of July 2011 the committee met monthly, however it was agreed that the frequency of the committee would change to six-weekly. There are two principle reasons for this. The first was that there was insufficient time elapsing between meetings for pieces of work to be undertaken in relation to the four main work streams and for appropriate feedback to be given to the committee by those involved on progress and outcomes. There was also evidence that there was an issue for agencies and members sustaining consistent attendance at monthly meetings. Following discussion it was agreed that the committee would move to a six weekly cycle. Since the change to six-weekly meetings, both user and carer, and agency representatives have been able to attend the committee regularly.

1.3 Membership of the Committee

At the point of submission of the last biennial report, Inverclyde Council Social Work Services and the Inverclyde Community Health Partnership had reorganised to become the Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership (ICHCP). Although two thirds of members remain the same, the membership of the committee reflects structural change and personnel changes within the ICHCP and other agencies at that time and since. This would include the establishment of the Care Inspectorate. Personnel changes include different representatives from the Care Inspectorate, Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue. Although there were changes to post titles and structures with the reorganisation for health and social care to a CHCP there was only one change in membership. The Head of Service, Health and Community Care joined the committee and their contribution has been welcomed and valued. From an ICHP perspective, the membership reflects knowledge and experience from both a social work and health perspective. The CHCP membership also reflects experience across client groups. It was recognised that the committee would benefit from additional expertise in relation to adults with a learning disability. The Consultant Psychologist for Learning Disability was a committee member until June 2010. Following their departure for a promoted post Dr Marie Hand, Consultant Psychiatrist for Learning Disability joined the committee. Since Dr Hand’s retirement

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Dr J McKie, Consultant Psychiatrist for Learning Disability has joined the committee on an interim basis until this post is filled. Dr L Bidwell, Clinical Director, has also retired. His post is currently vacant. His contribution to the committee and link with General Practice was invaluable. Dr H MacDonald is available to provide advice and guidance as required. Membership continues to consist of representatives of the required statutory agencies and other relevant agencies, with user and carer representatives who attend on behalf of the Adult Protection sub group of the Your Voice Network and the Inverclyde Community Care Forum Board. The Mental Welfare Commission (MWC), the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), the Procurator Fiscal’s Office and Health Improvement Scotland were all invited to nominate a committee member. All advised that they would attend for specific agenda items as required. Minutes of meetings are sent to MWC, OPG and Procurator Fiscal’s office. In addition the chair of the Child Protection Committee and the Child Protection Co-ordinator receive a copy of the minutes. Membership is attached as appendix 1

1.4 Agenda and Standing Items

The Convenor and Adult Protection Co-ordinator develop the agenda for each committee. This is on a six weekly basis in line with the frequency of the committee. Members of the committee are invited to submit items. The agenda, with any supporting papers and minutes of the previous meeting, is circulated to all members in advance of the committee. The agenda can include updates, reports and presentations to committee in respect of the four main work streams which form the Adult Protection Business Plan for 2010 -2012. These are ‘Quality Assurance’, ‘Training/Learning and Development’, ‘Communication and Engagement’ and ‘Policies and Procedures’. This report will reflect the work undertaken via these work streams. In addition, there are standing items which include updates and feedback from the:

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Adult Protection Liaison Group. The Head of Service, Health and Community Care attends.

Adult Protection Committee Convenor Group Quarterly meeting, including the groups meeting with representatives of the Scottish Government Mental Health Legislation and Adult Protection Policy Team. The Convenor attends both meetings.

Adult Protection National Policy Forum. The Convenor is a member of this forum. This is a relatively new grouping which brings together key interests across the field of adult protection in order to make recommendations on future strategic direction.

West of Scotland Adult Protection Co-ordinators Forum which the Adult Protection Co-ordinator attends.

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Association of Directors of Social Work (ADSW) Adult Protection Sub Committee quarterly meetings which the Adult Protection Co-ordinator attends

National Learning and Development Forum chaired by the National Adult Protection Coordinator. Both the Adult Protection Co-ordinator and the Assistant Service Manager (ASM) for ICHCP Training Section attended the first meeting however it is anticipated that the ASM for training will attend future meetings.

The Convenor also provides reports on the work of the Adult Protection Committee to the Chief Officers’ Group (COG) and in turn provides updates and feedback to the committee following the meeting of this group.

1.5 Developmental Agenda

At the point of changing the frequency of the committee, it was also agreed to introduce a more developmental aspect to the committee around specific topics. There have been both internal and external presentations. Internal presentations by committee members have included;

Strathclyde Police providing and update on their missing person’s protocol and the further development of the Public Protection Unit.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and the work they undertake linked to adult protection.

Presentations by external agencies at committee have included;

Sandra McDonald ,Public Guardian, and the role and remit of the Office of the Public Guardian, and;

Euan Page, Lead Officer in Scotland, Equality and Human Rights Commission following the publication of Hidden in Plain Sight inquiry into disability-related harassment.

It was also viewed by members of the committee that there was also a need to raise the profile of the committee. As an alternative to a standard committee meeting, the August 2012 meeting of the committee was extended to become a multi-agency ‘Hidden in Plain Sight event’ .This was attended by committee members, representatives from user and carer organisations, statutory agencies and third sector representatives (See Section 8).

1.6 Scottish Government Feedback on the First Biennial Report

The feedback from the Scottish Government in respect of the first Inverclyde biennial report recommended continuing to;

Develop practice to enable more meaningful engagement with users and carers including exploring ways in which their involvement, particularly at case conferences, can increase.

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Develop specialised and awareness training across agencies.

Have Adult Protection Committee Chairs participating and contributing to a nationally agreed dataset in order to help develop a common understanding of adult protection activity.

Ensure that sub-groups meet on a regular schedule and that the visibility of adult protection remained high across all agencies and that all partners are committed equally to ensuring that adult protection leads to improved outcomes for adults at risk of harm.

Build links with partner organisations to create a strong, joined up approach to adult protection where visions and values are shared between agencies.

The recommendations were agreed by committee and progressed. How the recommendations have progressed is outlined in sections covering ‘Users and Carers’, ‘Training’ and ‘Management Information’. In terms of the recommendation pertaining to the sub-groups, this was taken forward in a different way than originally envisaged and is outlined below.

1.7 Sub-Groups

It was recognised that it was not sustainable to have sub-groups for each work stream with specified membership, meeting on a regular schedule. There have been issues for the sub-groups in respect of organisational and personnel changes for all agencies. In addition, members of the groups did not always view that they had suitable knowledge, skills or experience to contribute to particular pieces of work to be undertaken. The approach now taken is to either establish a working group with members having the appropriate skills and experience depending on the task to be undertaken or; for the task to be progressed by one individual with appropriate consultation with others. An example of the latter would be the Adult Protection Co-ordinator initially developing policy and procedures in consultation and liaison with appropriate identified individuals from relevant agencies. There are significant links and crossovers between work streams. Members of different working groups have joined together in order to progress particular pieces of work. It is however recognised that there is a core group of CHCP staff with a social work background who have been key in working with the co-ordinator and committee in order to progress work streams.

1.8 Governance Arrangements

1.8.1 Constitution The Committee has an agreed Constitution which is being reviewed to reflect the reorganisation to a CHCP and the move away from sub-groups to working groups.

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The Constitution will also reflect the change to the Care Inspectorate from the Care Commission and the inclusion of Health Improvement Scotland as a public body the Scottish Ministers have specified in respect of the Act (Section 42(3)). The Constitution also makes explicitly clear the governance arrangements in place between the committee and the Chief Officers’ Group (COG).

1.8.2 Chief Officers’ Group

The Chief Executive Officers from all the major agencies continue to endorse and oversee the Adult Protection Service within their area of responsibility and assume accountability for the services provided and the development of integrated partnership working within the Adult Protection Committee area. The Chief Officers’ Group continues to meet quarterly. The Independent Convenor attends and speaks to his reports, submitted to the COG. The reports provide updates on the work of the Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee. At the Chief Officers’ Group important strategic, procedural links are provided and developed between Adult Protection, Child Protection and the Public Protection role of Criminal Justice. This group is chaired by the Chief Executive for Inverclyde Council. The Chair of the Child Protection Committee contributes on the same basis as the Convenor. Updates are also provided in respect of Inverclyde Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Membership listed as appendix 2

1.9 Support Arrangements

1.9.1 Committee

The Adult Protection Support Unit provides administrative support to the committee and sub groups. The Adult Protection Co-ordinator is generally involved in progressing all tasks identified in the Business Plan across the four work streams. As mentioned previously there is a core group of ICHCP Social Work staff who work with the co-ordinator to progress work streams. They had originally been chairs or key individuals in the original sub-groups. A solicitor from Inverclyde Council Legal and Democratic Services is a member of the committee and provides legal advice and guidance to the committee as required. Inverclyde Council Corporate Communications Service has also been a key support in relation to supporting the development, publication and advertising of public information and awareness raising campaigns.

