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Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee Annual Report 2008/2009

Aberdeenshire Adult Protection

Committee

Annual Report 2008/2009


Contents 1. Foreword 2. Aberdeenshire Profile 3. Adult Protection Committee

• Purpose • Membership • Action Plan Objectives and progress

4. Grampian Police 5. NHS Grampian 6. Aberdeenshire Council 7. Adult Protection Activity 8. Training 9. Priorities for 2010/2011


Foreword As Independent Convener of Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee I welcome this first Annual Report. In late July 2009 I took on the role of Independent Convener and was greatly encouraged by the excellent work that had already been undertaken by the Lead Officer and other officials. The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 requires that each council establishes an Adult Protection Committee with representation from the council, as lead agency, the Health Service, the Police and the Care Commission with other representatives as deemed necessary. The Aberdeenshire Adult Support and Protection Committee is an effective group of senior managers from a range of agencies involved in the support and protection of adults at risk of harm. A key element of the Act is interagency co-operation and I am delighted to observe the close multi-agency work that is being undertaken; this is achieved in an ethos which reflects commitment to professional respect and integrity. There was a decision in Grampian that all three council areas would work together and this is mostly achieved through the Grampian Adult Protection Group, which is also an inter-professional committee. Working in this manner has been beneficial as it has facilitated pooling of resources, joint training and consistent standards. In this report you will read of interesting developments in the area, including the establishment of Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Network, the comprehensive training agenda and work that has been done to raise awareness. There is, however, no room for complacency and developments carry on apace. In order to ensure that our procedures and processes are effective we are establishing databases and are starting wide ranging audit and evaluation. A continuous cycle of improvement will be built on monitoring of practice and analysis of evidence. It is important to remember that the protection of at risk adults is everyone’s responsibility and that we must strive on behalf of those who may be vulnerable to ensure an excellent level of professional service.


2. Aberdeenshire Profile

Aberdeenshire is the fourth largest local authority area in Scotland covering 2,500sq miles and by population it is Scotland's sixth largest, serving over 239,000 people. The area was recently rated as having the best quality of rural life in Scotland in a survey which rated levels of crime, life expectancy, earning power and school results.

Over the last 35 years the population of Aberdeenshire has increased by more than 50% to 239,000, boosted most recently by an estimated 3,000 migrants from Eastern Europe. Aberdeenshire's population represents 4.6% of Scotland's total. Major towns are Peterhead (17,560), Fraserburgh (12,450), Inverurie (11,060), Stonehaven (10,610), Westhill (10,390) and Ellon (9,710). Now the total population of Aberdeenshire is predicted to remain relatively stable over the next 22 years however the number of households is forecast to increase by more than 20,000. There will be a significant increase in the number of people living alone. Aberdeenshire faces significant pressures around demographic projections for the future. In five years time (by 2014), the 65yr+ population is projected to increase to 40% of the total population, the highest in Scotland. In twenty five years time the projected rise in people aged over 75 yrs old is 234%, well above the Scottish equivalent of 81%. It is also projected that there will continue to be increasing requirements for services for those with disabilities; the number of people with a learning disability is expected to rise by 1% each year.


3. Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee

Background

The Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee (APC) was established in October 2008 following the implementation of The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 (ASP Act). The Committee has responsibility for monitoring and advising on adult protection procedures, ensuring appropriate cooperation between agencies and improving the skills and knowledge of those with a responsibility for the protection of adults at risk.

The Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee aims to:

• Ensure staff, partners’ and the public’s knowledge of adult protection legislation is evaluated and effective training is developed.

• Raise awareness by providing information and advice to professionals and the wider community.

• Develop, review and audit procedures for inter-agency working to protect adults at risk.

• Develop, review and audit policies and strategies for protecting adults at risk.

• Develop and introduce arrangements to audit and disseminate local activity with regard to protecting adults at risk.

• Consult with people who use the service and the public about inter-agency services for the protection of adults at risk.

