Unit 201 Safeguarding and Protection in Care Setting

1 Understand principles of safeguarding adults

1.1 Explain the term Safeguarding

Safeguarding as a general concept to protect people from harm and the best way to do that is
to put appropriate measures in place. This often comes in the form of a framework, which
allows those involved to follow certain steps and prevent negative outcomes in a tried and
tested manner. Knowing about safeguarding and being trained in its implementation is a very
useful skill to have. This is partly due to the fact it can be used in several wide-reaching
situations, for e.g. when looking after vulnerable people, such as children, older people and
those with learning difficulties.

It is vitally important that anyone who is seen as vulnerable is protected, although all people
within hierarchical structures should also be looked after. In the workplace, safeguarding also
helps to ensure that employees are not exploited or taken advantage of.

1.2 Explain own role and responsibilities in safeguarding individuals

In my job role as a Team Leader my vision for venerable adult within the social care and
health setting is the person has real choice and control over what happens to themselves, no
decision should be made about them without asking them. People who lack capacity need
someone to represent them in their best interests.

It is imperative we know the procedures of Safeguarding in the workplace, policies and

procedures tell us how to meet standard and who to contact in cases we are concerned
about. Actions taken therefore needs to be shaped so it is the best outcome for that person
who has suffered abuse and neglect and fully involving that person, or their representative or
advocate, in decisions. Within our Care Setting there is always fundamental training
underway to develop best practices & promote well-being to prevent abuse and neglect from
happening in the first place.

In my job role and as a team we will always take action by talking to the home manager if
any abuse or neglect may be taking place.

1.3 Define the following

Physical Abuse is an act where a person or persons inflict or hurt intentional harm or injury
upon another person, also wrong use of moving and handling can be a form of physical
abuse. Hopefully, you have never experienced this as it can lead to serious consequences for
the abused in the moment, in the moments immediately thereafter, and even for an entire
lifetime. It's everyone's job to prevent physical abuse. That is why you need to know its
sign’s, so you can help stop the abuse of a friend, a family member, even a stranger.

Domestic Abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening

behaviour, violence or abuse or being intimidated by partners or family members regardless
of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological,
physical, sexual, financial,

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emotional. “Official statistics show the number of incidents of domestic abuse recorded by the
authorities every year. But the problem is much bigger than shown in official statistics, as
many victims and children don’t tell anyone about the abuse, and they are not recorded as
crimes.

Sexual Abuse if a child or other person suffers sexual abuse, this is when someone forces
them to take part in sexual activity with them, often regularly over a period of time, or when
a person has said that they don’t want to be involved in a sexual activity and haven’t or
cannot give consent, this would be classed as rape.

Emotional/Psychological Abuse Anyone could give a person emotional or psychological

abuse by name calling or making them feel small, if you’re on the receiving end of this can
make a person feel worthless and be very upsetting, this is also recognized within the Law
“The Serious Crime Act 2015” makes behavior that is ‘controlling or coercive” towards
another person in an intimate or family relationship’ punishable by a prison term of up to five
years.

Intimidation and threats. This could be things like shouting, acting aggressively or just
generally making you feel scared. This is often done as a way of making a person feel small
and stopping them from standing up for themselves.
Criticism. This could be things like name calling or making lots of unpleasant or sarcastic
comments. This can really lower a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
Undermining. This might include things like dismissing your opinion. It can also involve
making you doubt your own opinion by acting as if you're being oversensitive if you do
complain, disputing your version of events or by suddenly being really nice to you after being
cruel.
Being made to feel guilty. This can range from outright emotional blackmail (threats to kill
oneself or lots of emotional outbursts) to sulking all the time or giving you the silent
treatment as a way of manipulating you.
Economic abuse. This can be withholding money, not involving you in finances or even
preventing you from getting a job. This could be done as a way of stopping you from feeling
independent and that you’re able to make your own choices.
Telling you what you can and can’t do. As the examples above make clear, emotional
abuse is generally about control. Sometimes this is explicit. Does your partner tell you when
and where you can go out, or even stop you from seeing certain people? Do they try to
control how you dress or how you style your hair?

Financial/Material Abuse This includes theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation
to an adult's financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property,
inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property,
possessions or benefits.

Modern Slavery

“Modern slavery is a plain English term. It is not a legal definition.