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2. SERVICE USERS AND CARERS

2.1 Representation of service users and carers on the committee

Since June 2010 there has been service user and carer representation on the committee. It was agreed that there should be two people representing service user and carer views .The reasons for this being that they would be a support to one another and it was recognised that other commitments and priorities may mean that only one person would be able to attend, The representatives who attend were identified following consultation with Your Voice, Inverclyde Community Care Forum. They are supported, including at committee, by the Project Manager for Your Voice. It was recognised that this was a substantial commitment for the individuals joining the committee .There were some understandable initial changes in terms of the representatives able to attend. However the same two representatives have been able to commit to be members of the committee since October 2010. In addition to the substantial commitment they give, this level of consistency of membership has assisted the work of the committee. The user and carer representatives on the committee link back in to the Your Voice Adult Protection Service User and Carer group. This group has links with other community based engagement groups in the Your Voice Network and as a result other groups can be consulted with as required. This connection has greatly assisted in the progress of particular work streams as outlined in this report. In particular, the completion of a survey to obtain a base line in terms of awareness in the community regarding adult support and protection, and users and carers participating in focus groups to consider material for public information leaflets (See Section 5).

Appendix 3 gives in pictorial form the links between the Your Voice Network, the ICHCP and the Inverclyde Alliance.

2.2 Evaluation of service users and carers experience of adult protection

Between June and August 2012 an evaluation was undertaken in respect of the experience of adults who have been involved in the adult support and protection process. The findings of this exercise will be reported to a future Adult Protection Committee. This exercise included seven adults at risk of harm; four females and three males aged between 17 and 71 were interviewed. There was a spread across the principle client groups including mental health; older people; learning disabilities; and included those who had been targeted by people who have addiction issues. In only one instance was the alleged perpetrator a family member. In one case the issue was self harm, however the remainder had been harmed by ‘friends’, acquaintances and current / ex neighbours. This would appear to indicate adult support and protection is a broad community issue that requires a broad community response. This links with the work of the communication and engagement sub-group (See Section 5). The key findings are as follows:

There were positive outcomes for 6 cases. These included people feeling “safer”; more “confident”, “stronger”, “not frightened”, “supported” “all actions were done”. In one case the family were extremely proactive in making sure

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immediate risks were resolved and contacted the police directly. However, they viewed the wider support helpful and got reassurance that they had undertaken the right actions. There was one unsatisfactory case where the service user felt “disappointed” and “annoyed”. This case is in the process of being audited, given the contrast to feedback in respect of other cases including from this team. The aim is to develop an improvement plan, taking account of the issues and learning from this case.

Overall, the majority of service users felt “supported”, “respected” and “listened to” throughout the adult protection process. This included good communication between agencies. Where case conferences were arranged, all advised that they were invited but many chose not to attend some or none of the case conferences. All were content with the level of support from council officers involved and other agencies as appropriate.

In addition, individuals were extremely satisfied from the practical supports arising from the support plans. This included installing stair lifts, community alarms; door-chains, smoke alarms; practical assistance to moving to more appropriate tenancy with door-entry system and referral to additional supports.

Feedback included: “I was involved in looking at risks and the support plan. Staff took me by the hand, not pressurising me. They were there every step of the way.” “I was able to follow discussion and contribute to this. The chair controlled the meeting well.” (Re: case conference) “I feel safe and supported.”

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3. MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

The Adult Protection Support Unit became fully operational in February 2010. The Unit collates relevant statistics from the pre-existing database and from the Social Work Information Management System (SWIFT). The database provides statistics in relation to cases which proceed to investigation whilst statistics on new referrals where there are adult protection concerns leading to inquiry can be collated from SWIFT. Although SWIFT will contain information on adult protection concerns and inquiries arising in existing cases, this cannot be readily collated at this point unless they proceed to investigation. Given this, it should be noted that figures in the tables on referrals and inquiries will not correlate with tables on investigation. The Adult Protection Support Unit, in conjunction with the SWIFT Team and other relevant council staff, prepared a business case for a specific ‘Adult Protection Module’ as an addition to SWIFT. It was hoped that this would be in place by October 2011 however an upgrade of the SWIFT system has been required in order to facilitate this module and others. This work is ongoing and the introduction of the adult protection module is the first priority once the upgrade is concluded. The use of the SWIFT Adult Protection Module is included in the Inverclyde Adult Protection Policy, Practice Standards and Procedures. Training for staff in respect of use of the module has been developed so that once the module is operational, the training can be delivered and staff can start using the module as quickly as possible. It has not been possible to collate via existing systems and databases the range of information that the module would be able to provide. The following is based on what is feasible to collate within a context of increasing referral rates and the requirement for manual checks and analysis. 3.1 Activity Data 2008 - 2012 Adult Protection Referrals and Inquiries (excluding adult protection concerns arising in active care managed cases)

01/05/09 – 31/03/10 01/04/10 – 31/03/11 01/04/11 – 31/03/12

87 contacts relating to

78 individuals

226 contacts relating to

175 individuals

427 contacts relating to

317 individuals

Since the previous biennial report the Independent Convenors have decided that it would be best to report on statistics on a financial year basis rather than to the end of September. There is therefore an overlap in statistical information in the reports for the period 01/04/10 to 31/03/12.

This increase in referrals is replicated nationally. There is a complex interface between the three main pieces of legislation which can be used to protect adults at risk. These being the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.

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Figures include individuals referred more than once. Duty Managers and administrative staff who input and then screen referrals check for individuals with more than one referral. Multiple referrals may arise from more than one individual and/or agency referring the adult at risk resulting in multiple referrals for the one incident or may relate to an adult being referred by agencies over a period of time due to a number of incidents. Each of the incidents considered individually may not necessarily be viewed as sufficiently concerning to trigger further statutory considerations however accumulating concerns have progressed to strategy meetings and investigations via the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 or other legislation as appropriate, The module will make identification of such cases easier as any previous adult protection referrals are listed separately from all other referral types. The figures are inclusive of referrals made by agencies other that Social Work and include existing cases. It is currently not possible to collate from existing management information systems adult protection concerns identified by social work staff in existing cases unless they progress to investigation. All referrals are subject to initial inquiry via ASPA. A decision is made at this point with regard to the most appropriate and effective legislative route in order to progress the situation. In addition to the legislation outlined above, situations may also be progressed via Care Programme Approach and Community Care legislation.

The Independent Convenors in conjunction with representatives of the ADSW and Scottish Government developed a template for data collection with the aim of facilitating some comparison between local authority areas. There was assistance given by the statistical division of the Scottish Government (SG). The statistics which follow here are based on that template. This was a manual exercise for the Inverclyde, mainly due to the absence of the adult protection module. From the SG analyses of the data it would appear that there were issues in respect of systems, definitions and data availability for most, if not all, councils using this template. For example, in Inverclyde the age break downs are different on existing management systems. There were also issues with the template itself. The SG will now take responsibility for the development of a discrete data set and plans to arrange meetings with representatives from all Local Authority areas in order to progress this.

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Adult Protection Referrals and Inquiries

Number of people who have been subject to a referral under the ASP Act,

2010/11

Males Females All adults

16-24 21 10 31

25-39 34 26 60

40-64 42 34 76

65-69 6 12 18

70-74 4 2 6

75-79 7 3 10

80-84 7 11 18

85+ 1 6 7

Total 122 104 226

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Ethnicity of all adults who have been

subject to a referral under the ASP Act, 2010/11

White 226

Mixed or multiple ethnic groups

Asian, Asian Scottish or Asian British

African, Caribbean or Black

Other ethnic group

Total 226

Client group of all adults who have been subject to a referral under the ASP Act,

2010/11

Dementia 10

Mental health problem 68

Learning disability 23

Physical disability 19

Substance Misuse 28

Problems arising from infirmity due to age

23

Other 55

Not known

Total 226

Number of people who have been subject to a referral under the ASP Act,

2011/12

Males Females All adults

16-24 28 24 52

25-39 63 54 117

40-64 87 66 153

65-69 16 7 23

70-74 8 7 15

75-79 2 17 19

80-84 9 16 25

85+ 5 18 23

Total 218 209 427

Ethnicity of all adults who have been

subject to a referral under the ASP Act, 2011/12

White 427

Mixed or multiple ethnic groups

Asian, Asian Scottish or Asian British

African, Caribbean or Black

Other ethnic group

Total 427

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Source of referral Number of inquiries,

2010/11

Police 174

Social work 6

Health - Primary 4

Health - Acute 2

Health - GP 4

Family 3

Member of the public

Carer

Local authority care home

Other care home 4

Care at home

Self 3

Client group of all adults who have been subject to a referral under the

ASP Act, 2011/12

Dementia 12

Mental health problem 148

Learning disability 22

Physical disability 25

Substance Misuse 72

Problems arising from infirmity due to age

52

Other 68

Not known 28

Total 427

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Housing 3

Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland

Other 19

Not known 4

Total 226

Source of referral Number of inquiries,

2011/12

Police 380

Social work

Health - Primary 4

Health - Acute 2

Health - GP 1

Family 1

Member of the public

Carer

Local authority care home

Other care home 3

Care at home

Self 2

Housing 6

Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland

Other 23

Not known 5

Total 427

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3.2 INVESTIGATIONS Gender

April 2008 - March 2010

19

40

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Male

Female

April 2010 - March 2012

31

41

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Male

Female

On the basis of comparison between financial years, women are more likely to be harmed than men and this would appear to reflect the national picture. However in the last two years the gap between the number of men and women has closed with an increase in the proportion of men referred. As per the last report no data is as yet collated on the suspected or alleged source of harm so it is not clear who is causing the harm or the nature of the relationship. The only snap shot we potentially have of this comes from the evaluation undertaken with adults who were at risk of harm. This would indicate adult support and protection is a broad community issue (See Section 2).