• Develop links and promote joint working with relevant organisations and groups.

Membership of the Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee

Organisation Name Title Contact Details

Independent Mo Ramsay Independent Chair, Aberdeenshire APC

[email protected]

Aberdeenshire Council

Patricia Maclachlan

Head of Service (Older People, Physical Disability, Sensory Impairment)

[email protected]

Robert Driscoll

Head of Service (Learning Disability, Mental Health, Substance Misuse)

[email protected]

Iain Ramsay Social Work Manager, Community Care

[email protected]

Ann-marie Bruce

Strategic Development Officer, AP

ann-marie.bruce@ aberdeenshire.gov.uk

mailto:[email protected]






Douglas Edwardson

Head of Service, Housing Operations

[email protected]

Anne Simpson

Community Learning & Development Manager

[email protected]

Care Commission

Yvonne Litttlejohn

Team Manager [email protected]

Grampian Police

Craig Blackhall

Chief Inspector [email protected]

Irene Coyle Detective Inspector [email protected]

NHS Grampian Susan Carr Service Manager, Learning Disability Service

[email protected]

Tertiary Education

Liz Gault [email protected]

Third Sector

Louise Farmer

Age Concern [email protected]

Jackie Taylor

Inspire

The Work of The Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee

An action plan was agreed following the establishment of the APC. The following section outlines the objectives from the action plan and the progress that has occurred in 2008/2009.

Appoint an independent chair for The Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee

The ASP Act placed a duty on the Local Authority to appoint a convener to the APC. The convener could not be a member or officer of the council. Scottish Government guidance for APC stated ‘The individual must be seen to be independent in thought and action as well as someone who has the necessary skills and knowledge. It is good practice to appoint a convener who is independent of all representative bodies. The partnership organisations should endeavour to recruit for the convener position together.’ It was agreed by the APC that an independent convener should be sought and that discussion should occur with the Aberdeen APC and the Moray APC to jointly appoint an independent convener who would chair all three APCs and attend the Grampian Adult Protection Group. In August 2009 Mo Ramsay was appointed as independent convener to oversee the work of the three adult protection committees in Grampian. Mo










has a background in education and has done a significant amount of work with the third sector. Through appointing a joint convener with Aberdeen APC and Moray APC greater consistency of services and joint working will occur throughout Grampian which will help improve services to adults at risk of harm. Evaluate knowledge of staff and support the development of effective training regarding Adult Support and Protection Jacqui Mackintosh, the NHS Grampian Joint Training Co-ordinator has played a significant role in the development of training, including:

• 4 Training modules developed • E-module training package • Co-ordinated training plan with partner agencies across Grampian

A Grampian Adult Protection Training Group has been established. This group consists of trainers from various agencies that are involved in developing and delivering adult protection training. The formation of this group has enabled effective use and development of training resources throughout Grampian. A Grampian Adult Protection training plan has been established. Regular training has occurred throughout the year. Further information on training can be found in Section 5. Raise awareness through the provision of information and advice to professionals and the wider community

Elaine Walker, Corporate Communication Officer, Aberdeenshire Council has worked closely with the APC to increase awareness of adult protection through news articles both in involved agencies’ newsletters/websites and local media.

A Grampian Adult Protection Communication Strategy has been drafted. This has been approved at Aberdeen APC and Moray APC and is awaiting approval at chief officer level prior to its implementation.

A networking event will be held on the 10 November 2009. The event is aimed at front line staff who work with adults at risk of harm. It is planned that 120 staff will attend the event which will provide both learning and the development of peer support.

A Guidance Pack for the Police has been developed by NHS Grampian to support people with communication difficulties -including how to identify someone with additional needs and how to access support. This will enable clients with communication difficulties to access support to meet their needs. This will include direct support from a Speech & Language Therapist on occasions.


Aberdeenshire Council website has been developed to contain appropriate information on adult support and protection. The web pages have been given a short URL to allow effective signposting to occur.

