Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
1. Statement of Intent
Hebron Housing provides supported housing for vulnerable adult women. While we do not provide regulated care, we are committed to promoting the safety, welfare, and rights of our tenants. We recognise that all individuals have a right to live in a safe environment, free from abuse, harm, neglect, or exploitation.
Our approach is guided by best practice principles and statutory safeguarding obligations under the Care Act 2014, and by local guidance from the Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB). All staff, volunteers, and trustees are expected to contribute to a safe environment, act appropriately to protect tenants, and raise concerns when necessary.
2. Who is a Vulnerable Adult?
A vulnerable adult is someone aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm due to factors such as:
- Mental or physical health challenges
- Learning or cognitive difficulties
- Sensory impairments
- Social isolation or dependency on others
- Lack of capacity to make decisions
In supported housing, tenants may face vulnerabilities associated with recovery, mental health, or social disadvantage, and staff should remain alert to risks and changes in wellbeing.
3. Safeguarding Principles for Supported Housing
While Hebron Housing does not provide regulated care, we follow best practice in supporting tenants:
- Promote dignity, respect, and safety in all interactions.
- Recognise and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Encourage tenants to voice concerns or complaints safely.
- Collaborate with statutory agencies (Adult Social Care, police, NHS where necessary).
- Maintain confidential, factual, and secure records of safeguarding concerns.
- Empower tenants to access information, make choices, and understand their rights.
4. Types of Abuse to be Alert to
Even though we do not provide care, the following forms of abuse are relevant in a housing context:
- Physical abuse (e.g., harm from others, inappropriate restraint)
- Emotional or psychological abuse (e.g., bullying, intimidation, coercion)
- Financial abuse (e.g., exploitation of money or possessions)
- Discriminatory abuse (e.g., harassment, exclusion, prejudice)
- Neglect (e.g., tenant not receiving adequate support, isolation)
- Modern slavery and exploitation (e.g., forced labour, coercion)
- Domestic abuse and sexual abuse
Staff should be alert to changes in behaviour, living conditions, or social interactions that may indicate a safeguarding concern.
5. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
- Immediate safety – If a tenant is at risk of serious harm, contact emergency services (999).
- Report internally – Notify the Manager or Safeguarding Lead (Sara Garrard: 07938 078611 / 01603 439905).
- External referral – Contact Norfolk Adult Social Care: 0344 800 8020, or MASH: 0344 800 8021.
- Record keeping – Document concerns factually, include times, dates, and who was involved.
Hebron Housing will cooperate with statutory agencies, but we will not carry out investigations ourselves. Our role is to support tenants, maintain safety, and ensure concerns are escalated appropriately.