Modern slavery refers to situations where one person has taken away another person’s
freedom – their freedom to control their body, their freedom to choose to refuse certain work
or to stop working – so that they can be exploited. Freedom is taken away by threats,
violence, coercion, abuse of power and deception.
Different countries use different legal terminologies, but “modern slavery” includes the crimes
of human trafficking, slavery and slavery like practices such as servitude, forced labour,

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forced or servile marriage, the sale and exploitation of children, and debt bondage. Slavery
has existed in different forms since ancient times.

Discriminatory Abuse Discriminatory abuse exists when values, beliefs or culture result in a
misuse of power that denies opportunity to some groups or individuals. It can be a feature of
any form of abuse of an adult, but can also be motivated because of age, gender, sexuality,
disability, religion, class, culture, language, race or ethnic origin.
It can result from situations that exploit a person’s vulnerability by treating the person in a
way that excludes them from opportunities they should have as equal citizens, for example,
education, health, justice and access to services and protection.

Institutional/Organisational Abuse

This includes neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such
as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home.
This may range from one off incidents to on-going ill-treatment.
It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies,
processes and practices within an organisation.
The following list may be possible indicators of institutional abuse - it is important not to
jump to the wrong conclusions too quickly.

No flexibility in bed time routine and/or deliberate waking.

People left on the commode or toilet for long periods of time.
Inappropriate care of possessions, clothing and living area.
Lack of personal clothes and belongings.
Un-homely or stark living environments.
Deprived environmental conditions and lack of stimulation.
Inappropriate use of medical procedures e.g. enemas, catheterisation.
'Batch care' - lack of individual care programmes.
Illegal confinement or restrictions.
Inappropriate use of power or control.
People referred to or spoken to with disrespect.
Inflexible services based, on convenience of the provider rather than the person receiving
services.
Inappropriate physical intervention.
Service user removed from the home or establishment, without discussion with other
appropriate people or agencies, because staff are unable to manage the behaviours.

Self-neglect this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal
hygiene or refusing to take care of their own personal needs, health or surroundings and
includes behaviour such as hoarding.

Neglect by Others is person can suffer because their physical and/or psychological needs
are being neglected by a carer. This could include failure to keep someone warm, clean and
well-nourished or neglecting to give prescribed medication.
Some of the following may be indications of many different problems.
Poor environmental conditions
Inadequate heating and lighting
Poor physical condition of the vulnerable adult
Persons clothing is ill fitting, unclean and in poor condition
Malnutrition
Failure to give prescribed medication properly
Failure to provide appropriate privacy and dignity

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Inconsistent or reluctant contact with health and social care agencies

Isolation - denying access to callers or visitors

1.4 Describe Harm

Many vulnerable adults must rely on others to help them with basic day-to-day living. Whilst
the majority have excellent care provision, some are at risk of harm. This could be due to
another person, or people, deliberately taking advantage of the adult. But it could also be the
adult who is unintentionally putting themselves at risk, simply because they don’t have the
right level of support in place.

1.5 Describe Restrictive

Sometimes people behave in ways that might hurt themselves, hurt other people or break
things. These ways of behaving are called “challenging behaviours”.
Service providers sometimes try to stop or help challenging behaviour by touching the person
or changing what happens around them.
This kind of support might be hurtful, harmful or does not respect the rights of the person.
The kind of support that might be hurtful or harmful is called restrictive practices.
Service providers need to look at other ways to help the person. Using restrictive practices
might show that a service provider does not really understand why a behaviour is happening.
Restrictive practices must always be legal and ethically justified and must only be used when
absolutely necessary.

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2 Know how to recognise signs of abuse

2.1 Identify the signs and symptoms associated with each of the following types of Abuse

Abuse Signs & Symptoms

Physical Abuse Bruises, black eyes, lacerations, open wounds, cuts,
punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing.
Broken eyeglasses/frames, or any physical signs of being
punished or restrained.
Laboratory findings of either an overdose or under dose
medications.
Individual's report being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreat.
Vulnerable adult's sudden change in behavior.
The caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see a vulnerable
adult alone
Domestic Abuse Some of the most common signs in the person being
abused are being: withdrawn, suddenly behaves
differently, being very anxious, feeling depressed, being
aggressive, not sleeping, not eating, self-harm, thoughts
about suicide. We may also see bruises and other injuries.

