Asist makes every effort to ensure that its workers are fit and proper to perform their duties.  Asist also endeavours to ensure that people using our service pose no threat to the safety of our workers.  However, it is still important to be aware of potential areas of danger. 

  The following guidelines apply to Asist workers (staff and volunteers) in their work with service users and anyone else involved in their partnerships:

At referral

Database Check:

When taking a referral, always ask if the person has had an advocate before and if possible find out who they worked with.  Always check the relevant databases to see if they already have a record with Asist (even if they state they have not received a service from Asist). (see appendix 1 – protocol for checking Asist database)
  If you know of any risk associated with a service user you are working with you should insert a notice in CAPITAL LETTERS at the top of the notes in the database.  The most appropriate wording will usually be: *ONLY MAKE JOINT HOME VISITS*.  However there may be other important information such as a warning about dogs in the house or the person preferring to work only with women, which should also be inserted here.  Also make a note of the date when the entry has been added.
Remember that service users have a right to look at their records at any time – you need to be able to justify anything that you add to the database.

Home visits

On Initial Contact:

If possible make the visit somewhere mutually acceptable and preferably where other people are available.  (For example: community centre, café, day centre, etc.)
If it is considered that it is appropriate for a home visit to take place, due consideration should be given to the health and safety of both the partner and the advocate.

  To protect the health and safety of the partner, Asist workers should wear their Asist identity badge.

  To protect the health and safety of Asist workers, consideration should be given to the following procedures:

·         In all cases of self-referral an initial visit should preferably take place in a public place or, if this is not possible, it should be made by two workers.

·         Anyone who is referred by a non-professional, i.e. family, friends, partners, should be treated in the same way as a self-referral.

·         Professional referrers should be asked whether there is any history or risk of violence linked to the service user.

·         Someone should be informed of where the Asist worker is going and when they are expected to have completed their visit.  All staff diaries should contain details of any meetings - including the service user's name and first line of their address. 

·         When advocates are visiting hospitals or residential care settings they should follow that organisations policies and guidance on communicable diseases.

·         Whilst working in the community advocates should exercise particular caution when working with people who may be at risk of communicable diseases.  Where applicable advocates should use the anti-bacterial gel provided by Asist

·         A 'Buddy System' is available to all Asist workers undertaking visits out of the office; if you wish to use this system you should contact either the manager or your nearest office work colleague to arrange the details.  A 'Buddy System' form should always be completed. (appendix 2) This form will include the full name, address and telephone number of the person being visited, expected start and finish times for the visit, your mobile phone number and your home contact details.  If you do not wish to use this system then you must complete an opt-out form outlining your alternative arrangements. (appendix 3)

·         Any instance of abuse or harassment should be reported to the managers of Asist and be recorded.

·         An Asist worker is not required to enter into any situation where they feel at risk.  If an Asist worker decides that they feel themselves to be at risk in a particular situation, they must report it to their co-ordinator/manager.

Visits to staffed units

• When visiting any staffed units (i.e. hospitals, day centres) always request information about safety protocols for the unit you are visiting. 
• You should ask a member of staff if there are any specific risks attached to working with the person you are visiting.
• Where possible wear a personal alarm, either issued by the hospital or by Asist.

  Once a partnership is established the following strategies should be employed to minimise risk:

·         Even when a partnership is established workers should remain vigilant - no matter how long the partnership has lasted.

·         You should choose (by agreement with your partner) appropriate settings for meetings that ensure your safety as well as the comfort of your partner.  If you are at all uneasy regarding safety ensure that you meet in semi-public or public environments.

·         Try to ensure that you have easy access to an unlocked exit at all times.  (For example, take the seat nearest the door.)

·         If they are causing you concern, ask that any dogs (except for guide dogs) be removed to another room.

·         Record and report any indication of your partner having had a history of violent or abusive behaviour.

·         Record and report any perceived threat of violent behaviour.

·         Stay aware of your own feeling and reactions.

·         Be aware of drugs or alcohol your partner may be taking.

·         Remove yourself rapidly if it becomes obvious that your partner is becoming aggressive or threatening.

·         Obtain support after any situation in which you feel threatened.

·         Where possible carry a personal alarm or mobile phone (or both).

·         Do not give out your personal address or telephone number.

At an Asist office

·         If you are alone at any of the Asist offices do not invite in any unexpected visitors.  Find out their business and arrange an appointment for them to visit when you know other people will be available.

·         Where there is a security chain fitted to the door, always use it when you are on your own in the office.

·         If you are physically threatened in any way contact the police immediately.

Giving Car Lifts to Advocacy Partners

·       Advocates should not use their own cars to transport advocate partners. There may be times when advocacy partners ask advocates for lifts in their cars. If this happens advocates should inform their partners that Asist now has a policy of advocates not using their cars to transport partners. There are several reasons for this and essentially it boils down to issues of risk, consistency of expectations and independence. By using their cars to transport people advocates may well be raising expectations from users and purchasers that this is a routine service we offer, and thus is something that all partners (and purchasers) can expect from their advocate at any time. Clearly, transport is not a role of advocates and may well raise risk issues which we would not know about on referral. However there is nothing to stop advocates offering to share public transport with partners if individuals feel unsure of using transport independently, and indeed this may well help partners gain confidence on subsequent occasions.