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Age Group

April 2008 - March 2010

8

6

11

43

10

5

12

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16-24

25-39

40-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85+

April 2010 - March 2012

57

27

9

4 4

79

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

16-24

25-39

40-64

65-69

70-74

75-79

80-84

85+

Adult protection investigations are most commonly required for the over 65 age group with a drop in figures for the 85+ group but an increase in the 75 to 79 age band. There has been a significant increase in the 40 to 64 age bracket whilst the 16 – 39 age groups stay static. This may be explained by client groups and a significant increase in the number of adults described primarily as having a mental health problem, physical disability or learning disability that have been subject to an adult protection investigation.

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Client Group

April 2008 - March 2010

16

13

16

1

5

16

2

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Dementia

Mental Health Problem

Learning Disability

Physical Disability

Substance Misuse

Infirmity due to Age

Other

April 2010 - March 2012

12

26

12

9

3

86

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Dementia

Mental Health Problem

Learning Disability

Physical Disability

Substance Misuse

Infirmity due to Age

Other

As at the last biennial report the trend in the number of investigations relating to adults with mental health problems has continued to increase and those described as having a learning disability or dementia has decreased . Most investigations are in relation to adults with complex needs who may have more than one applicable client category. An adult may have a learning disability and a mental health problem and it is possible that in terms of what is making them the most vulnerable is their mental health rather than their learning disability. In terms of dementia the change may be reflected in a refinement in this client category with diagnosis of a mental health problem rather than dementia. Refinements may also explain the reduction in the use of infirmity due to age category.

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Type of Harm

April 2008 - March 2010

1311

26

1

16

45

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Sexual

Psychological

Physical

Self Harm

Financial

Neglect

Self Neglect

April 2010 - March 2012

17 18

32

5

21

6

3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Sexual

Psychological

Physical

Self Harm

Financial

Neglect

Self Neglect

Statistics for types of harm remain consistent with physical and financial harm remaining as the two main categories. Most adults are subject to more than one category of harm and this is reflected above. Choosing one category does not reflect the complexity of situations and Council Officers do not view that it assists in respect of trying to make a judgement as what to what type of harm has harmed the individual most. In terms of linking types of harm with primary client group, manual checks would indicate that sexual harm (as in inappropriate touching) is more likely to be alleged by an older person with a cognitive impairment in a care setting. The allegations made can be against staff or other residents. Adults with mental health problems and/or physical disabilities are more likely to allege that they have been physically and/or financially harmed.

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Source of Initial Referral in Cases Proceeding to Investigation

April 2008 - March 2010

2

15

2 23

8

16

6

43

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Police

Social Work

Health - Primary

Health - Acute

Health - GP

Family

Carer

Care Home

Care at Home

Self

Housing

Other

April 2010 - March 2012

15

13

2

6

34

1

4

2

15

2

5

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

Police

Social Work

Health - Primary

Health - Acute

Health - GP

Family

Carer

Care Home

Care at Home

Self

Housing

Other

Investigations may have resulted from new referrals or concerns arising in existing open cases. There has been substantial increase for police and self referrals leading to investigations. Social Work referrals remain quite static. Care Home referrals have decreased but the figures for the last report were influenced by a couple of large scale investigations within care home settings. Health referrals remain low in actual numbers but have increased by 50% in respect of cases progressing to investigation. The figures indicate that 4 cases referred would be in respect of known cases. Referrals from care at home services have decreased but there has been a substantial increase in self referrals. This might be explained at least in part by referrals being recorded as a self referral to the home carer rather than a referral by home carers.

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Main Address of Service User where an Investigation was initiated

April 2008 - March 2010

42

14

3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Own Home

Care Home

Sheltered Housing

April 2010 - March 2012

53

13

6

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Own Home

Care Home

Sheltered Housing

Adults who are at risk of harm continue to be most at risk in their own home. The reason for the increase in referrals for individuals residing within sheltered housing is unclear. Investigations within care homes remain static.

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Agencies other than Social Work Involved in Investigations

April 2008 - March 2010

28

5

48

14

19

73

1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Police

Advocacy

Health

Voluntary Sector

Other CHCP

SCSWIS

Other LA

Housing

Other

April 2010 - March 2012

41

3

24

96

2 2 2

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Police

Advocacy

Health

Voluntary Sector

Other CHCP

SCSWIS

Other LA

Housing

Other

The biggest increase is in respect of police involvement in investigations whilst the main decrease is in respect of health. This decrease for health may in part be explained by lack definitions around the term ‘involvement’. Council Officers may view this as involvement in the actual investigation process rather than the term involvement being considered more broadly in terms of consultation, information sharing, specialist assessments and assistance which supports the investigative process and provides support to the individual. Police involvement in investigations would include where parallel criminal investigations were ongoing and where advice was sought from the police.

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Outcome of Investigation

April 2008 - March 2010

20

9

2 3 2

43

3

0

10

20

30

40

50

Proceed to AP Case

Conference

Proceed under AP Guidelines

NFA under AP Guidelines

Proceed under AWI Guidelines

Criminal Proceedings

Care Managed

Mental Health Legislation

April 2010 - March 2012

25

1417

1 2

39

1

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Proceed to AP Case

Conference

Proceed under AP Guidelines

NFA under AP Guidelines

Proceed under AWI Guidelines

Criminal Proceedings

Care Managed

Mental Health Legislation

In the absence of the module this is difficult to collate as relies on manual checks and the data base. The cases which progress to investigation often require consideration of more than one piece of legislation during the course of the investigation and in terms of assistance to support and resolve concerns. This is reflected below in case conference types.

25

Types of Case Conference

April 2008 - March 2010

20

27

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Adult Protection

Adult Protection Review

Other

April 2010 - March 2012

25

54

27

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Adult Protection

Adult Protection Review

Other

Review Case Conferences were not collated separately at the time of submission of the last biennial report but included in the figure for adult protection case conferences. The cases progressing to case conferences are complex and require consideration and support via the adult support and protection process over time. In 2011/12 there were 11 individuals where there were then 28 review case conferences. This would relate to individuals who were reviewed once within a couple of months to those where there were review case conferences over a twelve month period. Some of the case conferences and reviews have served more than one purpose in terms of require consideration of more than one piece of legislation. The conferences also require to take into account other processes and investigations such as criminal investigations and/or prosecutions.

27 other situations are understood to have been progressed via other legislative routes, principally NHS & Community Care Act 1990 and the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.

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4. CRITICAL CASE REVIEW

4.1 Significant Case Reviews (SCR)

An Interim Inverclyde Significant Case Review (SCR) Policy and Procedure has been developed and agreed for use. The current terminology being used in Inverclyde in respect of this procedure is SCR rather than critical case review. This is in line with the terminology of the equivalent document used by child protection. It has been agreed that this is an interim document pending the work of the National Co-ordinator, recently appointed by the Scottish Government, who has been tasked with developing a national overarching guidance in respect of SCRs. Once this work is complete Inverclyde’s procedure will be reviewed including any change in terminology being required. This document was agreed for use by both the Adult Protection Committee and Chief Officers’ Group in March 2012. The document was developed using available national research and reference documents, as well as existing SCR procedures in use locally by the Child Protection Committee and by other council areas for adult protection. The document also includes a section on the potential overlap between Adult and Child Protection Significant Case Reviews. The Inverclyde Child Protection Co-ordinator, Multi-agency Public Protection Arrangements Co-ordinator and the Adult Protection Co-ordinator are looking at having a section which would reference the potential overlap between all three SCR processes. In addition an information leaflet is being developed for staff from all agencies. An information sheet for the adult, their family and/or representative has also been drafted. It is not anticipated that the information for users and families would be issued to those concerned in this format. It is viewed that the information would be personalised to meet individual circumstances for inclusion within a letter or at face to face meetings as appropriate. To date there have been no Adult Significant Case Reviews in Inverclyde. It has been agreed that the findings of any SCR would feedback into the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Adult Protection Liaison Group in order that all relevant recommendations can be accordingly disseminated, progressed and reviewed appropriately within the Board area. Suitable templates have been developed for this purpose by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde which have been agreed for use in Inverclyde. The Committee aims to develop and deliver appropriate training to staff with regard to the SCR policy and this will require to be progressed via the training work steam. On occasion the Convenor has been requested to undertake an independent review of the adult support and protection processes where a complaint has been received.