An audit of the awareness raising information available throughout Aberdeenshire will occur in 2010. Develop, review and audit local protocols for inter-agency working with regard to protecting adults at risk. The Grampian inter-agency policy and procedure for the support and protection of adults at risk of harm has been amended to take account of the ASP Act. A Full Impact Assessment was carried out by Nigel Firth, NHS Grampian’s Equality & Diversity Manager to ensure that Grampian’s Interagency ASP Policy was fully compliant with all current equality and diversity legislation. The official launch of the revised policy was held on Thursday, May 28 2009 at the Town House, Aberdeen City Council.

A case review was requested and undertaken by the APC in May/June 2009. The purpose of this review was to inform the Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee of professional practice relating to an adult protection investigation. Although the incident did not meet the threshold for a significant case review, it was noted to be a complex case where a multi agency approach was required. Recommendations from the review were agreed by the APC and will be implemented in 2010.

Draft procedures for undertaking Significant Case Reviews have been developed by the Grampian Adult Protection Group. The APC is supportive of these procedures. The procedures are in the process of being submitted to the chief officers for approval.

A review of NHS Grampian's Policies and Procedures has been carried out to identify which Staff Management Policies require to be reviewed and updated in response to the ASP Act.

An audit of procedures developed by third sector agencies in Grampian relating to adult support and protection is planned to commence 2010.

Develop and introduce arrangements to audit and disseminate local activity with regard to protecting of adults at risk. Discussion has occurred at the APC regarding the information that should be maintained and reported on. This information will be included in annual reports produced by the APC.


Consult with service users/public with regard to inter-agency services for the protection of adults at risk.

The APC recognises the importance of service user and carer involvement. Links have been formed with Community Planning Partnership who will support this remit.

A priority for 2010 is to form an appropriate method to allow effective service user/carer involvement.

Ensure the APC is publicly accountable by presenting regular reports to the relevant groups and committees and by publishing an annual report.

The APC has agreed to produce an annual report which will be disseminated widely. This report will also be made available on Aberdeenshire Council Website.


4. Grampian Police During February 2009, the Grampian Police Public Protection Unit (PPU) was established and is managed by Detective Superintendent Brian Yule. Detective Inspector Irene Coyle has the lead role for Adult Protection within the Force PPU. The remit of the PPU is to improve services in relation to children, adults at risk and domestic abuse and reduce the number of children and adults who require protection from harm, whilst ensuring that consistency of service across the Force is delivered. Locally in Aberdeenshire, the Force Public Projection Priority is led by Chief Inspector Craig Blackhall who has overall responsibility for the Divisional Public Protection Unit. The day to day management of the Divisional PPU is overseen by Inspector Donna MacLean. Given the growing focus on community based treatment and support for Adults at Risk, the importance of Police Staff being aware of their changing responsibilities when dealing with an adult who is known or believed to be at risk of harm was identified. Guidance has been produced which provides police staff with information regarding their responsibilities within the ASP Act and how to respond to an incident involving an Adult at Risk. Given the commitment of Grampian Police to protecting adults who are at risk of harm, by working in partnership and to ensure that their staff are highly skilled, there are some recent and ongoing developments in relation to adult support and protection. In order to enhance knowledge of adult support and protection issues, all front line staff and supervisors are required to complete a mandatory online adult support and protection e-module training package. This training package provides an overview of legislation and associated powers along with the role and responsibilities of Police and partner agencies. In addition to the online training for front line staff, the Aberdeenshire Division PPU is developing a training day which will look at all aspects of Public Protection, including adult protection. This training will be given to all Supervisory Officers. The Vulnerable Persons Database (VPD) is nearing completion and will soon be accessible to all staff in Grampian Police. The VPD stores nominal data for child protection, adult protection and domestic abuse incidents reported to Grampian Police. The VPD is a pan Grampian application which will allow all relevant information to be accessible to police staff, thereby improving access to, and sharing of, information.


