The course describes the different types of abuse—physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect—and what signs and symptoms to look out for. The course provides a wide range of scenarios to give a clearer picture of what these forms of abuse might look like. Identifying the signs and symptoms of abuse is critical to protect vulnerable adults’ health and development and overall wellbeing.

The course gives advice on how to respond if abuse is suspected or if you are told about abuse. Anyone who works with or around vulnerable adults is a part of the safeguarding process and has an obligation to report abuse and share information with other organisations and agencies. Professionals working with vulnerable adults might also find themselves in a situation where an allegation is made against them. They will learn about allegation criteria, what happens after a claim has been made and what type of conduct is appropriate when working with vulnerable adults.

This course is for existing and aspiring Designated Safeguarding Leads.

Content includes:

• legal responsibility and duty of Designated Safeguarding Lead

• practice examples and learning from serious case reviews

• factors to consider when there is a welfare concern or allegation

• confidentiality and information sharing

• sexual exploitation and FGM

• how to overcome organisational barriers to reporting concerns

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• be able to describe the role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead

• know what actions to take to ensure the safety and welfare of vulnerable adults with whom their organisation has contact and the local referral procedures.

• how to deal with professional disagreements (escalation procedures)

• considered the blocks to staff reporting concerns and how to address these

• explored how to make appropriate decisions about the action to take when informed of a concern

• identify best practice for confidentiality, sharing of information (GDPR etc) .and recording practices

• develop an awareness of the emotional dimension of safeguarding work and identify a network for personal support.