4.2 Mental Welfare Commission (MWC) Published Enquiries

The Adult Protection Co-ordinator circulates an email to managers advising of the publication of relevant reports published by the MWC. Copies of the report are

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attached and findings are highlighted as appropriate. Reports can often come to the attention of other CHCP health or social work staff that may also circulate including to the Adult Protection Co-ordinator. Managers can then circulate and discuss within their teams and other forums including the Mental Health Officers Development Group. It is planned to have a similar group, a Practitioners Forum, for managers and staff who are not MHO trained. It is hoped that the publication of such reports will be a standing item and there will be opportunity for discussion amongst managers and staff who are involved in statutory work including adult support and protection inquiries and investigations

4.3 Adult Protection Support Unit

The unit also acts as a resource hub. It gathers data and learning from all investigation reports in respect of particular cases and situations for quality assurance purposes. The co-ordinator checks not only for the publication of MWC reports but for other relevant published research from appropriate resource systems that may be of use to the work of the Committee, the working groups or frontline staff involved in inquiries and investigations and for staff undertaking further training and/or qualifications. One of the aims of the Practitioners Forum will be to share learning from practice, an opportunity to disseminate and discuss published research and reports, as well as to have local key speakers on particular topics. It is hoped this will assist to develop practice and improve outcomes for adults at risk of harm.

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5. PUBLIC INFORMATION The Communication and Engagement sub-group was the most established group with the least changes in membership .They continue to meet at intervals agreed by the group which facilitates the progression of tasks. The membership of the group has included representation from Inverclyde Council Corporate Communications Service. There have been two main factors which have influenced the development of public information and the efforts to raise public awareness locally. The first was that Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee agreed to be a case study for the Civic Partnership Network, which was a Communication Forum Project funded by the Scottish Government. The case study was submitted in early 2011 by Amanda Bennett (Project Manager) and the Chair of the sub-group was invited to a Civic Participation Network Event in March 2011 to give a presentation on the impact that being involved had on the work of this group. Since then the sub-group has aimed to follow the six Communication Support Principles, as outlined in the Talk for Scotland Toolkits, in the development of public information, the web-pages and the organisation of events. The second factor was in respect of branding and using consistent images for public information and awareness raising campaigns. It is hoped that regardless of communication needs the public will come to recognise and associate the material with adult support and protection in Inverclyde. Inverclyde worked with a number of councils to develop a television advertising campaign to further raise awareness of adult support and protection and how to make a referral. The Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee has subsequently used images from this television campaign in the development of material and local media campaigns. Where budgets have allowed the Committee has contributed to the rerunning of campaigns.

5.1 Local Media Campaign

A Communication Plan was developed to ensure information regarding adult support and protection was in the media/public domain every month in order to raise awareness of Adult Protection. This plan ran from February 2011 to March 2012. In addition to the running of the television advert the following were included;

The development and distribution of public information leaflets and posters. These were distributed to identified sites across Inverclyde. The sites ranged from service providers, support groups, health, Social Work and Police offices to libraries, sports facilities and community centres.

The Adult Support and Protection television advert has also been run on GP/health SOLUS screens at specified intervals.

For twelve months, Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee had a banner advert on the front page of the local web-newspaper, Inverclyde Now. By clicking on the banner the reader was taken to the Inverclyde Council Adult Support and Protection pages on the Inverclyde Council website.

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There were local press releases which featured in the local paper whenever Inverclyde was participating in the television campaign.

There were two advertorials in the local paper. One relating to disability harassment which appeared in the run up to the ‘Hidden in plain sight’ event. The other was in relation to financial harm. This was timed to appear in the run up to Christmas raising awareness that adults at risk of harm may be at increased risk.

On two occasions, bus stop advertising spaces on main routes in Inverclyde have been used. These have coincided with an advertorial in the local paper or a run of the television advert.

There has also been a stall in the foyer of the Inverclyde Royal Hospital (IRH). Social Work and health staff, including a local psychiatrist, assisted with the stall. They distributed leaflets and spoke to patients, their friends and relatives and hospital staff about adult protection.

Adult support and protection banners and leaflets have been taken by colleagues for use at other events.

Use of Your Voice and Carers Centre Newsletters.

Two features in the Inverclyde Council In View Magazine which is delivered to most households in Inverclyde.

An adult support and protection stall at a public event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the work of Your Voice and the Inverclyde Community Care Forum.

5.2 Public Information Leaflets

The sub-group found participating in the Communication Forum extremely useful when developing the public information leaflets. In addition, a member of the group is a Speech and Language Therapist and their skills and experience has contributed greatly to this task and the ongoing work of the group. The group worked on a range of different options for the design and content of a public information leaflet. The aim was to clarify who was an adult at risk of harm, what might constitute harm and where to obtain assistance. This material was then taken to focus groups; with the members having differing communication needs .A questionnaire was designed for the facilitator in order to collate feedback. On the basis of the feedback provided a final design was developed. The sub-group is currently working on two additional public information leaflets. The first is for adults who become involved in the adult support and protection process and the second provides more specific information in relation to case conferences. The sub-group has been utilising the research and materials from the Altrum Research Project (See Section 8). There has been consultation with the original focus groups plus some additional groups regarding these leaflets. On the basis of

30

the feedback provided the leaflets are being altered and once this is complete will be taken back to these focus groups for further consideration.

5.3 Web-pages

The feedback from the focus groups has also contributed to the development of the web-pages on the Inverclyde Council website. This material has now been transferred across to the recently developed ICHCP website. The web-pages include the written content of the original public information leaflet, a signed version of the leaflet which was commissioned from Deaf Inverclyde on behalf of the Committee, links to the ‘Tell Someone’ website that includes narrated video explaining adult support and protection legislation, the easy read version developed by the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disabilities for the Scottish Government, as well as links to other potentially useful support websites, signposting to carer support and advocacy services, information in other languages and copies of local policies and procedures.

5.4 Evaluation

A Citizens Panel survey was issued in the winter of 2010 to gauge local awareness of adult support and protection legislation. The findings of that survey were then published by the Council in January 2011. In addition Your Voice of Inverclyde Community Care Forum issued the survey to those with whom they come into contact. 92 people responded to the Your Voice survey and 613 of the Council’s Citizens Panel responded. The findings for both were similar in terms of awareness of the Act or publicity campaigns regarding adult support and protection. The surveys have provided a baseline and both will be repeated in winter 2012/13. The advice was to allow two years between the first and the second survey. Some additional questions will be added to try to evaluate which parts of the media campaign were most successful e.g. television adverts, advertorials, use of newsletters etc. In the original surveys a significant number of people reported that they would not contact anyone if they were concerned about an adult at risk of harm. An additional question will be added in order to try and clarify reasons for such a response. Following the running of the advertorials one person clearly stated that they were referring themselves on the basis of having read the article and case study. The Adult Protection Co-ordinator and duty teams have received calls and letters from concerned members of the public and voluntary groups about adults at risk of harm but it is not clear what, if any of the public information or media campaigns have influenced them deciding to contact for assistance. Inverclyde has had three referrals which have directly arisen from the television advertising campaign.

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6. MANAGEMENT OF SERVICES AND STAFF The Adult Protection Support Unit consists of: 1 Adult Protection Co-ordinator; 2 Social Workers (managed from operational teams); 0.5 Paralegal (managed by Inverclyde Council Legal and Democratic Services); 2 Administrative Staff (managed by the Co-ordinator);

1 Mental Health Officer, vacant post (managed from Community Mental Health Services).

In addition to support to committee and sub-groups, the unit provides clerical support to operational teams in respect of the organisation and minute taking of adult support and protection case conferences, review case conferences and complex strategy meetings. They also collate statistics and provide the administrative support for adult protection training and events. The co-ordinator is managed by the Service Manager, Assessment and Care Management, and also works with the Service Manager, Addiction Services, with lead responsibility for adult support and protection. The co-ordinator will provide specific advice and guidance or assistance in respect of adult support and protection to colleagues from ICHCP, Inverclyde Council and other agencies and third sector as required. In addition, the co-ordinator, Service Manager, Addictions, and Service Manager Mental Health and Wellbeing; who are all committee members, provide professional advice ,guidance and support, on a rota basis, to operational teams in respect of complex situations where statutory intervention may be required .Many have an adult support and protection focus; however advice provided also considers the use of other legislation including the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) Act 2003.

