Neurodivergent Speech Therapist in Kent - Jamie Louise Hollis - ADHD SLT

safeguarding adults policy

Last updated: 12th march 2026

Effective date: 2nd November 2023

Next review date: 12th march 2027

I, Jamie Louise Hollis, provide independent speech and language therapy to children and adults in their homes, educational settings, or via teletherapy through ADHD SLT. As the sole owner and practitioner, this policy applies solely to my practice and any student Speech and Language Therapists under my guidance.

This policy is informed by the Care Act 2014, which outlines the statutory framework for safeguarding adults in England, alongside national safeguarding guidance and best practice.

Safeguarding Lead:

As an independent practitioner, I act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for ADHD SLT. I am responsible for responding to safeguarding concerns, recording concerns appropriately, and making referrals to relevant safeguarding agencies where necessary.

purpose of this policy:

To protect adults who receive my services, ensuring their safety and promoting their welfare.

Beliefs:

  • All adults have the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • As a healthcare professional, I have a responsibility to promote the welfare of everyone I see, ensuring their safety and practicing in a way that protects them.

 

Recognitions:

  • The welfare of individuals is paramount in all the work I do and in every decision I make.
  • Collaborating with clients, their families, and other agencies is essential for promoting welfare.
  • Every person, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, belief, sex, or sexual orientation, has an equal right to protection from harm or abuse.
  • Some individuals may be more vulnerable due to past experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues. Extra safeguards may be necessary to protect these individuals.

How I Ensure Safety:

  • By valuing, listening to, and respecting everyone.
  • By adopting best practices in safeguarding through policies and procedures.
  • By keeping my safeguarding training up to date.
  • By ensuring all necessary checks are completed and available for review upon request.
  • By recording, storing, and using information professionally and securely in line with data protection legislation.
  • By using appropriate safeguarding procedures to share concerns with relevant agencies and involving clients and their families as needed.
  • If safeguarding concerns involve another professional or organisation, I will follow appropriate whistleblowing procedures and report concerns to the relevant authority.

Duty of Care and Confidentiality:

I have a duty of care to all clients. I will maintain confidentiality, except where disclosure is necessary to protect the individual or others from risk.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, I will consider the adult’s right to make their own decisions in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. However, where there is a risk of serious harm to the individual or others, information may need to be shared with safeguarding services without consent.

Procedure in the Event of a Disclosure or Allegation:

If an adult makes an allegation or disclosure of abuse, I will:

  • Stay calm and listen carefully.
  • Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing by speaking out.
  • Avoid investigating or asking leading questions.
  • Explain that I must share the information with someone else.
  • Avoid promising confidentiality.
  • Contact Kent County Council (or the relevant local services) to report the concern:

 

Kent County Council Adult Safeguarding
Tel. 03000 41 61 61 (staff available 24/7, 7 days a week)
Email: social.services@kent.gov.uk
Website: Kent County Council Safeguarding

Procedure in the Event of a Concern:

  • If there is an immediate threat of harm, contact the Police.
  • For non-urgent concerns, discuss the issue with the Safeguarding Lead (if in an educational setting) or the Integrated Front Door (IFD) in other locations. A decision will be made about whether to refer the concern to statutory agencies.
  • Document the conversation and circumstances using the template provided in Appendix 3. This record will be securely stored and shared with statutory agencies if a referral is made.
  • Safeguarding concerns will be recorded as soon as possible after the event using the incident reporting form and stored securely in line with data protection legislation.

supporting information:

 

My Privacy, Data Protection, Child Safeguarding Policy, as well as Terms and Conditions of Service, are available on adhdslt.co.uk and can be provided as a PDF upon request.

Signed: Jamie Louise Hollis, ADHD SLT
Job Title: Speech and Language Therapist, Speech and Language Therapy BSc, MHCPC, MRCSLT

Appendix 2: understanding abuse in adults

More Information: Social Care Institute for Excellence:  Social Care Institute for Excellence 

What is Abuse?

Abuse involves any deliberate action that harms or injures another person. For adults, particularly those who are vulnerable, abuse can manifest in various forms:

Physical Abuse:

This includes any form of physical harm or injury, such as hitting, slapping, pushing, or the improper use of medication. It may result in visible injuries or pain.

Emotional/Psychological Abuse:

Inflicts emotional pain or distress through threats, intimidation, isolation, manipulation, or persistent belittling. This type of abuse can deeply affect an individual’s mental health and self-esteem.

