1.1 Purpose and How to Use this Resource

1. Aim

This Adults Policies, Procedures and Practice (APPP) Resource provides practitioners working across South Tyneside with the tools they need to safeguard adults from abuse and neglect.

2. Structure

The document is structured into the following sections and appendices:

• Section 1: Introduction and Context – provides the context and the key information underpinning this South Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board Policies, Procedures and Practice (APPP) resource.
• Section 2: Specific Safeguarding Situations – provides detail on the key safeguarding adults concerns, including how to identify signs of abuse and what action to take.
• Section 3: Identifying Abuse and Taking Action – explains the importance of being vigilant to possible signs of abuse and neglect, and how to act on any concerns.
• Section 4: Complex Adult Risk Management (CARM) Process – contains the CARM Policy and Practice Guidance which have been developed to help manage complex risks. Such risks may arise when working with adults who have the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves, but who are at risk of serious harm or death through self-neglect, behaviours that place them at risk/chaotic lifestyles or lack of engagement with services;
• Section 5: Safeguarding Enquiries Process – sets out the different stages of the safeguarding enquiry process, where there are concerns about an adult who is at risk of or experiencing abuse or neglect. It also includes supplementary information.
• Section 6: Safeguarding Adults Board – contains key information in relation to the role of the Safeguarding Adults Board and its partner agencies and staff who work with adults in the South Tyneside area.
• Section 7: Safer Working Practices -guidance keep adults are keep by ensuring that workers are recruited safely and receive safeguarding training and regular supervision.
• Section 8: Mental Capacity and Mental Health – outlines key principles and processes including mental capacity and deprivation of liberty safeguards.
• Section 9: National Guidance – provides information about a range of supplementary issues related to safeguarding adults.
• Section 10: Practice Guidance – information on key issues for multi-agency safeguarding adults practice.
• Section 11: Working with Care and Support Providers – sets out how commissioners work with providers to ensure that adults receive high quality, safe services. It details how good commissioning and effective contract monitoring can support providers to take early action to reduce risk and keep adults safe from harm.
• Section 12: The Care Act – provides key information for partner agencies about the provisions contained in the Care Act, including the role of the local authority.
• Appendices – includes supplementary information.

See also Forms, Leaflets and Posters – which contain the referral forms which can be used to access support and share information, as well as materials to raise awareness of safeguarding adults issues, including seven minute briefings.

Local Contacts contains contact details for local teams and organisations.