HIQA Inspections to Focus on Safeguarding: Is your Residential Care Centre prepared?

Are you aware of the new Guidance and Assessment Judgment Framework on Safeguarding for designated centres for people with disabilities and older people? HIQA has made safeguarding a priority, stating that “The current programme of assessment is focused on safeguarding of adults”. As a nursing home or an adults disability service provider, it’s crucial to ensure your service is aligned with the latest guidelines, given HIQA’s enhanced focus on safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

Introduction

In June 2024, HIQA released new documentation aimed at enhancing the safeguarding practices in designated centres for people with disabilities and older people. These documents include Guidance on Safeguarding for designated centres for people with disabilities and older people, along with individual Safeguarding Assessment Judgment Frameworks for adult disability services and nursing homes. The framework sets out examples of the lines of enquiry to be explored by inspectors in order to assess compliance with regulations and the National Standards for adult safeguarding.

HIQA emphasises that safeguarding extends beyond preventing abuse, exploitation, and neglect. It involves proactively identifying safeguarding concerns and implementing measures to protect individuals from harm. Given HIQA’s intensified focus on safeguarding vulnerable adults, it is imperative you rigorously evaluate and enhance your existing safeguarding protocols, to ensure safeguarding best practices are embedded within your centre.

This article summarises the key points HIQA expect a service to have in place to meet the regulatory requirements for safeguarding. We also outline HCI’s support offering for safeguarding which will guarantee you full compliance.

Key Requirements to Note from HIQA’s Guidance on Safeguarding

Below is a summary of what HIQA expects a service to have in place if they are meeting the regulations.

Regulation 15 Staffing

• The provider has the appropriate number and skill-mix of staff to meet the safeguarding needs of all residents. This means that residents are adequately supervised at all times and that they can exercise choice in how they spend their day.
• Staff turnover is kept to a minimum and staffing resources are deployed in a fashion that takes account of residents’ expressed wishes and preferences.

Regulation 16: Training and Staff development

• Orientation, induction and ongoing training programmes include safeguarding.

Regulation 23: Governance and Management

• There is an open culture in the centre that clearly articulates a zero tolerance attitude towards all forms of abuse.
• All reports or allegations of abuse are regarded as credible and taken seriously.
• The recording and documentation of reports or allegations of abuse are comprehensive and accessible. All screening and investigation of reports or allegations of abuse follows a clear procedure and is in line with national policy and guidelines on safeguarding.
• Staff, residents, visitors and all other relevant persons are clear on who they can report safeguarding concerns to and are confident that such reports will not impact on them negatively.
• Quality improvement is focused not just on safety but also empowerment and supporting residents to play an active role in how their care is delivered.

Regulation 5: Individual assessment and care plan (Older Persons) / Regulation 5: Individual assessment and personal plan (Disability)

• Residents are assessed before admission to ensure that the service has the ability and facilities to support the residents’ safeguarding needs.
• Any potential impact on residents currently living in the centre are carefully considered and assessed before the admission of any new resident.
• The assessment identifies and documents any specific safeguarding needs for the person and leads to the development of personal/care plans to manage these needs.
• Where it has been identified that a resident requires support to make a decision, the provider supports them to do so in line with legislation.

Regulation 7: Managing behaviour that is challenging (Older Persons) / Regulation 7: Positive behavioural support (Disability)

• Proactive strategies are employed such as designing more supportive environments and supporting residents in developing skills that will improve their quality of life, thus addressing their individual needs before behaviour escalates and in order to avoid restrictive practices.

 Regulation 8: Protection

• Residents are assisted and supported to develop the skills and awareness needed for self-care and protection.
• Residents are provided with information, in an accessible format, which describes the procedures that are in place to protect them and to whom they may direct any safeguarding concerns they may have.
• A proactive approach is adopted by providers where early identification of trends in low-level incidents of concern are monitored closely as a symptom of weakness in the service’s safeguarding practices.

Regulation 9: Residents’ rights

• The service takes into account the sex, religious persuasion, racial origin, cultural and linguistic background and communication needs of the resident, when developing safeguarding arrangements. This may mean that different arrangements are in place for different residents.
• Safeguarding measures that are put in place are compatible with residents’ freedom to exercise their rights and positive risk-taking is supported.

