Adult Support & Protection (Safeguarding)

Our commitment

Every person we support has the right to live free from harm, neglect and exploitation. Protecting the adults we care for is everyone's job at LuxAmor Care — it is never someone else's problem, and no concern is too small to raise.

This policy follows the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, which places a duty on councils to inquire when an adult may be at risk of harm, and a duty on all of us to report concerns so those inquiries can happen.

Who is an adult at risk?

The 2007 Act uses a three-point test. An adult (16+) is at risk if all three apply:

• They are unable to safeguard their own well-being, property, rights or other interests;
• They are at risk of harm; and
• Because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, they are more vulnerable to being harmed than others.

What harm can look like

• Physical — unexplained bruising, marks, rough handling, misuse of medication or restraint.
• Psychological — humiliation, intimidation, threats, being ignored or isolated.
• Financial — money or possessions going missing, pressure around wills or benefits, misuse of a power of attorney.
• Sexual — any sexual activity the adult has not consented to or cannot consent to.
• Neglect — being left without food, warmth, medication, hygiene support or necessary care.
• Self-neglect or self-harm — an adult unable to care for themselves in a way that puts them at serious risk.

What you must do

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 first.
• Report every concern to your manager (or the on-call manager) the same day — always before you finish your shift. Do not wait for "more evidence" and do not investigate yourself.
• Record what you saw or were told, factually and in the person's own words where possible. Facts, not opinions.
• If the concern involves a manager, or you feel a concern was not acted on, go directly to the Care Inspectorate (0345 600 9527) or the local council's adult protection team. You will never face any comeback for raising a concern in good faith — see the Whistleblowing policy.

What you must never do

• Never promise to keep a disclosure secret — explain kindly that you have to pass it on to keep them safe.
• Never ask leading questions or push for detail; listen, reassure, record.
• Never confront an alleged abuser or disturb possible evidence.
• Never discuss a concern with anyone who does not need to know.