Fife Multi-Agency Adult Protection Guidance - Home Page

2.4 Allegations against staff membersWhen an allegation of causing harm is made against a member of staff eitherformally by letter, or informally by telephone or in person, it is essential thatorganisations regard it seriously and initiate an investigation into the staffmember's alleged behaviour through the organisation's own conductprocedures. The process will be in accord with any parallel investigationinto the alleged harm led by social work service. Consultation with theorganisation's human resources/personnel service or equivalent and the linemanager at an early stage is vital. (Completion of Significant Occurrence formin addition to Cause for Concern form required for local authority employees)2.5 Reporting hate crimeIf the alleged harm involves hate crime then this also requires to be reportedon a hate crime form. This form is available on FifeDirect.2.6 Reporting sexual harmWhere the reported harm relates to allegations of sexual harm, this must bereported to the Police. Details of the alleged perpetrator, if known, will assistthe police in any investigation and alert the community protection team orCriminal Justice Service if the alleged perpetrator is already a managedoffender and statutory measures are necessary.2.7 When an adult at risk does not give consent for action to be takenIf the person does not want any action taken, his or her wishes must berespected unless any of the following applies:• it is not clear if the person has capacity• where others are at risk• it appears likely that a criminal offence has been committed• there are public health concerns• it is suspected that the person may be under undue pressure not toaccept intervention ( undue pressure: see glossary)Any decision about NOT proceeding must be recorded and agreed with linemanager.If any of the above does apply, then return to 2.2.2.8 Resident of regulated service or patient in NHS facilityIf the person is a resident of a care home, group home etc or a patient in anNHS facility, it is important that any suspected or actual incidents of harm,mistreatment or neglect are reported to the social work service in order toprotect other residents or patients regardless of the adult at risk’s wishes.In these circumstances, it must be explained to the adult that the report ofharm must be passed to the social work service. All reports of harm must be19