Sexual Abuse Signs of sexual abuse may not be apparent without an

Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Financial/Material Abuse
examination of the genital area.
These signs include: Bruises, scars, chafing, or bite marks
in the genital area. Also discomfort while sitting or
walking.
Discharge or abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
Rectal or genital bleeding.
Anal tears or dilation.
Symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such
as Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Warts or HIV. Pain, or
unusual discharge.
Fearfulness expressed in the eyes, flinching on approach.
Loss of sleep or tendency to spend long periods in bed.
Change in appetite -  Loss of appetite or overeating at
inappropriate times. Unusual weight gain/loss.
Tearfulness
Unexplained paranoia
Low self-esteem
Excessive fears
Anxiety, confusion or general resignation
Agitation
Sexual Abuse
Sexual acts which might be abusive include non-contact
abuse such as looking, pornographic photography,
indecent exposure.
Unexplained withdrawals from the bank, unusual activity
in the bank accounts.
Unpaid bills
Unexplained shortage of money
Reluctance on the part of the person with responsibility for
the funds to provide basic food and clothes etc.
Fraud & theft.

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Modern Slavery Modern Slavery can include victims that have been
brought from overseas, and vulnerable people in the
UK. Slave Masters and Traffickers will deceive, coerce and
force adults into a life of abuse, callous treatment and
slavery. The person in question may have signs of physical
abuse, be unkept, be malnourished, withdrawn, appear
frightened or hesitant to talk.
Discriminatory Abuse Exclusion from activities, verbal abuse, disrespect, poor
work place that does not meet the persons need or
requirements.
Institutional/Organisational Abuse Lack of staff, poor care standards, insufficient training,
lack of support from Care Provider
Self-neglect Disregarding one’s personal hygiene, health or
surroundings. Bedsores, malnutrition & dehydration.
Talking wrong medication.
Neglect by Others Neglect by other could involve symptoms from all of the
above, some of the main signs and symptoms are, poor
environmental conditions, Inadequate heating and lighting
Poor physical and surrounding condition of the vulnerable
adult, clothing is ill fitting.
Malnutrition.
Failure to give prescribed medication properly.
Failure to provide appropriate privacy and dignity.

2.2 Describe factors that may contribute to an individual being more vulnerable to abuse

Abuse is the cruel treatment of a person repeatedly; it can take various forms such as
physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, dating abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse,
and stalking among other types. Key risk factors that contribute to an individual’s
vulnerability to exploitation and abuse can be broadly categorized under two characteristics:
personal or individual attributes and situational or social factors.

One primary factor that is attributed to vulnerability to abuse is the low mental ability to
formulate decisions concerning one’s safety. This mental incapacity is linked to illnesses as
well as various inborn conditions. Apart from mental problems, being physically dependent on
other people for daily activities and personal care. Most of the perpetrators of abuse are
usually the closest friends or caregivers. Another factor that directly leads to proneness to
abuse is communication complications. A person who cannot express him or herself becomes
an easy target since the criminal knows that the person will have no ability to tell their side of
the story. Also, individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to be victims of abuse as
compared to people who have had positive earlier lives. Individuals with high self-esteem and
self-confidence are not likely to be abused. Other factors that increase the vulnerability to
abuse include isolation and exclusion, stigma, an insufficient amount of care, age, gender,
and inadequacy of information and support.

Other factors that may contribute to an individual being more vulnerable to abuse may also
include various kinds of mental disabilities, like dementia or not having the mental capacity, if
the person is secluded or isolated or otherwise vulnerable. There might occur factors for the
abuser which could include the abuser having lack of the training, also abusing their power. It
also might happen that personal issues have a part to play, the abuser is stressed or having a
history of ill-treatment and continuing the cycle. The factors can include low self-esteem or

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self-worth. If they have been involved in themselves being abuse before and nobody
protected them, they may be mentally ill.

3 Know how to respond to suspected or alleged abuse

3.1 Explain the actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused

The actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused – implicated by
an individual, a colleague, someone in the individual’s personal network, self, own line
manager, everyone must understand the importance of their role and responsibilities in the
situation. Noticing sign of abuse on the individual skin, a change in the individual behaviour
should be reported as soon as noticed. All staff should be made aware of the individuals
situation and what has happened. Staff to reassure the individual the importance of following
legislation, policies, procedures and agreed ways of working, also the importance of treating
all suspicions seriously. Lines of communication and reporting the situation is very important.