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7. COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION BETWEEN AGENCIES

Communication and cooperation has continued to be built upon in four main ways;

The development of procedures, protocols and guidance (See Section 7.1).

The development and delivery of training, presentations and events (See Section 8).

Introducing a more developmental aspect to the committee (See Section 1.4).

Promoting links and joint working between agencies

7.1 Procedures, Protocols and Guidance

7.1.2 Inverclyde CHCP Procedures, Policy and Operational Guidance

In 2010, the Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee agreed to adopt the West of Scotland Inter-Agency Adult Support and Protection Practice Guidance. This was developed by the West of Scotland Partnership, which involved thirteen councils, Strathclyde Police, the then Care Commission and five health boards. The then Lead Officer for Adult Support and Protection for Inverclyde contributed to the development of this document. This guidance was then used as a template for the development of local procedures. In June 2011, the Inverclyde CHCP Procedures, Policy and Operational Guidance were agreed by the Adult Protection Committee and agreed and adopted for use by the Senior Management Team of the Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership. The procedural section of the document relates to the undertaking of inquiries and investigations. Although primarily for Council Officers and their managers it is also aimed at other social work, health staff and their managers who may be involved with inquiries, investigations and case conferences. Training regarding the procedures is now mandatory for all staff and managers from both a health and social work background who have care management responsibilities. Other staff from ICHCP have also attended. This training is ongoing and the effectiveness of the procedures and the impact of the training will require to be evaluated (See Section 8). The document also includes a ‘Quick Guide for Council Officers’ and a ‘Quick Guide for Other Agencies’. In respect of the latter the aim is to assist staff from all agencies in the recognition of adults at risk of harm, to clarify expectations regarding reporting and co-operation, their role and responsibilities in preventing or minimising the risk harm and agencies having their own procedures which complement and support the ICHCP procedures. A copy of the procedures have been emailed to all providers. The procedures are also available on the ICHCP website and the ‘Quick Guide for other Agencies’ is

33

given to all who attend Initial Awareness Training .Presentations have been made by the Adult Protection Co-ordinator to the Providers’ Forum. Further consideration and clarification is required in terms of roles and responsibilities of all agencies involved in investigations and the interface with other processes and procedures including criminal investigations. This also includes additional considerations where allegations are against staff from any agency and within health and care home environments. Managers from service providers have indicated that they would be willing to be part of a working group to consider the development of guidance in this area. The procedures also have hyperlinks throughout to legislation, Codes of Practice and other useful tools and resources. The previous biennial report identified some of these as requiring to be included. Police colleagues have also contributed to sections in the Inverclyde procedures and appendices which refer to working with the police. The document was not finalised until Strathclyde Police were satisfied with the content. At a development day for social work managers in August 2010, it was agreed that practice guidance and/or protocols were required in four key areas. These were high lighted in the last biennial report and were in relation to;

Children moving to adult care services where there are protection concerns, determining if an adult at risk, requirement for any other statutory measures or is in need of Community Care Services. This is in line with the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland.

Investigation where there were both Child Protection and Adult Protection concerns.

The interface between Community Care and Criminal Justice in relation to Adult Protection investigations, taking into account where the ‘adult at risk of harm’ is an offender known to Criminal Justice services and/or where they are an ‘alleged perpetrator of harm’.

Adults with alcohol and drugs issues and adult protection. In relation to last point, further guidance was included within the main procedural document. In respect of the other three areas an intra-service protocol was developed to clarify roles and responsibilities in respect of the potential interface between Adult and Children and Family Services for child and adult protection investigations and between adult teams, including criminal justice, for adult protection investigations. This intra-service document was developed jointly by the Adult Protection Co-ordinator, Child Protection Co-ordinator and an Assistant Service Manager, Children and Families and in consultation with appropriate managers and key staff in service areas. The procedures also include the integration of the Adult Protection module of SWIFT (management information system). This is not yet in use but is progressing. The delay is due to the requirement to upgrade SWIFT overall in order to support this module and others (See Section 3).

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The procedures and appendices were consulted on widely with ICHCP health and social care staff and their managers before implementation. Feedback was positive. This document is due to be reviewed in 2013 and there will be further consultation with all relevant agencies in order to inform the review.

7.1.2 Adult Protection/Child Protection Interface – Multi-agency Guidelines

The aim of this multi-agency guidance is to assist staff to respond appropriately to situations where child protection and adult protection systems meet. The guidance provides examples of the type of circumstances where both systems are of relevance and, with the aid of practice examples, suggests good practice responses. This guidance was developed by the same working group which developed the Intra-Service Protocol for Adult and Child Protection. This group also worked with the Multi-agency Child Protection Practitioners Forum in order to inform the work of the group particularly in respect of the practice example and good practice responses. The forum has representatives from social work, health, police, education and the third sector. The document been agreed by the Adult Protection Committee, Child Protection Committee and agreed for use by the Chief Officers’ Group. This document is due to be reviewed in 2014.

7.1.3 Significant Case Reviews

The Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee has Interim Significant Case Review Procedures in place. (See Section 4) All procedures relating to Adult Protection are available to download form the ICHCP website and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde website.

7.2 Communication and Cooperation in Practice

7.2.1 ICHCP

The Community Mental Health Services and Older Persons Mental Health Services have well established integrated teams. Since the last report learning disability and both drug and alcohol services have established integrated teams in new premises. There are also well established teams based in each of the health centres and they, along with other community teams and IRH team, have good links with health staff in the centres and the IRH. These existing networks have been used in order to promote communication, co-operation and joint working in adult support and protection. There is good joint working between health and social work staff which includes strong links with psychiatry and psychology. Specialist assessment by psychiatric and psychology often features prominently in those cases which require meetings under the auspices of adult support and protection. They also contribute to meetings as required. The ICHCP Induction pack for all new staff highlights adult support and protection as one of the core responsibilities for all staff. The ‘Quick Guide for Agencies’ is included in the pack. In addition to NHS staff undertaking the e-learning module, the Initial

35

Awareness Course is also available to all ICHCP staff .There is also mandatory procedures training for all health and social care staff with care management responsibilities and their managers. A positive aspect of integration is the prospect of developing a more pro-active approach to national developments and providing an opportunity to align policy with developments more coherently. This includes not only matters pertaining to adults with incapacity and mental health but consideration of the impact of legislative change in other areas such as Self Directed Support (SDS) and the potential impact for adult support and protection .This has links with ‘Hidden in plain sight’; SDS, independence and risk enablement, Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) research and feedback from service users and carers.

7.2.2 Care Inspectorate

There continues to be regular discussion between ICHCP Social Work Services and the Care Inspectorate on a case by case basis regarding roles and responsibilities and the most effective way to proceed. These discussions can often include the Police where there is concern a criminal investigation is required. Situations can also become extremely complex when any allegation involves an allegation against a paid employee of whatever agency or there is more than one adult at risk. For example, in addition to the adult support and protection investigation and any criminal investigation, consideration needs to take into account the employer/employee relationship, fact finding and disciplinary procedures, employee rights to representation and employer responsibilities to investigate and report to the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme as required.

7.2.3 Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

A presentation was given by Paul Nelis (Group Commander) to the Committee. This was the second presentation to committee by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue .This presentation was regarding the role of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and their view of their role in adult protection. Following the presentation representatives from Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were in contact with ICHCP operational teams to advise on services which could be offered by them in respect of adults at risk and other vulnerable people. The teams make referrals as appropriate. Strathclyde Fire and Rescue also make referrals via the duty services for any adult they view as an adult at risk of harm or vulnerable.

7.2.4 Strathclyde Police

Police continue to be the main referring agency in respect of adults at risk of harm within the Inverclyde area and nationally. There is a well established secure electronic system to facilitate the receipt of such referrals by the ICHCP (See Section 3). There is also good liaison and communication between the ICHCP Adult Protection Co-ordinator and the Civilian Strathclyde Police Adult Protection Co-ordinator for K Division. This has greatly assisted in improving communication and cooperation

36

between operational ICHCP teams and police officers in actual cases where inquiries and investigations are required. It has led to a greater understanding of roles and responsibilities. There are liaison meetings and discussions as required between the co-ordinator and Lead Officer for ICHCP, the Superintendent and police officers from the public protection unit, in order to consider and resolve any common issues arising from investigations. There is an electronic secure centralised system for invites for Police to adult support and protection meetings. This has assisted and improved attendance at case conferences, reviews and strategy meetings. Where the police are invited it is now an exception that they will unable to attend a case conference .If unable to attend they will liaise wherever possible to ensure the chair has access to any relevant information.

7.2.5 Registered Social Landlords

There are a number of housing providers within the Inverclyde area. Staff from the housing providers can and do attend the Initial Awareness Course. Housing staff are also involved in individual cases as appropriate, attend and contribute to case conferences as required. They have assisted in obtaining suitable housing and alternative housing, changing locks as required. They have also made referrals on occasion. Their involvement has often made a significant contribution to progressing situations which have or have not required the use of Protection Orders.