Sexual Abuse:

Involves non-consensual sexual activity, including rape, sexual assault, or inappropriate touching. It violates an individual’s bodily autonomy and can lead to severe psychological trauma.

Financial Abuse:

This occurs when an adult’s financial resources are misused or exploited, such as through theft, fraud, or coercion. It can result in financial instability and stress.

neglect and Acts of Omission:

The failure to meet an adult’s essential needs, such as food, shelter, medical care, or personal hygiene. Neglect can significantly impact an individual’s physical and mental health.

Self-Neglect:

When an adult neglects their own health and well-being, resulting in unsafe or unsanitary living conditions, refusal of medical care, or poor personal hygiene.

Domestic Abuse:

Refers to any abuse occurring within a domestic setting, typically involving partners or family members. This can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and often involves controlling or coercive behaviours.

Modern Slavery:

Encompasses exploitation through forced labour, domestic servitude, or human trafficking. Victims may experience severe restrictions on their freedom and physical abuse.

Discriminatory Abuse:

Harassment or unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. It can manifest as slurs, exclusion from services, or unequal treatment.

Organisational Abuse:

Poor care practices within institutions or care settings, such as hospitals or care homes. This includes neglect, poor living conditions, and systemic failings in care.

Awareness of Increased Risk for Women

I recognize that women are disproportionately affected by domestic abuse. Research, including findings from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), indicates that women with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) are at a heightened risk of experiencing abuse. This awareness highlights the need for tailored safeguarding practices to protect these individuals effectively.

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists – Domestic Abuse and Speech, Language, and Communication.

Women’s Aid – Domestic Abuse is a Gendered Crime.

Signs of Abuse and Neglect

Identifying signs of abuse and neglect is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of adults. Common indicators include:

  Physical Abuse:

  • Unexplained injuries such as bruises, fractures, burns, or cuts.
  • Frequent hospital visits or emergency room admissions.
  • Marks or injuries indicative of restraint.

 Emotional/Psychological Abuse:

  • Noticeable changes in behaviour, such as increased anxiety or withdrawal.
  • Symptoms of depression or low self-esteem.
  • Avoidance of specific people or situations.

Sexual Abuse:

  • Unexplained injuries in genital areas.
  • Sexually transmitted infections or diseases.
  • Changes in sexual behaviour or attitudes.

Financial Abuse:

  • Unexplained loss of money or possessions.
  • Sudden financial difficulties or unpaid bills.
  • Lack of basic necessities despite financial resources.

Neglect:

  • Poor personal hygiene or appearance.
  • Untreated medical conditions.
  • Signs of malnutrition or dehydration.

Self-Neglect:

  • Living in unsanitary or hazardous conditions.
  • Refusal of necessary medical treatment.
  • Poor personal hygiene.

Domestic Abuse:

  • Injuries that do not match the provided explanation.
  • Isolation from friends and family.
  • Controlling or coercive behaviour from a partner or family member.

Modern Slavery:

  • Physical signs of abuse or neglect.
  • Poor physical condition or malnutrition.
  • Restricted freedom of movement or communication.

Discriminatory Abuse:

  • Harassment or derogatory remarks.
  • Exclusion from services or support based on discriminatory reasons.
  • Unequal treatment compared to others in similar situations.

Organisational Abuse:

  • Lack of personal care or attention in a care setting.
  • Poor living conditions reported within institutions.
  • Reports of abusive care practices from other residents or staff.

appendix 3: incident reporting form

Date and time of incident: 
Date on which this report was written:
Your full name:
Full name child/young person/adult concerned:
Location / Situation:

Other people present:

Record of incident:

Please ensure you are as accurate and detailed as possible. Use quotes wherever possible – do
not interpret what was said using your own words.

  • Record what you said as well as what the child or adult said.
  • Include details such as tone of voice, facial expression, and body language.
  • If you have formed an opinion please state it, making it clear that it is your opinion and give
    reasons for forming that opinion.

 

Continue on additional pages if necessary and attach to this form.

  Who has been spoken to about the incident?  

Record below the names of all those who have been spoken to about this incident: Safeguarding Lead:  

Children’s Services:  

Police:  

NSPCC:

Parent/Carer:  

Child:  

Young person:

Adult:

Other (name, role and organisation):  

Women’s Aid:

Refuge:

Advice and follow up actions:  

Advice and follow up actions:  

Signed:

Dated: 

Role:

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