We must be clear verbally and accurate when writing reports including date and time always
remember to sign the report importance of not asking leading questions with individuals
concerned. Confidentiality and agreed procedures for sharing information is also very
important, making sure of actual evidence and avoiding hearsay. Staff to follow company
policy of reporting abuse and report to CQC if the suspicions are about own line manager.

3.2 Explain the actions to take if an individual alleges that they are being abused

If you work for a company or agency there should be policies and procedures already in place
to follow, you should always report to your line manager or Home Manager, record the facts
on appropriate paperwork; listen and do not judge.
Always establish what it is that has occurred and report any suspicions to the appropriate
manager. Reassure the individual at all times and take every allegation seriously.
Always date the paperwork and have it signed by any witnesses (if any).
Take photographs of evidence if possible.
Speak clearly and precise and avoid any leading questions.

3.3 Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse is preserved

Record the incident clearly as it’s being described, only write what is being said never include
any judgement or opinion
Do not touch or move anything from surroundings of incident , In the event of serious injuries,
fatalities and serious crime, use apron, gloves and shoe cover before entering the incident
spot, always take photographic evidence where possible.
Do not discuss anything with anyone about the incident this information is highly confidential.
Report immediately to Manager or Safeguarding Team 
Keep the report confidential and store it in safe and secure place, preferably in locked storage
Always print name, sign and valid date the report.  

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4 Understand the national and local context of safeguarding and protection from
abuse.

4.1 Identify relevant legislation, national, policies and local systems that relate to
safeguarding and protection from abuse.

There are a few national Safeguarding Bodies in place in the UK that we can call or get
information on on if we have concerns, Care Quality Commission (CQC) being the main one
known within the Care Sector, CQC are independent regulators that give guidance on
government policies

Government Policies can be found on-line GOV.UK

The purpose of this document is to update you on the Government’s policy on safeguarding
adults vulnerable to abuse and neglect. It includes the statement of principles for Local
Authority Social Services and housing, health, the police and other agencies to use, for both
developing and assessing the effectiveness of their local safeguarding arrangements. It also
describes, in broad terms, the outcomes for adult safeguarding, for both individuals and
organisations. It outlines the next steps that Government is taking. This document gets
updated regularly and is the most up to date. including adding in resource materials that
have become available since then.

The NHS also have their own policy which is online and is regularly updated. This policy sets
out the statutory requirements for NHS England to discharge its appropriate accountability for
Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk of harm or abuse. This policy should
be read alongside the NHS England Recruitment Guidance; Managing Safeguarding
Allegations Policy; Voicing Your Concerns (Whistleblowing) Policy; and Disciplinary Policy. If
the particular issue relates to dealing with Safeguarding allegations about staff, please refer
to the Managing Safeguarding Allegations Policy Ref; NHS 30.6.201 (NHS CB)

Also, there is always policies and procedures within our local areas. In Hampshire and the Isle
of Wight, the main statutory agencies - Local Authorities, Police and NHS organisations – are
committed to working together to both promote safer communities to prevent harm and
abuse.

There are also lots of resources available to help us research and give us support and advice,
such as;

Carers Direct Helpline

NHS
Social Care Institute for Excellence

Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) use a range of products to support the implementation of
the safeguarding aspects of the Care Act 2014. It aims to inform Safeguarding Adults Boards
(SABs) of what is required of them under the Care Act and to help them improve their
effectiveness.

It describes:
what boards should do role and duties
who should do what tasks
how boards should operate e.g. structure and substructures.

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All the above must be underpinned by the principles of , which places people’s experience and
desired outcomes at the center of all adult safeguarding and therefore at the core of all SAB
activity.

4.2 Explain the roles of different agencies in safeguarding and protecting individuals from
abuse.

CQC: has their duty to set guideline and monitor on health and social care organisations and
agencies to protect individual from harm and abuse. If any care provider fails to protect
individuals from harm and abuse or does not meet the standard set out by care quality
commission then care provider will be forced to close down and pay penalty.
The Police: the first contact to safeguard and protect individual from abuse. Their
responsibilities are to record, investigate, safeguard and report.
Safeguarding Adults Board: their responsibilities are to share information among all local
safeguarding agencies and monitor their action and activities regarding safeguarding issues.

