Safeguarding Adults Procedures

33  Whether there were any witnesses.  Record of action plan, person responsible and realistic timescales agreed with the person at risk  Name of the person(s) who will lead the enquiry if appropriate  Formulation of a risk management plan  Details about any disagreements and how these will be resolved.  Date for an ERM, if required.  The Chairperson of the Enquiry Planning Meeting and any subsequent review meeting should tell all participants that independent recording of the discussion is not permitted.  This particularly applies to any intention to make a “covert” recording. Any participant may take brief “action notes” for example to remind them about follow up actions. All participants must be made aware that use of such notes is governed by the guidance on management of information generally and required respect for confidentiality. Appendix 8 refers. Carrying out and Monitoring Agreed Actions Potentially there are a wide variety of actions to be undertaken. These may include Enquiries into the activities of staff or volunteers within services or agencies or others who are alleged to have caused harm. The expectation will be that the employing agency will take responsibility for this at the appropriate management level. In situations where an allegation has been made against an informal or unpaid carer a decision will need to be made by the EM in consultation with other agencies as necessary. It is necessary for the NE and/or the allocated SAP to regularly review the situation to gather information and review any interim safeguarding plan. It is also essential to obtain regular feedback from all agencies or individuals undertaking actions as part of the enquiry. Key actions to be considered with the adult at the centre of the concern are:  To ensure risks are managed effectively  Ensure progress is made against actions  Identify any further actions required  Record the actions decided  Keep the adult informed of any progress It may be possible for this to be achieved through a series of telephone calls or a small meeting. The need for a larger meeting is a matter for professional judgment and is more likely to be required when there are several agencies involved in the enquiry. Continuing to work with the adult It is important to emphasise that agreed actions and working with the adult at risk to achieve their desired outcomes may not always run according to plan. The adult at risk may choose to redefine their desired outcomes, or they may appear to not engage with services or options that were originally deemed to promote their safety or wellbeing. Whilst it is vital to respect the adult at risk’s views, other factors may have to be considered. Has the adult changed their mind? If so why? Are there issues of duress? Are there any reasons to suggest it is necessary to undertake an assessment of mental capacity? Check the adult at risk agrees with the actions. Is the adult at risk not engaging? Consider using the protocol for working with adults who do not wish to engage with services and may be at serious risk of harm. See Appendix 2 and Appendix 8 Is access to the adult at risk being prevented? See Appendix 10.