This guidance document published by the Department of Health sets out a code of practice for the protection of vulnerable adults in care.
The guidance is a framework for action within which all responsible agencies work together to ensure a coherent policy for the protection of vulnerable adults at risk of abuse and a consistent and effective response to any circumstances giving ground for concern or formal complaints or expressions of anxiety. The agencies’ primary aim should be to prevent abuse where possible but, if the preventive strategy fails, agencies should ensure that robust procedures are in place for dealing with incidents of abuse.
The guidance explains how commissioners and providers of health and social care services should work together to produce and implement local policies and procedures. It recommends collaboration with the public, voluntary and private sectors and active consultation with service users, their carers and representative groups. It also asserts that Local authority social services departments should co-ordinate the development of policies and procedures.