4.3 Identify factors which have featured in reports into serious cases of abuse and neglect.

‘A report about Castlebeck Care Ltd which failed to ensure that the vulnerable living at
Winterbourne View were adequately protected from risk, including the risks of unsafe
practices by its own staff. Individuals in Winterbourne View which is a home owned by
Castlebeck Care Ltd were pinned down, slapped, doused in cold water and repeatedly taunted
and teased by staff in the home.

Castlebeck Care Ltd failed to notify the Care Quality Commission of these incidents, injuries
to individuals and of occasions when individuals had gone missing.

A report about the murder of Steven Hoskin, a young man with learning difficulties who was
abused and murdered in July 2006. In addition to being pushed over the railway and falling
from a great height, it was also found that Steven had taken paracetamol tablets, had been
drinking alcohol and had sustained recent injuries from cigarette burns. In addition, he
suffered appalling treatment from his abusers who took over his bed sit, and he had neck
bruises from having been hauled around his home by his own pet’s dog-lead and the backs of
his hands had the marks of footprints.

4.4 Identify sources of information and advice about own role in safeguarding and protecting
individuals from abuse, including whistle blowing.

Any concern at all and we speak to our Line Manager. At Colten Care we have a
whistleblowing policy in place called “Speaking Up”. As a first step raise your concerns with
your immediate line manager or their manager. This may depend however on the seriousness
and sensitivity of the issues involved and who is thought to be involved in any malpractice or
wrongdoing. For example, if you believe that management is involved you should approach a
more senior level of management.
The earlier a concern is raised, the easier it will be to take appropriate action.
The most senior managers designated to deal with serious concerns with whom you can raise
a concern are the Director of Operations and the Director of Human Resources.
Although concerns may be raised verbally, they are better put in writing. This should set out
the background and history of the concern giving relevant names, dates and places where
possible, and why the situation is of concern.

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4.5 Identify when to seek support in situations beyond your experience and expertise.

While working in an Activity Role I would seek support and advice from a member of staff
who has a higher role than myself, my line manager, clinical leader on shift.

5 Understand ways to reduce the likelihood of abuse.

5.1 Explain how the likelihood of abuse may be reduced by:

a. Working with person centred values; When working with person centred values
you are treating someone as an individual, giving them choice, giving them their
independence, and respect they deserve. And you are caring for them which is a
massive aspect of reducing abuse
b. Encouraging active participation; Giving a person choice, communicating
affectively with someone and building relationships & partnerships with our
resident’s help give them courage to participate in everyday activities.
c. Promoting choice and rights; we must always promote choice and rights this
gives a person courage to retain their independence.
d. Supporting individuals with awareness of personal safety; In the care sector we
are caring for individuals, it is our duty of care to support in all ways. After
training and being aware of our own surroundings we can then support our
residents of their personal safety and make them aware of their surroundings.

5.2 Explain the importance of an accessible complaints procedure for reducing the likelihood
of abuse.

The complaints procedure gives the complainant the right to be heard and supported to make
their views known. An accessible complaints procedure is understandable and easy to use. It
sets out clearly how to make a complaint, the steps that will be taken when the complaint is
investigated. It also provides flexibility in relation to target response times.

An accessible complaints procedure resolves complaints more quickly as the complainant

feels that they are being listened to and their complaint taken seriously. This sets up an open
culture of making sure that abuse will not be tolerated in any form and encourages the
complainant to be dealt with and builds trust that we are dealing with the issue.

5.3 Outline how the likelihood of abuse can be reduced by managing risk and focusing on
prevention.

Abuse can be reduced massively if we adhere to policies and procedures, treating everyone
as an individual with and with respect. Person-centred values are every important, giving
everyone the right to be the individual they really are. Choices, privacy, independence, and
respecting the individual’s dignity.

If person centred values are taken into consideration when supporting an individual there is
less likely to be abuse as all the staff will be working in the same way and will feel shamed if
they abuse because of the way that they have been taught to work. If an individual is
considered to have a say in what he or she wants and is at the centre of any decision, it will
be more unlikely that there is abuse. The individual will know what suits him or her and will
not get so frustrated.

I always put the service users I work with, their families and friends at the centre of any
decision about them and they are an active partner in their own care. Individuals decide what

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to do, where to go, what clothes to wear and are treated with dignity, respect, confidentiality
and are able to make their own choices.