7.2.6 Community Safety Team

The Council’s Community Safety Team, including the Anti-Social Behaviour Team, also contributes where appropriate in individual cases and to case conferences. The nature of their involvement may be to share appropriate information they hold and/or for the service to contribute to protection planning for particular situations.

7.2.7 Service Providers

A range of service providers have sent staff to the Initial Awareness Course. The ‘Quick Guide for Agencies’ is highlighted at this training and all attending are given a hard copy. Managers from services make referrals as appropriate and will seek advice regarding particular situations from the co-ordinator, duty operational managers, and ICHCP staff from Commissioning, Contracting and Complaints. Advice or discussion may be in respect of thresholds and interface with other processes. Attendance at adult support and protection meetings by representatives of service providers has been excellent. The co-ordinator has given two presentations to the providers’ forum .At the second presentation the co-ordinator also invited a speaker from Disclosure Scotland who gave a presentation regarding the PVG scheme. This was very well received in terms of clarifying any questions regarding the scheme and safe recruitment practices and raising awareness of potential responsibilities/processes for employers following investigations involving employees. There has been an Adult Support and Protection Learning Disability Group. The group came into being following discussion between managers for learning disability services in the third sector and ICHCP learning disability services. Members of the training and communication and engagement working groups have provided support

37

to this group as required. As a result of the work of this group there has been training for staff regarding recognising and protecting adults with a learning disability from sexual harm (See section 8) and the group has been very involved in the development of public information relating to adult support and protection.

7.2.8 General Practitioners (GPs)

Operational managers and Council Officers report that the response to requests for advice and assistance from local GPs is very good. This is either in terms of them making themselves available for discussion or generating reports to meet requests for information in general and in relation to adult support and protection cases. The co-ordinator, the mental health officer for adult support and protection and a psychiatrist for older people’s medicine were invited to organise and speak at the Protected Learning Time Event in March 2011 for GPs in Inverclyde. The topic was Protecting Adults at Risk of Harm. The then Clinical Director, Lawrence Bidwell, chaired the event and twenty two GPs attended (See Section 8).

7.2.9 Scottish Prison Service (SPS)

In February 2011, following discussion between ICHCP Criminal Justice, the Adult Protection Co-ordinator and the Governor of Greenock Prison the co-ordinator was invited to give a presentation to key staff at the prison. This was well received. It was agreed that given SPS is a national organisation local initiatives and developments could not be progressed. The co-ordinator was subsequently a member of an Association of Directors of Social Work (ADSW) Sub-group working party who liaised with SPS representatives at a national level. It is now anticipated that a representative of SPS will join the National Policy Forum in order to progress the potential interface between SPS and adult support and protection. In practice, Council Officers continue to contact colleagues in the SPS and social work teams within prisons as appropriate in relation to particular cases. Representatives of SPS Greenock Prison also attended the Hidden in plain sight event.

7.3 Responding to allegations of harm

The majority of inquiries continue to be managed without requiring any statutory interventions of the three main Acts. This is in line with their principles, in terms of what would be the least restrictive, most beneficial and appropriate response. Most situations are progressed by negotiation and cooperation with consideration given to other legal avenues such as civil remedies and housing legislation where appropriate. Support and assistance may often be provided via The Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. Ready access to sound legal advice has been key in the decision making process when considering the individual situations of adults at risk of harm. A council solicitor also attends case conferences where, having discussed the case with the paralegal beforehand, it is considered that the attendance of the council solicitor would be of assistance to a particular case conference in light of the legal issues arising. The knowledge and experience of the paralegal greatly assists in identifying cases where a council solicitor is required. They also provide advice and guidance as necessary.

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In a number of cases there are parallel criminal investigations being undertaken and cooperation and communication between Police and Council Officers has been a key factor in order to protect the adult at risk of harm. There are liaison meetings between Strathclyde Police and the co-ordinator and the Lead Officer for Adult Support and Protection to discuss broader issues arising from investigations. There is also good communication between the ICHCP Adult Protection Co-ordinator and the Strathclyde Police Adult Protection Co-ordinator for K-Division.

7.3.1 Use of Protection Orders

Since the Act came into force seven Banning Orders have been applied for and granted .One of the orders has been granted since the last biennial report. Although the order was granted in relation to one adult at risk of harm it was apparent, due to the particular circumstances, that the order had the potential to protect others. There was liaison between Council Officers, Inverclyde Council Legal Services the Police, the housing provider and Procurator Fiscal in order to ensure that a criminal prosecution was not compromised. Protection Orders have been considered in other situations however, as stated above, they have ultimately been resolved without such interventions. In some instances the support given has assisted the adult to recover sufficiently that they have decided to pursue an interdict.

7.4 Evaluation

7.4.1 SWIFT Adult Protection Module

One of the aims of the Adult Protection SWIFT module was to provide a robust method of auditing data relating to liaison with other agencies and invites to and attendance at cases conferences. At this point the module is not available. The reasons for this are as outlined in Section 3 ‘Management of Information’. Information provided above has been drawn from the data base.

7.4.2 ICHCP Staff Survey

There was an initial baseline survey undertaken with ICHCP staff from both a health and social care background. This was developed by the communication and engagement sub-group. The survey covered awareness and confidence in practice, management support and training. This initial survey was undertaken following the first nine months of Initial Awareness Training and at the start of the run of the Procedures Training in October/November 2011. It is planned to repeat and improve upon this survey in the autumn of 2013 (See Section 8). It is also hoped that the SWIFT Adult Protection module will have been operational by that stage in order to provide evidence on levels of cooperation and communication.

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8. ADULT SUPPORT AND PROTECTION TRAINING 2010-2012

8.1 Introduction and purpose

During the past 2 years training has been delivered by the Adult Protection Co-ordinator and the Assistant Service Manager, Inverclyde CHCP Training Section on behalf of Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee. The training has been provided to promote the learning of multiagency staff in adult support and protection work. This training is free of charge to anyone working with adults who may be at risk of harm in Inverclyde. The purpose of our training strategy is to:

Support professionals from different agencies to work effectively together to protect adults.

Help professionals keep up to date with relevant legislation, research, good practice and guidance.

Ensure staff are effectively and relevantly trained to support and protect adults at risk of harm.

To make best use of limited resources, we have established updated face to face inter agency Adult Support and Protection Awareness Training and Adult Support and Protection Procedures Training designed flexibly to stand as the first day of Council Officer’s Training. These courses at levels 1 and 2 have been revised and designed to consolidate implementation of the revised Inverclyde Adult Support and Protection Procedures approved in June 2011.

A series of briefings, courses and conferences covering a range of groups, issues and organisations have been delivered at levels 3 and 4 and these are summarised below. The purpose of this was to reach as wide and varied a group of agencies, managers and practitioners with a role in Adult Protection in Inverclyde.

8.2 Review of Core Training, April 2010 to March 2012

In order to ensure consistency for staff in Inverclyde the review of training is grouped in four levels in line with the criteria adopted by Inverclyde Child Protection Committee.

Level 1: Awareness Raising We started to deliver courses in January 2011. Since then 23 courses have been delivered in 2 different venues to ensure accessibility in line with our Equality Impact Analysis. 356 multi agency staff have attended.

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Adult Protection Awareness Training

Staff Number

CHCP 208

Housing Association 28

Voluntary Sector 75

Private Sector 44

TOTAL 356

Level 2: Foundation Adult Protection Procedures Training

Staff Number

CHCP Social Work 69

CHCP Health 35

TOTAL 104

6 x 1 day courses for 104 CHCP practitioners/designated Council Officers and CHCP managers likely to be involved in adult support and protection work. This one day course aims to introduce staff to the new Inverclyde CHCP Adult Support and Protection Procedures and Guidelines. Level 3: Investigation and Assessment/Prevention and Recovery Working Together in Adult Protection

Staff Number

Inverclyde Social Workers

29

Inverclyde – Health Staff 2

Renfrewshire Social Workers

3

TOTAL 34 2 x 1 day sessions for 34 practitioners/designated Council Officers. This one day course presented Altrum research findings about the experience of adults who have been subject to adult protection investigations. Council Officer Training 2 x 2 day course for 5 new staff preparing to be designated Council Officers. This course is presented and prepared by a private company. Inverclyde CHCP purchases this course in conjunction with other Councils and CHCPs in the West of Scotland to ensure sufficient numbers. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Level 1 & 2 Training In tandem with the two Scottish Government national publicity campaigns organised since 2008 to raise awareness of the Act the NHS Board has published local information in the Core Brief, Staff Net and Staff Newsletter publicising the responsibilities of staff in respect of this Act. Staff are directed to the E-learning module on the Adult Support and Protection Act.