5. NHS Grampian NHS Grampian (NHSG) is committed to protecting and supporting adults at risk of harm. NHSG has actively been involved in working with councils making inquiries under section 4 of the Act. This activity is slowly increasing in response to awareness raising activities within NHSG and increased numbers of staff attending training. Since the introduction of the ASP Act Susan Carr was identified as the NHS lead for adult protection in Grampian. Her role is to assist in meeting the needs of the ASP Act by:

• Ensuring collaborative and partnership working between NHS and Grampian's key multi-agency partners

• Representing NHS on the multi agency Grampian Adult Protection Group

• Representing NHS on Local Adult Protection Committees in Grampian • Identifying key areas to be addressed within NHSG in response to

adult support and protection • Providing a single point of contact for any concerns relating to NHSG’s

response/action to any adult protection matter • Supporting/leading on Adult Support and Protection Critical Incident

Reviews when required • Advising/mentoring NHS staff involved with complex Adult Support and

Protection cases • Supporting audit and research as directed by APC’s • Developing, evaluating implementation and updating NHSG ASP

action plan The launch of the Grampian interagency policy on 28th May 2009 was led by Richard Carey, NHS Grampian’s Chief Executive to demonstrate NHS Grampian’s commitment to protecting and supporting adults at risk of harm. A global email to all NHS Grampian staff has advised staff on the requirements of the ASP Act, the responsibilities of NHS staff and how to access a copy of the Interagency policy. The NHS Grampian intranet also now directs staff to the policy. Approximately 900 NHS staff have been trained but there are approximately 17,000 NHS Grampian employees and it has now been agreed that training in Adult Support and Protection will be mandatory within NHS Grampian. Implementing this will be a major challenge. The NHS Grampian Executive Team has participated in training on the ASP Act and discussed its implications for NHS Grampian. The NHS Grampian


Adult Support and Protection Action plan was approved and the following recommendations supported:

• Mandatory training – proposal to Grampian Area Partnership Forum Learning & Development subgroup – now formally approved.

• E learning tool to be rolled out • Adult Support and Protection Awareness to be incorporated into NHSG

induction • Development of cascade trainers • All NHSG staff to adhere to the inter-agency policy and procedures • Ensure adequate NHS representation on Adult Protection Committees • Ensure NHSG learn lessons from local and national significant case

reviews • Continued implementation of the NHS ASP Act Action Plan

There has been the introduction of an additional mandatory question - added into the main DATIX Occurrence Recording Form used by all frontline NHS staff, to ask if the incident being reported is an adult protection issue – a YES response will necessitate the staff member completing a text box detailing who, within the relevant Local Authority, the adult protection concern has been reported to. A guidance sheet has been developed to assist NHS Grampian’s Feedback Service to identify potential adult support and protection complaints against NHSG to ensure potential allegations of harm / neglect etc. are identified and the relevant Manager notified to enable appropriate action to be taken.


6. Aberdeenshire Council Adult Protection Network Strategic Development Officer

Ann-marie Bruce

[email protected]

Senior Practitioner

Claire Ogilvie [email protected]

Senior Practitioner

Roddy Gourlay [email protected]

Senior Practitioner

Vacancy

Information Officer

Mhairi Roper [email protected]

Administration Officer

Claire Robertson

[email protected]

Clerical Assistant Samantha Blair [email protected]

The Adult Protection Network is based in Oldmeldrum Business Centre and has been operational since July 2009. The Adult Protection Network has been developed to support both the operational and strategic work associated with the implementation of the ASP Act.

As well as dealing operationally with referrals that are received, approximately 50 per month, the network has been involved in the development and delivery of training. A considerable effort has been made to raise awareness by attending various strategic and team meetings of groups of staff who work with adults at risk of harm. Representatives from the network have also attended the Carers’ Recognition events in Aberdeenshire in October. Since the network was established in July, it has provided administrative support for 1 case conference and 14 adult protection meetings. The network also has responsibility for chairing the adult protection meetings.








