Interim Integrated Impact Assessments – ASP Policy

The policy and accompanying procedure provide clear expectations in line with legislation for those delivering services and those in receipt of adult support and protection.

There has not been any specific public involvement in the development of this policy.

1 December 2023 and 23 April 2024

Name Job Title Date of IIA training
Nichola Dadds (facilitator) Operations Manager & Equality, Diversity and Rights Advisor 23/06/2021
Rose Howley Chief Social Work Officer and Service Director, Performance, Quality, and Improvement  
Matt Kennedy Principal Social Work Officer  
Keith Dyer Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager  
Angela Voulgari (facilitator, 23/4/24) Equally Safe Edinburgh Committee Lead Officer 18/05/2022
Robert Dylan

(attended 23/4/24)

Locality manager, Edinburgh, Change, Grow, Live (CGL)  
Girijamba Polubothu (Attended 23/4/24) CEO, Shakti Women’s Aid  
Carmen McShane

(attended 23/4/24)

Turning Point Scotland Manager for NE Recovery Hub  
Evidence Available – detail source Comments: what does the evidence tell you with regard to different groups who may be affected and to the environmental impacts of your proposal
Data on populations in need Those with protected characteristics are impacted by the Policy and Procedure (P&P) as it would ensure we deliver services in line with government legislation.

The policy will ensure that those with disabilities are not disproportionately impacted by application of legislation.

Changes in national codes of practice has meant we are more inclusive, and this is reflected in the P&P

Trauma informed approach embedded within the P&P

Enables and ensures workers have the means to provide people with the right information about the need to progress adult support and protection when required.

Impact on colleagues who are delivering services – Policy includes paragraph about duty to report harm

Clarity on roles and responsibilities for colleagues delivering services and working with vulnerable citizens.

Data on service uptake/access Noted significant increase in ASP since the last policy, both nationally and locally.

Changes in awareness of impact of abuse, harm, and exploitation on adults

Enables focus on work, through clarity

Implication for other areas as ASP will be a priority.

Having P&Ps that are clear ensures you are delivering services through priority for those in need.

Demonstrates commitment to legislative duties.

Policy ensures organisational compliance.

Data collated nationally, reported every two years, policy will be reviewed in line with this.

Revised procedure which raises profile could increase demand through a proactive approach.

Data on socio-economic disadvantage e.g. low income, low wealth, material deprivation, area deprivation. In line with legislation and requirements around delivering services

High probability of those impacted by the policy being disadvantaged, implementation will allow services to support vulnerable citizens.

A more focussed approach on understanding broader context for those not affected by socio-economic disadvantages.

Data on equality outcomes Policy provides an ability to treat everybody fairly and in line with legislation.

Policy outlines need to treat everyone equally and embeds the right to life in an environment which is safe from harm. Service and support provided so there is potential to enable this to be achieved.

Research/literature evidence As above

Well documented in terms of ability to protect and safe guard adults and outline the benefits to the citizens of Edinburgh.

Public/patient/client experience information Policy outlines that people are at the centre of what we do.

Includes reference to independent advocacy support.

Positive engagement with individuals.

Evidence of inclusive engagement of people who use the service and involvement findings Clear embedded P&P will enable further discussion around how we engage with service users to evaluate what we do.

Public webpage – the policy will require a need for greater public/client feedback of their experiences.

Consideration of how we capture feedback on impact of P&P on service users.

Evidence of unmet need Care Inspection / Auditing has shown that delivery of ASP is not currently meeting needs, the P&P will impact positively on the improvement needed.

Solid understanding in services that ASP takes priority, the impact of P&P provides clarity for what is required.

Respond to demand and how we do things – P&P provides uniformity in approach.

Ensures that ASP is a statutory requirement which will be prioritised over other service delivery.

Evidence future proofing for statutory services resource allocation to meet demand

Good practice guidelines P&P allows for good practice guidelines as clearly set out for practitioners.

Improved protection plans for people.

Ability to monitor attendance at conference in line with the values and principles of ASP.

Carbon emissions generated/reduced data N/A
Environmental data N/A
Risk from cumulative impacts N/A
Other (please specify) P&P will inform developing guidance and training for practitioners and new colleagues and provide practice improvement
Additional evidence required N/A
Equality, Health and Wellbeing and Human Rights

 

Affected populations
Positive – protection for people’s human rights by ensuring clarity around implementing legislation.

Proportionality and ensuring engagement where appropriate and consent and agreement.

P&P – clear expectations on workers around legislation, service delivery and expectations.

