Cambridge Student Community Action (SCA) recognises the importance of the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse. We undertake to ensure that all our volunteers working with vulnerable adults on our projects are trained to recognise the signs of a vulnerable adult in distress, and to follow our agreed referral procedure. We believe that priority must be given to the safety and wellbeing of any vulnerable adults, and that our volunteers must share this belief.

SCA value our volunteers highly, and are committed to providing training, guidance and support for them at all times. The following guidelines are intended to safeguard the welfare of both the vulnerable adult and the volunteer.

Who is a vulnerable adult?

A Vulnerable adult is defined in 'No Secrets' (the Government's Guidance on Adult Abuse) as: - 'a person aged 18 years or over, who is in receipt of or may be in need of community care services by reason of 'mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation'.

What is abuse?

Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human or civil rights by any other person or persons. It may consist of single or repeated acts. A person may experience one or more forms of abuse at the same time. Any or all types of abuse may be perpetrated as the result of deliberate intent, negligence or ignorance.

The eleven types of abuse recognised in Cambridgeshire are:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Financial or Material abuse
• Neglect and Acts of Omission
• Discriminatory abuse
• Domestic Violence
• Poor professional practice
• Institutional abuse
• Stranger abuse
• Harm

Reporting

Any concerns about the welfare of a vulnerable adult must be reported within 24 hours to one of SCA’s staff member, or to a SCA Trustee. You should use the emergency contact telephone number when the office is closed. Emergency telephone numbers are listed at the end of this document to enable you to make immediate contact with an appropriate person.

Do not just leave a message on the answer phone for us to find when we next get into the office, it is essential that we deal with the situation as soon as possible. Please make the effort to contact a staff member or trustee immediately.

When you speak to a staff member or trustee you will be asked to complete and sign an incident report form detailing what you have seen or been told or any concerns you may have. This information is essential if we are going to act promptly and appropriately to what you have told us.
Once the SCA office staff or an SCA trustee has been informed, no further action is to be taken by the volunteer unless explicitly requested by SCA, or other professional persons (police, social workers etc.). Responsibility for further action lies with SCA.