Who is a Vulnerable Adult?

A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who is, or may be:

• In need of community care (such as day, respite, or residential) services and
• Unable to protect themselves from harm, or
• Someone caring for another person who may be vulnerable
• People may become vulnerable as a result of age, illness, learning or physical disability, sight or hearing impairments, a mental health condition, homelessness, domestic violence, or substance addiction

What to do if someone is being abused

• Speak to your tutor
• If the tutor is your abuser, speak to the nominated person for your centre

Suspected Abuse

You can also contact us if you suspect abuse or have any concerns. We treat all conversations sensitively. Keeping people safe is everybody's business. RTT Group staff will never dismiss you or make you feel uncomfortable in any way.

What do we mean by Abuse?

Abuse is an action by another person that goes against someone's human or civil rights. It can take many forms: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Sexual, or Financial. Examples include:

• Hitting, slapping, pushing, or rough handling
• Depriving someone of food, clothing or warmth
• Sexual activity without consent
• Misuse or theft of money, possessions or property
• Shouting, swearing or using degrading language
• Cyber bullying, by text, social networking sites, emails
• Neglecting someone's medical or physical needs

Abuse can happen anywhere: at home, in a residential or nursing home, hospital, day centre, or in a public place. Some kinds of abuse are also a criminal offence.

How we protect Vulnerable Adults

RTT Group follow strict rules, regulations, and policies. We implement many preventative measures, including ensuring that all RTT employees are CRB checked and that all references are thoroughly checked before any offer of employment is made. RTT Group ensure that 'E-Safety' measures are in place, and only acceptable use of our ICT equipment is carried out. This prevents any cyber bullying, for example, posting nasty messages on social websites, emails are monitored, and text messages are not causing any concerns or issues with our learners.

Bullying and harassment are not accepted in any manner. There is a code of professional conduct that all staff must adhere to. Included within are: not requesting/accepting friend requests on sites such as Facebook, not sharing personal phone numbers, not meeting vulnerable people outside of business hours, not having relationships with apprentices etc. We also have a whistle-blowing policy which allows anyone to raise an issue with a senior member of staff.

If we are advised of, or are aware of any abuse then we will take appropriate action to ensure the safety and well being of all vulnerable adults. We have several nominated Safeguarding persons in place:

• Patricia Atkins - Nominated Person
• Heidi Ashton - Nominated Person
• Laney Hardy - Nominated Person
• Emma Leadill - Nominated Person
• Emma Dooley - Nominated Person
• Lisa Hammond - Lead Nominated Person

You can talk to your tutor regarding any concerns you have or alternatively you can contact the nominated people directly. Whilst you are with us we would like you to:

• Have Fun
• Enjoy the Training
• BE SAFE!