7. Adult Protection Activity Prior to the establishment of the adult protection network, the recording of adult protection activities was not consistent. An audit was undertaken in September 2009 to enable approximate statistics to be collated regarding the adult protection activity that occurred by Aberdeenshire social work from October 2008 to June 2009. This audit was based upon individual staff and teams to provide information on existing cases. The result of this is that the figures may not reflect all the work undertaken in the first few months of the implementation of the new legislation.

How many adult protection referrals (October 2008 – June 2009)

102

How many of the referrals resulted in: a) an enquiry 102 b) an investigation 56 c) a case conference/adult protection meeting 20 How many investigation resulted in: a) professional concerns meeting 56 b) case conferences 20 c) case conference reviews 14 d) adult support and protection plans (risk assessment) 23 • Action Plans 3

The majority of referrals / issues raised on open cases were received from four main sources; family members, Aberdeenshire Council staff (for example Home Care and / or Housing); Grampian Police and Third Sector providers (i.e. private home care agencies, private sector residential homes).

How many adult protection referrals (June 2009 – October 2009)

260

How many of the referrals resulted in: a) an enquiry 260 b) an investigation 120 c) a case conference/adult protection meeting 16 How many investigation resulted in: a) adult protection meeting 14 b) case conferences 1 c) case conference reviews 1 d) adult support and protection plans (risk assessment) 1


Referral Statistics from 01/07/2009 – 31/10/2009 Source of Referral

193

4

52

8 3

PoliceNHSAberdeenshire Social WorkThird SectorOther

Outcome of Referral

114

53

93 Not at risk - No further action

Not at risk - Further actionreceived/requestedAt risk - Further action


Adults at risk by gender

41

52

MaleFemale

Adults at risk by age group

311

22

156

22

95

16-2021-3435-4950-6465-7576-8485+Unknown


Adults at risk by type of abuse

38

24

6

8

2

8

7

Behaviour - putting self at riskFinancial or materialNeglect or acts of omissionPhysicalPsychologicalSelf harmSexual

Adults at risk by geographical location

22

13

1013

16

13

6

Banff and BuchanBuchanFormartineGariochKincardine and MearnsMarrOther

As this is the first report of map activity in Aberdeenshire, reflection regarding patterns and trends are not possible and have not been included. It should also be noted the Adult Protection Committee believe the figures above give an indication of the level of awareness in organisations rather than accurate numbers of adults at risk of harm in Aberdeenshire.


8. Training The following training has been approved by the APC and is included in the Grampian Adult Protection Training Plan. Training is delivered on a Grampian basis to increase the capacity of the trainers and the frequency that training is available.

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES TARGET GROUP DELIVERED BY

E -learning • Have an awareness of what is meant by adults at risk and our responsibility to protect.

• Identify the alert signs and indicators of potential harm and to know to where to report concerns.

• Staff who have indirect contact with adults at risk but no direct care role eg library staff, cooks, cleaners, porters, environmental services, housing.

• Support staff from Local Authority, Police and NHS.

Via internet at - http://kwango.com/login organisation code is grampiangrp

Distance Learning

• To ensure a practical understanding of adult protection legislation.

• To understand the statutory obligations placed on the police.

• To understand the practical application of the ASP Act.

• All Police Officers. Police in house

Tell Someone

• Staff with hands on caring role with adults who may be at risk and have no management responsibilities

Third sector in house by individual service providers. Training pack developed by Workforce Initiative

Awareness of Risks and Responsibilities

• Have an awareness of what is meant by adults at risk and our responsibility to protect.

• Identify the alert signs and indicators of potential harm and to know to where to report concerns.

• Staff with hands on caring role with adults who may be at risk and have no management responsibilities

Provided by those who attended T4T organised by Scottish Govt. e.g. Age Concern

Module 1 • Identify the alert signs and indicators of potential harm and where to report them.

