Our Policies

We aim to ensure that any vulnerable people, whether children, young people or vulnerable adults*, are protected and kept safe from harm while they are with staff or volunteers in this organisation. In order to achieve this we will ensure our staff and volunteers are carefully selected, screened, trained and supervised.

All applicants, for paid and unpaid positions, will complete an application form.

Short listed applicants will be asked to attend interview.

Short listed applicants will be asked to provide references and these will always be taken up prior to confirmation of appointment. We will follow up each reference with a telephone call or personal contact during which we will discuss the applicants suitability to work with vulnerable adults.

Where relevant to the post, the successful applicant will be asked to agree to an appropriate disclosure. Disclosures will be requested prior to the applicant taking up post.

The successful applicant will receive induction training, which will give an overview of the organisation and ensure they know its purpose, values, services and structure.

Relevant training and support will be provided on an ongoing basis, and will cover information about their role, and opportunities for practicing skills needed for the work.

Training on specific areas such as health & safety procedures, identifying and reporting abuse, and confidentiality will be given as a priority to new staff and volunteers, and will be regularly reviewed.

All staff and volunteers will have a designated supervisor who will provide regular feedback and support.

Every member of staff and volunteer will attend an annual review, where their performance, skills, motivation and expectations will be discussed. Annual reviews will be minuted and copies made available to the member of staff/volunteer. We will ensure that all staff and volunteers involved in recruitment, training and supervision, are aware of this policy and have received appropriate training and support to ensure its full implementation.

*A vulnerable adult is defined as ‘an adult aged (16 or over) who is unable to safeguard his or her personal welfare, property, or financial affairs, and is:

in need of care and attention arising out of age or infirmity, or suffering from illness or mental disorder, or substantially handicapped by any disability.’