Safeguarding

[hannah40]

My husband a group for special needs adults . There is a volunteer at the group who to us expresses un appropriate behaviour to the service users.
He makes rude gestures from a distance. and sits on the service users laps . Tickles them and smacks there bum.
They seem to enjoy the attention and think it is all fun. I am not sure though and am thinking of getting advice. Does anyone know where I should go for advice.

[bednobs]

it's not clear from your post if your husband runs it or is in the group. If he runs it, then just ask the volunteer to leave.

[Mamyalynne]

Bednobs is right your question isn't totally clear but I agree the person in charge needs to be told about this.

[bednobs]

the organisation that runs it should have procedures in place

[fiction-factory]

What sort of checks are carried out on volunteers?

In the opening sentence I think you have missed one or more words out:
"My husband RUNS/WORKS FOR/IS A MEMBER OF a group for special needs adults

[hannah40]

I take my husband to the group. I have reported it but he is a friend of the person running the group. I spoke to a carer that takes her son there and asked if she thought his behaviour was inappropriate she said it looks like harmless fun.
I have done safeguarding and personally think it is inappropriate. I need to tell someone who is from outside the group but who?
I would stop going but my husband likes the interaction of the group

[hannah40]

I asked about DBS checks and the organiser and his wife have them and the treasurer. I don't think they do checks on everyone as he is supposed to be in the kitchen making drinks.

[bednobs]

what oranisation is it? Mencp, headway or something similar will hve higher up people to talk to

[hannah40]

Ok thanks bednobs. Not mencap but the local council

[fiction-factory]

Raise it with the council. If this man comes into contact with special needs adults I'm sure he'll need some form of DBS clearance

[bednobs]

even simpler then - the coulncil will have a safeguarding team. Call adult socal care for your area (will be on your council's website) and ask to speak to them

[hannah40]

Yes will do. What I think is unappropriate may not be to someone else so I just needed reassurance.

[sinderella]

is he treating them like "normal" people?
who has decided it is inappropriate?
the first person you should approach is the person in charge

[pixie374]

It's fine to report it, hannah, if it makes you uncomfortable. It's up to the Safeguarding team to decide then. If you've tried the people higher up and got no help, you'll need to contact them.

[fiction-factory]

He may be just being friendly but smacking people on the bum could be misinterpreted and he would be well advised not to put himself in a position where he could be the subject of a serious allegation

[hannah40]

Thanks pixie yes it makes me uncomfortable and these adults are vulnerable so accept it.

[pixie374]

Yes, there is a lot of banter etc in care homes, which might well seem inappropriate if you don't know the people. This does look like another level, but I haven't seen it. If you're worried, just ask them to check- it's their job and you might well be right.

[THECORBYLOON]

If you report it, it will be investigated and if nothing untoward is found, there's no harm done. If it is not reported, you will never be sure what else may be going on.

[EDDIE51]

The volunteer needs an enhanced BDS disclosure if he is present in the building when the vulnerable people are there even if he does not directly work with them. I had to have one to work in the kitchen of an old peoples care home even though the residents were not allowed in the kitchen while cooking was in progress, same when I worked as a cleaner in a school. Even though the children were supposed to have left before I started cleaning I still had to have an enhanced disclosure in case any children were doing after school clubs.

[hannah40]

When I asked they said not all volunteers have to be DBS checked. As all service users are with carers or parents no one attends the group with out a carer and the person makes drinks in the kitchen he didn't need one.
He comes out near the end cuddles service users and pats there bum . This is in front of carers and they think it is ok it's just me who doesn't. He tickles them makes them all laugh.
He sat on one of there laps last week and bounced up and down. I don't think this is the way to behave but others laugh at him.

[wolf63]

Does your husband agree with how you see the situation?

If you don't report his behaviour you will continue to worry about the situation.

I am surprised that the council do not do a DBS check on all volunteers.