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The Adult Support and Protection e-learning module was set up by the Board in 2009, initially for new staff but from 2010 for all staff. In addition the Board’s Acute Learning and Education Department organised Level 2 training purchased from a private company. 40 NHS staff within Inverclyde attended. The target audience was Acute staff within Inverclyde however some CHCP NHS contracted staff also attended. By the end of 2012 it is anticipated that 50%, approximately 305 NHS contracted CHCP staff will have received training in respect of Adult Support and Protection with a number having attended training at more than one level. Level 4: Specialist and Managerial The Three Acts: Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000, Mental Health Care and Treatment (Scotland) Act 2003 Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007: Seminar for GP’s – 23 GPs attended. Seminar for contracted Health professionals 15 attendees. 13 health professionals and 2 members of the Sensory Impairment Team, Argyll and Bute Council. This seminar also included a presentation by Disclosure Scotland Protection of Vulnerable Groups.

Staff Number

Community Optometrist 1

Pharmacist 1

Dentists 7

IRH Eye Care Department 2

ICHCP Manager 1

ICHCP Project Manager 1

Investigative Interviewing 1 x 2 day course for new staff employed by Inverclyde CHCP preparing to be designated Council Officers. As with Level 3 Council Officer Training this course is purchased jointly with other Councils and CHCPs in the West of Scotland and is presented and prepared by the same private company.

Recognising Sexual Harm Adults with a Learning Disability

Staff Number

CHCP Social Work 42

CHCP Health 17

TOTAL 59

5 x 1 day sessions to multi agency staff involved in rehabilitation and enablement services to adults with a learning disability. This course was prepared and presented by a team from the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability.

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Hidden in Plain Sight Event: Adult Protection and Hate Crime The Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee hosted a half day conference which focused on the findings of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report Hidden in Plain Sight and sought to highlight lessons which might inform future planning and practice initiatives in Inverclyde. 85 people attended and inputs were delivered by representatives of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Strathclyde Police, and Your Voice. The outcomes were collated into a report for the Inverclyde Adult Protection Committee.

Edinburgh University: Post Graduate Certificate Two Social Workers have undertaken and completed the Post Graduate Certificate in Adult Protection in the last two years. Internet Safety Training for Adults with learning disabilities Inverclyde Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde identified a need for Internet Safety Training for Adults with Learning Disabilities in 2010. The need for this arose following adult support and protection investigations where adults with a learning disability were placing themselves at risk of harm over the internet. A tender for the delivery of two courses was offered out and Quarriers was successful at obtaining this work. There was a person centred approach throughout the course which endeavoured to relate the training with what participants used the internet for, as well as making them aware of the dangers of the areas they may wish to use in the future. Each session included learning checks, practical exercises and revision. There were 16 places on offer in total and 14 people booked. 12 attended and 9 successfully completed the course in full. There is a full evaluation report available. 80% said that the course was ‘excellent’ and 20% said ‘very good’. All advised that they felt they had learned how to keep themselves safe on the internet by being on the course. Recognising and Reporting Harm for Adults with a Learning Disability Helen Beltran (Speech and Language Therapist, Community Learning Disabilities Team) attends seminars in respect of raising awareness of adult support and protection amongst people with communicational support needs (CSN), to assist them to understand their rights and to assist them to understand the Act. The seminars were as a result of a Scottish Government funded project developed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and ‘Talking Mats’, University of Stirling. Helen and her colleague Julie Houten (Community Learning Disability Nurse) have adapted a training pack which they are currently piloting with small numbers of adults with a learning disability to recognise and report harm where appropriate and also to raise awareness in order to be proactive in terms of prevention. Representatives from work streams in communication and engagement and training are due to meet to evaluate progress. The aim is that Julie and Helen will become Training for Trainers so this course can be rolled out. A longer term aim would be to deliver the course to others with CSN needs such as adults with dementia.

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Seminars and Presentations to Other Agencies The Adult Protection Coordinator has delivered presentations to the following

Renfrewshire Adult Protection Conference.

University of West of Scotland Undergraduates Social Work Honours Degree course.

Social Services Research Group Conference: Supporting and Protecting Adults. Improving practice through the effective use and dissemination of knowledge.

Homeless Persons Service.

Providers Forum.

Occupational Therapists Forum

Your Voice Adult Protection sub-group.

Scottish Prison Service, HMP Greenock. The Governor, Assistant Governor and ten other senior staff attended.

West of Scotland Learning and Development Sub Group We have contributed to the work of this group in 2 main ways:

Sharing the successful strategy by which GPs and contracted Health

Professionals were able to prioritise and engage in Adult Protection training

covering the three Acts

We have been involved in the sub group who have produced a draft competencies framework for Council Officers Training across the West of Scotland

Training priorities 2012-2014

Establish a multi agency training team to deliver awareness training.

Develop a multi agency training sub group with members who have the skills and capacity to deliver adult protection training.

Expand the current Council Officers Training Course to develop a shared knowledge and approach to investigation and recording.

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9. FORMAL EVALUATION AND AUDIT There have been several different audits undertaken with a focus on adult protection. These include:

Looking at three adult protection cases using Professor Hogg’s self assessment tool as part of his pilot project. We completed this self assessment in February 2011. Undertaking this self assessment helped us distinguish between self evaluation and case file audit. It also reinforced the need for leaflets, consent forms and other adult protection paperwork that is an “easy read” for service users and carers. Finally, this exercise gave us reassurance that we were on the right track with regard to our own adult protection procedures.

The adult protection committee quality assurance sub-group undertook a multi-agency audit involving Health and Social Work staff looking at three cases. In recognition that Health staff in particular had little experience of undertaking an audit, we completed the task as a group using prompters as opposed to a bespoke case file audit tool. For this exercise we did not look at case files, but only included adult protection paperwork, including reports; minutes and review meetings. Overall, it was clear from the audit that staff involved have a good understanding of legislation and the existing processes. There was also evidence of good partnership working and sharing information between agencies involved. Finally, there was evidence of appropriate measures being taken ensuring the safety of service users. Following this audit the sub-group developed an improvement plan including 18 recommendations and presented this to the Adult Protection Committee to progress.

In October 2011 the Lead for Quality Assurance and Service improvement in the CHCP undertook a case file audit across Community Care looking at 40 case files. This included 6 adult protection cases. The Care Inspectorate case file audit tool was used in this exercise. Findings specific to adult protection included that a risk assessment was completed in 6 cases and that this was done in an appropriate timescale. The quality of risk assessment was good in 6 cases. There was a risk management plan in 5 cases and all were done within an appropriate timescale and the quality of these was good in all cases. Finally, in all 6 cases concerns about risk had been addressed appropriately. Additional learning from this audit included for staff to be clear about the governance arrangements with respect to adult protection following the introduction of the CHCP and a new management team. Also, that it may be helpful for front-line staff to consider risk assessment tools and learning from SWIA Guidance on case file audit of how they could improve from good to very good and excellent.

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10. CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND FUTURE PLANS

Over the last two years since the 2010 biennial report significant progress has been made on a number of issues and areas identified in that report and on others arising since the completion of the report. The level of involvement and cooperation between agencies has continued to improve, both at committee level and most importantly in day to day practice in actions to support and protect individuals. The evidence in the body of this report of the close working between social work and police, the advice and guidance from legal services and the cooperation of GPs, along with the involvement of housing providers and community safely services attests to this. In relation to committee membership, it is hoped that the considerable contribution previously made to the committee’s work by the now retired Clinical Director and soon to retire Senior Psychiatrist (Learning Disability Services) will not be lost and that the Health related membership of the committee will be maintained. Strong links exist and have been built upon with the voluntary and private providers sector both around training, awareness raising and publicity and individual situations. The work around public awareness raising and publicity campaigns has been extensive and imaginative with considerable effort applied to ensuring that material is accessible to all. Similar approaches have been adopted in attempting to ensure that individuals involved in adult protection processes are fully involved and supported through the process and means have been developed to gauge their satisfaction, or otherwise, and for this experience to inform ongoing practice development. Considerable progress has been made in developing and embedding in practice policies and procedures, underpinned by a comprehensive programme of training and a clear system of advice and guidance to practitioners in the field. The staff survey and the audits undertaken to date confirm the effectiveness of this approach. The one area where progress has regrettably been slow has been in the installation and application of the dedicated SWIFT Adult Protection module. This has meant that information gathering has still relied on different information sources, including time consuming manual trawls. A further disadvantage of the non-installation of the SWIFT module has been the lost opportunity to operate the Policies and Procedures and SWIFT Module training programmes in tandem. Inverclyde has continued to make contributions to regional and national developments and has, in turn, benefitted from being able to apply the findings of national initiatives and research to local practice. The training day for staff based on the Atrium research and the open event around the EHRC ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ report were significant events aimed at translating research findings into practical proposals that can be applied locally. A number of proposals flowing from the ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ event will be actively pursued locally over the next year. As part of future awareness raising and publicity campaigns further ‘open events’ around particular themes related to adult protection will be planned.

