Vulnerable Adults Policy

1. Introduction

Conductology (Ireland) Ltd is a private Company which provides education courses and

training to students of all abilities, backgrounds and cultures. Many of our students have

intellectual and/or physical disabilities. It is therefore imperative that the Company has an

effective policy that is designed to afford protection to this group.

2. Policy Statement

Conductology (Ireland) Ltd is strongly committed to practice that protects vulnerable

adults from harm and will operate procedures that seek to prevent and/or identify abuse

and will work with all necessary agencies towards providing a safe environment for all its

users.

3. Definition of abuse

For the purposes of the following procedures the term abuse is used to cover the

following:

• physical abuse

• sexual abuse

• psychological

• financial or material abuse

• neglect

• racially motivated abuse

• stranger abuse

4. Designated Person for Complaints and Protection Issues.

The Company’s Directors are designated to receive and action any complaints or concerns

to which this policy document relates. The Directors will also ensure that all staff,

volunteers, Committee members, parents and carers are aware of their responsibilities

under this policy and that they follow the procedures outlined.

5. Procedures

(a) Recruitment, Supervision and Training

• All staff and volunteers will be subject to POCVA checks.

• References will be taken up from former employers where relevant.

• Staff and volunteers will receive induction training which includes the detail of this

policy document.

• Supervision by experienced staff/volunteers will be provided for all new

staff/volunteers.

(b) Reporting and Recording Accidents

• All accidents involving students, staff, volunteers or visitors should be reported to

nominated person.

• Parents/carers should be informed as soon as possible about the accident along

with any necessary follow up treatment.

• An accident form should be completed.

(c) Reporting and Recording Disclosures

• Staff and volunteers must report any concerns about abuse of students to the

Company’s Directors immediately. The Director(s) will ensure that the student is

not in any immediate danger.

• Where the staff/volunteer has witnessed or been informed of an incident they

should assist the Director to complete a witness form.

• It should be made clear to the student that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed

and if the student does not wish the complaint to be taken forward, the

Director(s) should seek advice on the best course of action.

• Depending on the nature of the concern the Director(s) may seek advice e.g.

from HSE or the Police/Gardaí.

• The Director(s) must advise the student on any decision to make a disclosure to

any agency.

• The Director(s) will make contact with the parents or guardian unless this may

place the student in harm. All discussions should be documented and noted.

• Written records of all actions, discussions and decision-making rationale must be

recorded and kept securely.

• The Director(s) will be the point of contact for other agencies throughout any

investigation.

6. Good Practice Guidance for Staff

Staff and volunteers must ensure that they take steps to prevent putting themselves in a

position where an allegation of abuse can be made against them. Steps to consider

include:

• Each student should be respected, valued and listened to as an individual.

• Avoid unnecessary physical contact except in situations such as providing

comfort and reassurance to someone in distress, or physical support.

• In all cases physical contact should take place with the consent of the student and

should be appropriate to their age and understanding.

• Staff and volunteers must never become involved in relationships of an intimate

nature with any student.

• Do not take a student to the toilet unless another adult is present or another adult

is aware.

• If you are in a situation where you are alone with a student make sure that others

can clearly observe you.

• Do not make suggestive or inappropriate remarks to, or about, a student, even in

fun, as it could be misinterpreted.

• Ensure bullying, aggressive behaviour, racism, or sexism does not occur.

Dealing with Complaints/Accusations

• If a complaint or accusation from a student is made to you, it is important to

listen without making or implying any judgement as to the truth of the accusation

or complaint.

• Do not prompt or ask leading questions.

• Explain that you must refer it to the Director(s).

• Do not promise confidentiality, as information on abuse must be reported.

• Make a note of the date, time, place, and people who were present and write

down exactly what you have been told using the exact words if possible.

• You must not investigate this yourself but should report it to the Director(s)

immediately.

Indication that a student may be suffering abuse could include the following:

• Unexplained or suspicious injuries such as bruising, cuts or burns.

• Inconsistent explanations for injuries.

• The student describes what appears to be an abuse act involving themselves.

• Unexplained changes of behaviour – e.g. becoming withdrawn, sudden temper

outbursts.

• Inappropriate sexual awareness.

• The student is distrustful of adults, where trust would normally be associated.

(This list is not exhaustive.)