6 Know how to recognise and support and report unsafe practices

6.1 Describe unsafe practices that may affect the well-being of individuals.

Unsanitary conditions can spread infection as cross-contamination can occur and can affect
the well-being of the individual and others. Improper hand washing can also pose a risk. Dirty
kitchen surfaces and equipment can spread infections, not covering hair when cooking can
pose a risk to individual as cannot reporting faulty equipment when working or not having
cleaning materials can also be unsafe.
In terms of health and safety not having risk assessments in place when a service user hurts
themselves. Staff not checking when a service user is ill or unsteady on their feet. Staff not
recording in care plans about a service user’s wellbeing and health and not monitoring them.
Other unsafe practices which also amount to abuse can occur such as leaving a service user
on the toilet too long, ignoring or not listening to them.
Marks on body not taken seriously and complaints not taken seriously can put them at more
danger, harm and risk of abuse.
I ensure that I keep to all the procedures for checking for abuse and the wellbeing of the
individuals that I work with; by following these and the individual’s care plan I keep within
the minimum standards of care and also work in a person-centred way to make sure all
individuals are happy and safe.

6.2 Explain the actions to take if unsafe practices have been identified.

If I identify unsafe practices, then I must follow the whistle-blowing procedure and report to
the appropriate person(s). I will report to my manager immediately or if it involves my
manager then to another appropriate person(s).
I will monitor all unsafe practices and make sure that I record and report in full all the
evidence and then will talk to my manager because all unsafe practices are dangerous
practices that could cause harm to the individual and others.
For example, I talked to my manager last week about things being left on the stairs that may
cause service users and others to fall over and hurt themselves. She has talked to the staff
and now this has stopped.

6.3 Describe the actions to take is suspected abuse or unsafe practices have been reported
but nothing has been done in response.

If suspected abuse or unsafe practices have been reported but nothing has been done in
response or if it has to do with my manager, then I will report to the next level or manager.
If it has to do with my manager then I will report to management, then to the social worker
and safeguarding team and to the care quality commission and even to the police depending
on the response I get.
When I worked in a nursing home there was some abuse of service users being left too long
on the toilet and I talked to the nurse in charge and changes were made immediately. I had
to record the information and give the nurse and manager a copy of my confidential report.
If the nurse or manager had not done this, then I would follow the whistle blowing procedure.

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7 Understand principles for online safety

7.1 Describe the potential risks by:

 The use of electronic communication devices

There is growing concern being expressed about what is and what is not permissible in
electronic communication between venerable adults and children
Understandably, with the rapid development of mobile phones, text messaging, email and
other forms of electronic communication, these methods of communicating have become our
future, however there is massive risks when it comes to the safety aspect of things.
There is risks that the use of mobile phones and other electronic communication that there is
a possibility of potential bullying, grooming and things like financial abuse. This can be
extremely stressful and worrying.

 The use of the internet

organisations should also be aware of their responsibilities under the

Data Protection Act, particularly that people must give consent to the processing of their
personal data on any web-site, and that any site that collects information
all of us so we must ensure there are stronger safeguards in place, and good firewall
protection in place.

 The use of social media

Interactive social media technology has revolutionised the way that people connect and
interact. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, instant messaging and video exchange sites are
increasingly popular, and provide an opportunity for others to connect with. However, the use
of social networking sites also introduces a range of potential safeguarding risks to venerable
adults, so it is important that safeguarding protocols and protection is kept up to date.

 Carrying out financial transactions online

Carrying out financial transactions on line can come with huge risks. There are lots of
fraudsters out there.
Phishing This is when fraudsters send emails, purporting to be from reputable companies, to
encourage individuals to reveal personal information – such as passwords and credit card
numbers.
Data Theft is also becoming popular.
When using online banking we must always be vigilant when it comes to protecting our
details.

7.2 Explain ways of reducing the risk pretended by each of these types of activity.

Build trust up and try to monitor any activity, try and be available for chats, emails, website
visits, and internet searches so you can be kept informed. Specifically, tell venerable adult
and children to cut off communication with any person they don't know and to notify you
immediately. Try and educate how and what to look out for.

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7.3 Explain the importance of balancing measures for online safety against the benefits to
individuals of using electronic systems and devices.

It is important to balance the needs of protecting especially vulnerable people and children
online whilst also ensuring that people continue to freely take advantage of what the internet
more broadly offers. By balancing usage, it is easier to keep up to an eye on things any
concerns we may have. there is a fine line it’s just getting the balance right.

Donia O’Connor