Regulation 10: Communication difficulties (Older Persons) / Regulation 10: Communication (Disability)

• When there is a safeguarding concern, the provider ensures that the resident(s) are fully informed of all matters and of supports available to them, in a manner that accounts for their communication needs.
• Residents’ communication needs are outlined in their personal/care plans and referenced by staff when supporting a resident through a safeguarding concern and or in developing appropriate safeguarding measures for a resident.

Regulation 17: Premises

• The provider has considered safeguarding risks and protective measures in ensuring that the premises of the designated centre are appropriate to the number and needs of the residents of that centre and in accordance with the statement of purpose prepared under Regulation 3 and Schedule 6 of the regulations.
• When considering refurbishment of a centre’s facilities or buildings, the provider considers how the physical environment can contribute to protecting residents while also promoting each person’s rights, health and wellbeing.

Regulation 26: Risk management (Older Persons) / Regulation 26: Risk management procedures (Disability)

• The provider recognises that risk management does not mean trying to eliminate risk; instead, it involves managing risks to maximise residents’ choices and control over their own lives while still protecting their safety as appropriate. Blanket safeguarding measures are avoided and a person-centred approach to measures is used.
• Any measures implemented to address a safeguarding risk are proportionate and do not unduly infringe on the rights of the residents.

How HCI can help?

HCI offers comprehensive support to ensure your nursing home or disability service fully complies with HIQA’s safeguarding requirements. Here’s how we can assist:

Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

HCI will work with you to develop a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy and Procedure, which ensures a holistic and human-centred approach to safeguarding is embedded within the service. Our safeguarding policy will incorporate a clear procedure to guide staff in implementing safeguarding measures effectively.

This approach ensures that residents/service users are treated with respect and dignity, their safety and wellbeing is promoted, and they are protected against the risk of harm, neglect, exploitation and abuse. Our expertise guarantees that your documentation is comprehensive, up-to-date, and fully compliant with all relevant regulations and best practice.

Best Practice Safeguarding Reviews

HCI can conduct a best practice safeguarding audit to identify potential gaps and areas for improvement within your current safeguarding practices. Our detailed reports provide actionable recommendations, helping you enhance the protection and well-being of those in your care.

If you have had a safeguarding complaint or concern raised and require an independent safeguarding review or investigation, HCI can help. Our team is skilled in conducting safeguarding investigations with sensitivity and thoroughness. We can support you in handling safeguarding concerns, ensuring that all investigations are conducted in line with national policies, and that they maintain the highest standards of confidentiality, fairness and professionalism.

Assistance with Completing the Assessment Judgment Framework

The Assessment Judgment Framework (AJF) for Safeguarding provides a great opportunity for you to self-assess your service with respect to safeguarding. However, ensuring this self-assessment is completed thoroughly and objectively can be challenging when using internal resources. HCI provides expert assistance in completing the AJF, ensuring that your assessment is accurate, comprehensive, and reflective of best practices in safeguarding. We can also support you in developing quality improvement plans for any areas that need to be addressed.

Safeguarding Training

Training is essential to empower your staff with the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard residents effectively. HCI offers comprehensive training on Safeguarding and Protection of Vulnerable Adults. This training will provide your staff with evidence based, best practice information regarding the safeguarding of vulnerable persons at risk of abuse. The course also provides a framework on how to manage allegations in line with Legislation and Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse National Policy & Procedures.

Conclusion

As HIQA’s focus on safeguarding in nursing homes and disability services intensifies, it is crucial for service providers to align with the latest guidelines and best practices. Ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of residents/service users is essential. By rigorously evaluating and enhancing your safeguarding protocols, you can create a safer and more supportive environment for those in your care.

HCI is ready to assist you in navigating these regulatory requirements and implementing effective safeguarding measures. From developing robust policies and procedures to conducting comprehensive best practice reviews and training, our expert support can ensure your service is fully prepared for a HIQA inspection.

If you want to guarantee your regulatory compliance for safeguarding contact HCI at info@hci.care or call 01 629 2559.