Positive impact on people from ethnic minority backgrounds and different religions/beliefs, as often the family is seen as responsible for the care of elderly/ ill relatives. This policy outlines responsibilities against elder abuse of any kind, with physical, emotional and financial abuse being the most prominent in these groups under family care arrangements.

This policy has the potential to balance professionals’ understanding of vulnerability in adults with appropriate responses from Social Care Direct when referrals are made.

People who were in care as children/young people are more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in their adult years and this policy highlights this.

Veterans can benefit from this policy given prevalence of mental health/alcohol/substance misuse issues, however they continue to be a group that often does not access services.

The policy sets out the duty of care of the local authority towards adults at risk. When this policy is applied, factors such as ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ (NRPF) should not be part of the consideration of service provision.

 

People with protected characteristics

People impacted by socio-economic disadvantage

Negative

P&P could be challenged given the nature of the legislation, operating in an area where those in receipt of services might not engage or accepting.

Further clarity is needed as to what constitutes ‘vulnerability’ in different contexts. Need for the policy and procedure to be very clear around the thresholds for referrals into statutory services as there is often confusion and a lack of understanding.

Although the language used in the policy is extracted from the Adult Support and Protection Act, some of the language around ‘mental disorder and infirmity’ is considered unacceptable in 2024. This might cause offense and disengagement by professionals and vulnerable adults who would benefit from the policy.

The Adult Support and Protection Act defines an adult as anyone over 16, but the UNCRC defines a child as anyone under 18. This can create a discrepancy in understanding for young people aged 16 and 17, particularly on the issue of Forced Marriage, possibly leaving services confused as to the type of that would be most appropriate for them.

Having NRPF can leave professionals confused as to what support they are able to provide to people to whom this policy applies. It may also lead to people avoiding disclosing issues that would merit the application of this policy.

People leaving institutions (particularly prison) might become vulnerable as part of their release into homelessness and lack of support.

In some contexts, risk of harm might not be evident for certain adults – for example, some adults and older adults from ethnic minority backgrounds might appear to have full capacity but abuse from within the family and the community might be disguising abuse, making it increasingly challenging to identify.

There are far fewer services available in rural areas than in urban centres, making it more difficult for people to be familiar with this policy and to seek support.

There is a need for this policy and its associated procedure to be accompanied by training for professionals. At this moment this is extremely challenging for the third sector organisations delivering services to vulnerable adults.

 
Environment and Sustainability including climate change emissions and impacts

 

Affected populations
Positive

 

Supporting vulnerable adults to be more aware of their environmental impact and to build on their independence skills might have positive individual and environmental impacts. For example, supporting vulnerable adults to insulate their homes and use energy-saving light bulbs can lower their carbon footprint, improve the environment and support them to save money in the long run.

 

 
Negative

The group were unaware of any relevant data or published evidence in relation to this policy that indicates a negative impact on environment and sustainability.

 
Economic

 

Affected populations
Positive

Clear P&P and effective service delivery can improve life chances for citizens of Edinburgh and reduce risk and protect them from harm including financial harm.

Clear P&P provide clarity which can reduce the risk of litigation through challenge.

The Policy will support vulnerable adults to receive the care they need to lead safe and fulfilling lives. This is expected to include support with education, training and employment, supporting them to more positive destinations and life satisfaction, as well as improved financial independence.

The policy will further support with the recognition of and response to financial abuse and elder abuse which can be common in communities where care is expected to be provided by the family or extended family.

Income maximisation is expected to be an outcome of any adult support and protection intervention.

 
Negative

 

A considerable part of the population who would most benefit from this policy continue to be digitally excluded as a result of a lack of (digital) literacy; low income; or English language skills. Over- reliance on digital means to access information and services can be a hindrance to people seeking to access support.

 

If yes, it is likely that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be required and the impacts identified in the IIA should be included in this.

No.

If further evidence is required, please note how it will be gathered. If appropriate, mark this report as interim and submit updated final report once further evidence has been gathered.

None

Specific actions (as a result of the IIA which may include financial implications, mitigating actions and risks of cumulative impacts) Who will take them forward (name and job title) Deadline for progressing Review date
Comms Plan – documents added to Orb and public website. Lead Adult Protection Officer September 2024 January 2025
Engagement – improve options for service users to feedback on experiences. Keith Dyer September 2024 January 2025

Further engagement with service users, colleague supervision and data reporting methods.

Mike Massaro-Mallinson's signature

Name: Mike Massaro-Mallinson

Date  24 May 2024