The Ann Craft Trust Sport and Activity Team is running a workshop at this year’s Safeguarding Adults Conference in Nottingham.
This workshop will explore why partnership work is so important in the prevention of abuse and harm. It will also discuss what can happen if a person does not meet the statutory threshold for intervention, or if no further intervention takes place.
We will invite panel members to discuss how we can best support adults who may be at risk of harm or abuse. Our discussion will cover best practice, the importance of partnerships, and the role of sport organisations to support the adult.
Background – The Scale of Abuse – England
According to the Safeguarding Adults Collection (SAC) report, in 2023-2024 in England:
- There were an estimated 615,530 abuse concerns raised, an increase of 5% on the previous year.
- 176,560 enquiries commenced under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014, an increase of 2% over the previous year.
- In the same period, there were 15,530 other safeguarding enquiries. These are situations where there may not be reasonable cause to suspect the statutory Section 42 criteria are met. Yet at the same time, local authorities may use other powers to make enquiries.
What happens to the 396,780 enquiries that did not meet the Section 42 threshold, or have any further intervention?
The Scale of Abuse – Wales
In Wales, in 2022-2023:
- Statutory support services received 122,141 requests for information, advice and assistance (IAA) for adults who were not receiving care and support, or support (as a carer) at the time of the contact.
- There were 74,417 new assessments for adults who did not already have a care and support plan. Where recorded, 50% of assessments concluded the adult had eligible needs that a care and support plan could meet.
- Adults completed 8,666 packages of reablement. Around 83% of completed packages reduced, maintained, or mitigated the need for support following the period of reablement.
- There were 21,951 reports of adults suspected of being at risk. Where the category of alleged abuse was provided, 34% of reports alleged abuse under the category of “neglect”.
- 57% of these reports resulted in enquiries. 34% of these enquiries recommended taking additional action.
Session Plan
The workshop will run 11.15 am – 12.30 pm.
It will include a panel session to discuss:
- The importance of prevention, and the role of partnerships in providing support.
- What happens if a person’s needs don’t meet the Section 42 threshold? Does your organisation have a process for managing such scenarios?
- How to grow your support network.
- Where do you signpost and refer those who need additional support?
- What is your duty of care in safeguarding enquiries? What is your ongoing role following referral?
There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Meet The Panel
Katy Downing
Katy is the programme lead for the Get Up & Go programme at Northamptonshire Sport. A large part of her work is ensuring safe and appropriate exercise for our aging population.
Prior to her current role, Katy worked in the Nsport event team. Before this, she spent nine years in equestrian sports, organising international events, training, and education programmes for young people, coaches and volunteers. She also spent many years based at Riding for the Disabled association.
When not working Katy can often be found with a craft project on the go. She’s also a Level 2 Triathlon coach and enjoys coaching with Northants Tri club, where she’s also the secretary.
Scott MacKechnie
Scott is the chair of the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB). He is also joint chair of the East Midlands regional SAB chair network, and a member of the national SAB executive group.
Scott transitioned to these roles following an extensive career in the police. He was previously a detective chief superintendent with Hampshire Constabulary. In addition to heading a large command portfolio, Scott has been involved in leading the investigative response to multiple high profile and sensitive investigations.
Scott has considerable cross-agency senior leadership experience in a wide range of complex issues affecting both children and adults. He spent several years working within the child and adult safeguarding arena as the former head of the child abuse investigation teams, and head of public protection.
Vickie Merrick
Vickie is the Sport Welfare Officer at Northamptonshire Sport, and part of the newly formed national Sport Welfare Officer Network. Her role is to support NGBs and sports clubs across the county with all things safeguarding and welfare for children, young people and adults.
The SWO Network is focused on moving from compliance to culture. Vickie’s professional background is in education, where she has taught and led in schools both in the UK and Internationally. Her roles have included responsibility for safeguarding within PE, school sport and physical activity, as well as residential trips.
Outside of work, Vickie volunteers as a women and girl’s rugby coach, and as an Army Cadet Force instructor.
See You At The Safeguarding Conference!
The conference will contribute to continued professional development for professionals and volunteers working with adults across a range of sectors.
Date – Wednesday 20 November 2024
Time – 9.00 am – 4.30pm
Cost – £195 per delegate
Location – Trent Conference Centre, Trent Vineyard, Unit 1, Easter Park, Lenton Lane, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2PX.
If you plan on attending, we’ll see you there!
Get full details about the 2024 Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Conference here.