This guide will help you answer The RQF Level 2 Diploma in Care Unit 4.1 Identify relevant legislation, national policies and local systems that relate to safeguarding and protection from abuse.
When working in health and social care, safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse is critical. Understanding the relevant legislation, national policies, and local systems is essential for providing safe and effective care.
Key Legislation
The Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 is central to adult safeguarding in the UK. It establishes safeguarding duties for local authorities. These duties include:
- Making enquiries if abuse is suspected.
- Establishing Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs).
- Reviewing safeguarding practices.
The Act emphasises wellbeing and the need to prevent abuse and neglect.
The Children Act 1989 and 2004
This legislation focuses on child protection. It places duties on local authorities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Key aspects include:
- Ensuring children’s voices are heard.
- Multi-agency working to protect children.
The 2004 Act further strengthens child protection by introducing the role of a Children’s Commissioner.
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
This Act aims to prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups. It introduces the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which vets those working with children and vulnerable adults. The Act helps ensure only suitable individuals are employed in care roles.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005
This legislation protects individuals who cannot make decisions for themselves. It establishes the principle of person-centred care and provides safeguards like:
- The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
The Act ensures that any decisions made on behalf of another person are in their best interests.
National Policies
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018
This policy sets out how organisations should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. It provides guidelines for:
- Assessment and referral processes.
- The role of Local Safeguarding Children Boards.
The aim is to ensure a co-ordinated approach across agencies.
The Prevent Strategy 2011
Part of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy, Prevent aims to stop people from being drawn into terrorism. It requires health and social care workers to:
- Recognise signs of radicalisation.
- Work collaboratively with local authorities and the police.
Understanding this policy helps in identifying and acting on potential risks.
Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2014
Issued under the Care Act 2014, this guidance provides detail on:
- Safeguarding duties.
- How to handle enquiries and interventions.
It supports professionals in interpreting the law effectively and ensuring consistent practice across the UK.
Local Systems
Local Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs)
SABs are multi-agency partnerships that oversee adult safeguarding. Their duties include:
- Developing local safeguarding policies.
- Conducting safeguarding adult reviews.
They ensure a local response to issues, tailoring actions to community needs.
Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs)
Before being replaced by Safeguarding Partners, LSCBs ensured effective safeguarding practices for children. Now, local authorities, police, and health services work together under new arrangements. They focus on:
- Reviewing serious cases.
- Developing training and resources.
This system helps ensure children are safeguarded effectively.
The Role of Local Authorities
Local authorities play a pivotal role in safeguarding. Their responsibilities include:
- Coordinating multi-agency approaches.
- Providing training and resources.
Understanding their key role helps ensure a cohesive approach to safeguarding.
Integrated Care Systems (ICSs)
These systems aim to integrate health and social care services. They promote collaboration between NHS bodies and local authorities. ICSs help in addressing complex safeguarding needs by:
- Sharing information.
- Developing joint safeguarding initiatives.
They enhance the ability to provide comprehensive and coordinated care.
Understanding and Implementing Safeguarding in Practice
Recognising Abuse
Healthcare and social care workers must be able to identify signs of abuse. These include:
- Physical injuries.
- Changes in behaviour.
- Financial irregularities.
Being vigilant and aware is the first step in safeguarding.
Reporting and Responding
Following local procedures is crucial when abuse is suspected. This involves:
- Reporting concerns to a manager or designated safeguarding lead.
- Keeping accurate records.
Ensuring a prompt response can prevent further harm.
Training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Regular training ensures that workers are up-to-date with safeguarding practices. This includes:
- Attending workshops and seminars.
- Participating in e-learning modules.
Ongoing education helps maintain a high standard of care.
Example answers for unit 4.1 Identify relevant legislation, national policies and local systems that relate to safeguarding and protection from abuse
Example Answer 1:
As a care worker, understanding the Care Act 2014 is crucial in my role. This Act is the foundation for adult safeguarding in the UK and places significant duties on local authorities. One of the important aspects is making enquiries if there’s a suspicion of abuse. For example, if I notice unusual bruising on a service user or if they mention feeling scared of a particular person, I am required to report this to my manager. The local authority then steps in to investigate further. The Act also emphasizes that care should be focused on the individual’s wellbeing and that preventing abuse and neglect should be a priority.
Example Answer 2:
The Children Act 1989 and 2004 are key pieces of legislation when working with children. The 1989 Act requires local authorities to ensure the welfare of children in their area and that their voices are heard in all decisions affecting them. For instance, if I am working with a child who seems withdrawn and hesitant to go home, it’s my responsibility to report this so that the appropriate authorities can investigate. The 2004 amendment strengthened these protections, adding roles like the Childrens Commissioner to advocate for the needs of children across the country. This ensures a more comprehensive safety net for vulnerable children.
Example Answer 3:
In the realm of safeguarding, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 is another critical law I need to be aware of. This Act established the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), which makes sure that individuals working with vulnerable people are suitable and don’t have any harmful intent. As a care worker, I had to undergo a DBS check before starting my role. This check was both standard and enhanced, providing my employer with a full picture of my suitability to work with vulnerable groups. Knowing that everyone in my workplace has passed this scrutiny helps create a safer environment for all service users.
Example Answer 4:
One of the national policies that guide us is the “Working Together to Safeguard Children” 2018 policy. This document provides comprehensive guidelines on how various agencies, including social services, health professionals, and the police, should collaborate to protect children. For instance, if I suspect that a child is being neglected, I’ll follow the procedure outlined in this policy: immediately report my concerns to my manager, who will then coordinate with other agencies. This multiagency approach ensures that the child receives the quickest and most effective intervention possible, emphasizing the importance of collaborative work.
Example Answer 5:
Understanding local systems is equally essential. For example, our Local Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) develops policies that we follow in our practice. These boards are made up of different agencies that oversee adult safeguarding in our area. They provide resources like training workshops, which I regularly attend. These sessions help me stay informed about the latest safeguarding practices and remind me of my responsibilities. If there is ever a serious case review, the SAB’s findings often lead to updated guidelines and better practices, ensuring we continuously improve our safeguarding efforts.
Example Answer 6:
Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) play an increasingly important role in safeguarding within my local area. These systems aim to make health and social care services work more closely together, ensuring a seamless service for users. For instance, if a service user has complex needs that span both health and social care, the ICS allows for better communication between all professionals involved. Using joint safeguarding initiatives, we can share information quickly and act more effectively. This collaborative approach improves the overall care experience and strengthens our safeguarding efforts, reducing the risks of abuse and neglect.
Conclusion
Safeguarding and protection from abuse are fundamental duties in health and social care. By understanding relevant legislation, national policies, and local systems, care workers can provide safer environments for vulnerable individuals. Staying informed and vigilant ensures that everyone has the right to live free from harm and abuse.