Inspection of Arrangements for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA)

In December 2009, Torfaen’s arrangements for adult protection were inspected by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW).

Torfaen’s inspection was part of a national inspection of POVA arrangements across Wales – all 22 councils were inspected.

Inspectors were impressed by Torfaen’s arrangement for spreading the workload evenly among designated senior officers and holding regular discussion groups where specialist knowledge and practice wisdom is shared.

During the inspection, CSSIW:

• looked at the effectiveness of the response to allegations of abuse
• evaluated the extent to which policies and procedures to promote protection are working well, and
• considered the strength of the leadership and priority given by local authorities with their partners to preventing abuse and responding effectively when it does occur.

The inspection included a specific focus on the experience of people living in care homes.

As part of the inspection process, CSSIW listened to the views and experiences of a wide selection of individuals and partners, including people who use social services and those who provide services.

In 2008-09, Torfaen received 4.92 referrals per thousand population (the highest in Wales) which demonstrates that awareness of adult protection issues in the borough is increasing.

For more information and a copy of the methodology which was used, please visit the CSSIW website.