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The attached business plan lays out the programme of development for the next two years. Clearly the installation of the SWIFT module, training in its use and the monitoring and evaluation of it is of a high priority, not just as a recording and information tool but as an aid to improved practice. Continuing work in ensuring that service users voices are heard has to be at the heart of practice and practice development. This can be achieved by encouraging and supporting individuals as participants through the various processes, listening to their experiences and building these into training. Similarly, any review of policies and procedures has to take into consideration how these policies and procedures and the operation of them are perceived and experienced by the service user. The links between the different work streams of the business plan are critical in ensuring that this service user view and a person centred focus is supported. Along with listening to the views of individuals who have experienced the operation of adult protection processes it is also important that we have a gauge of the level of awareness of adult protection in the general public and how effective the various publicity approaches have been. The Citizen’s Panel more detailed questions in Winter 2012/13 as a follow-up to the Winter 2010 survey, along with the Your Voice survey that will mirror it, will provide valuable information in this respect and inform any future direction for publicity/awareness raising.

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11. APPENDICES

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11.1 Appendix 1 - Committee Membership

ADULT PROTECTION COMMITTEE

Member Name Designation

Agency

Hugh Clark Convenor, Adult Protection Committee

Independent

Alan Buckley Head Of Community Care Services Inverclyde CHCP

Bob McLean Service Manager, Mental Health and Addictions

Inverclyde CHCP

Brian Moore Head of Health and Community Care Until May 2012 then Corporate Director Inverclyde CHCP

Inverclyde CHCP

Deborah Gillespie Team Manager, Community Mental Health Team

Inverclyde CHCP

Elaine Paterson Head of Legal and Democratic Services. Jonathan Hamilton (Solicitor) attends on Ms Paterson’s behalf.

Inverclyde Council

Jim Baird Superintendent, Public Protection Unit Until January 2012

Strathclyde Police

Ricky Mason Superintendent, Public Protection Unit From February 2012

Strathclyde Police

Karen Haldane Project Manager, Your Voice Inverclyde Community Care Forum

Lawrence Bidwell Clinical Director Until November 2011

Inverclyde CHCP

Margaret Burns Adult Protection Co-ordinator Inverclyde Council

Patricia Mooney Consultant Psychiatrist Until June 2010

Inverclyde CHCP

Marie Hand Consultant Psychiatrist From January 2011 until June 2012

Inverclyde CHCP

Jane Weir Team Leader Until March 2011

Care Commission

Susan Castle Team Leader From May 2011 until January 2012

Care Inspectorate

Margaret Faye Inspector Manager From February 2012

Care Inspectorate

John Alexander Group Commander Until June 2011

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

Paul Nelis Group Commander From January 2012

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue

Representative 1 Service User/Carer, Your Voice Inverclyde Community Care Forum

Representative 2 Service User/Carer, Your Voice Inverclyde Community Care Forum

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11.2 Appendix 2 - Chief Officers’ Group

CHIEF OFFICERS GROUP

Member Name Designation

Agency

John Mundell Chief Executive Inverclyde Council

Alan Spiers Divisional Commander Strathclyde Police

Albert Henderson Corporate Director Education & Communities

Inverclyde Council

Brian Moore Director Inverclyde CHCP

Hugh Clark Convenor, Inverclyde Adult protection Committee

Independent

Kenneth Ritchie Authority Reporter/Chairperson of Child Protection Committee

SCRA

Rosslyn Crocket Nurse Director NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

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11.3 Appendix 3 - Your Voice Network, the CHCP and the Inverclyde Alliance

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11.4 Appendix 4 - Adult Protection Business Plan 2012 – 2014

Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

General

To further improve identification of adults at risk of harm, to provide support to them when it is needed and to provide the means to protect them from preventable harm.

Having the Adult Protection Module for SWIFT fully operational.

To progress with necessary SWIFT upgrade by ICT and respective SWIFT Team.

Inverclyde Council is meeting its new duties and responsibilities with partner agencies under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

Installation by February 2013. Review operation by February 2014.

Service Manager Planning and Performance Team in CHCP

Quality Assurance

Safe outcomes for adults.

Practice standards and guidance.

Robustness of policy and procedures.

Develop and adopt ADSW quality assurance and performance framework for adult protection.

Adopt the national standards for adult support and protection.

Develop and agree a multi-agency quality assurance framework as detailed in ADSW framework.

Develop and agree multi-agency performance information.

To have a robust quality assurance and performance framework in operation and providing regular reports to both the adult protection committee and appropriate stakeholders.

July 2013 September 2013 March 2013

Adult Protection Quality Assurance Working Groups

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Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

Agree and implement a timetable for periodic case file audit and report on findings.

Provide regular quality assurance and performance reports.

February 2013 Quarterly as per Quarterly Service Review process.

Adult Protection Quality Assurance Sub-Group. Adult Protection Quality Assurance Sub-Group / Adult Protection Unit .

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Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

Review Interim inter-agency framework for significant case reviews.

Establish an agreed criteria and procedure for such reviews.

To incorporate any recommendations from the national inter-agency review.

January 2014

Adult Protection Coordinator

Training

To make, assist in or encourage the making of arrangements for improving the skills and knowledge of officers or employers of the public bodies and office holders to which this section applies.

Update the training strategy incorporating the different roles and responsibilities across statutory, voluntary and private organisations.

Update and agree a Training Strategy.

Identify the implications for practice of research and development in the field of adult protection.

Undertake a training

needs analysis.

Provide ongoing training

Staff at all levels across agencies has the necessary skills and knowledge required for their post.

December 2012 Ongoing. Undertaken on annual basis

Adult Protection Co-ordinator. Team Leader Training in CHCP

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Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

Ensure all levels of staff, users, carers and the wider community have access to appropriate training.

Update a suitable training programme.

Presentations and discussions to local bodies, users and carers. Deliver appropriate training to adults with communication needs using a talking mats approach. Arrange and deliver training.

Ensure relevant bodies, users and carers have access to appropriate verbal advice and advice regarding legislation. To adopt a preventative approach in the delivery of training.

Ongoing Ongoing

Adult Protection Coordinator. Adult Protection Coordinator / Team Leader Training in CHCP.

Communication and Engagement

Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

To improve co-operative working in order to safeguard adults at risk in Inverclyde across statutory, non-statutory agencies and the public.

Update a Communication

Strategy.

Draft and pilot materials.

To have an effective inter-agency communication strategy where everyone is aware of their role and responsibility to protect adults from harm.

Ongoing

Adult Protection Co-ordinator. Adult Protection Communication and Engagement Working Group

Review communication planner.

Continue to raise awareness of adult

Review annually

Adult Protection Communication

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Repeat Citizen Panel questions and Your voice survey. Link in with other relevant work streams to develop strategy.

protection. Evaluate materials and identify areas for campaigns.

January 2013 Ongoing.

and Engagement Working Group

Work in partnership with users and carers to ensure safeguarding arrangements and interventions adhere to principles of the Act and actions and services are effective.

Develop focus groups around the development of public information material. Conduct bi-annual service user evaluation. Review content of website and service user feedback.

Create opportunities for adults at risk to contribute to practice development.

Ongoing.

Adult Protection Communication and Engagement Working Group.

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Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

Policies and Procedures

To keep under review the procedures and practices of the public bodies and office holders to which this section applies.

Review existing Inverclyde Adult Protection Policy and Practice Guidelines in line with West of Scotland Guidance progress in line with recent West of Scotland review.

Review procedures.

To have a robust process of reviewing policy and procedures to reflect current research, practice, policy drivers and legislative change.

June 2013.

Adult Protection Co-ordinator.

Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

Ensure procedures and policies are multi-agency and multi-disciplinary.

Continue to collate and analyse data from local activity.

Develop processes and integrate recommendations from council officers and relevant public bodies.

Quarterly and Annually.

Ongoing.

Adult Protection Co-ordinator.

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Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

Develop local information sharing guidance with appropriate safeguard with key partner agencies.

Support partner agencies and the independent sector to develop internal guidance which link to Inverclyde Adult Protection Policy and Practice Guidelines.

To attend and support local forums as appropriate, for example, the providers forum.

To have clear information sharing protocols in operation.

Ongoing.

Adult Protection Coordinator

Review protocols and procedures intra-service between Adult Care, Child Care and Criminal Justice / MAPPA.

Agree and implement protocols and procedures.

To have procedural and practice links made between adult protection, child protection and the public protection role of Criminal Justice Services.

June 2013

Adult Protection Coordinator Appropriate Service Managers.

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Aims Objective Output Outcome Timescale Lead Officer

Ensure all relevant staff, public bodies and office holders are aware of the adult protection policies, procedures and guidance and understand the implications of their practice.

Policies and procedures have an implementation / distribution plan.

All relevant staff, public bodies and office holders are aware of the adult protection policies, procedures and guidance and understand the implications of their practice.

Ongoing

Adult Protection Coordinator