• Have an awareness of

• Staff with hands on caring role with adults who may be at risk and have no management

Each organisation will be responsible

http://kwango.com/login

http://kwango.com/login


practice, organisation and attitudinal issues which may perpetuate harm.

• Have an awareness of the Grampian inter agency policies and procedures for people working in health and social care settings

responsibilities. • Home Carers, Support

Workers, Auxiliaries, Care Assistants, Community Wardens, etc

for providing its employees with the training unless the organisation has less than 10 care staff. Organisations with less than 10 staff can apply to attend training provided by the Joint Training Project

Module 2 • Identify the alert signs and indicators of potential harm

• Have an awareness of practice, organisation and attitudinal issues which may perpetuate harm.

• Have a detailed knowledge of the Grampian inter agency policies and procedures for people working in health and social care settings

• Have an overview of adult protection legislation, the role of police, the role of an Appropriate Adult and the inquiry process

• Have an awareness of the role of other agencies

• Staff with a direct care role, a requirement to be professionally qualified and/or a management responsibility.

• Social Workers, Care Managers, OT, Physios, S&LT, Snr Support Workers, RGN, Home Care Supervisors, etc

Members of the Grampian Adult Support and Protection Training Group

Module 3 • Participants follow the investigatory process, based on the Grampian inter agency policy from taking a call about an adult protection concern, through the inquiry/investigation, to holding a case conference, undertaking a risk assessment and producing an adult protection plan.

• All professionally qualified and registered Social Work and NHS staff identified as likely to be involved in Adult Protection Inquiries.

• Care Managers, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists

Members of the Grampian Adult Support and Protection Training group

4 • Detailed knowledge of the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 and associated code

• Staff employed by the Local Authority identified as meeting legal requirements of

Members of the Grampian ASP Training group


of practice - the requirements of implementation; and an understanding of its practice implications.

Council Officers • Council Officers are

those staff employed by the Local Authority with a professional qualification and registration as a SW, Nurse or OT who will be authorised to carry out Adult Protection Investigations.

Prescribed training by Scottish Government

5 • Joint Interviewing/Investigatory Training, similar to child protection JIIT including

• Council Officers and Police likely to be involved in Joint Investigations

Members of the Grampian Adult Support and Protection Training group and Grampian Police. Material based on Tayside pilot.

Attendance at training Aberdeenshire Council

April 06 – Oct 09 module 1 899


April 06 – Oct 09 module 2 454


Sept 07 – Oct 09 module 3 103


Oct 08 – Oct 09 module 4 85

Grampian NHS

July 07 – Oct 09 module 1 887

Grampian Police

Police ASP training module

108

Third Sector

April 06 – May 07

module 1 304

Third Sector April 06 – May 07

Module 2 144


9. Priorities 2010 - 11 Awareness raising The APC will continue to raise awareness of adult support and protection. It is noted, from the areas that referrals are received from, that continued effort needs to be focused on health services, third sector and the general public. The profile of adult support and protection will be achieved through the communication strategy, regular news articles, awareness raising events and training. Training Grampian has a significant training plan but evidence needs to be gained regarding the effectiveness of the training. The APC is also aware that there is a significant amount of third sector organisations delivering in house training. Such training schemes are valued, but they require to be audited by the APC, and the number of staff who have received training needs to be collated in an effective manner. Service user/carer involvement The APC will explore how best they can ensure that service users and carers’ interests are represented on the APC, and ensure that their views and experiences influence the development of adult protection services. Partnership working The APC will continue to promote and advocate partnership working both strategically and operationally in all areas of adult support and protection. Performance management The APC will look at effective ways to audit the work that is in place and being developed to support and protect adults at risk of harm. It will work with its partners in Grampian to develop an auditing tool that will be used on a Grampian basis.

Download - Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee Annual … · Aberdeenshire Adult Protection Committee Annual ... [email protected]. ... inform the Aberdeenshire Adult Protection

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