This paper offers a framework for managing abuse inquiries in social care. Drawing on experience of an inquiry into the physical abuse of people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours in a residential service, it reviews the likely demands on inquiries, offers observations about...

Although in recent years elder abuse has attracted considerable social and professional attention, it is still in the opinion of many a taboo subject. In this paper the author examines why this is the case and considers what has been learnt. In doing so he considers causation and predisposing...

The use of physical interventions in the management of aggressive and violent behaviour continues to divide opinion and practice. In learning disability services, it is acknowledged that any physical intervention must be non‐aversive and considered as part of an overall programme which...

Public Concern at Work is the UK's leading charitable organisation promoting accountability and good practice in the workplace. It does this by helping ensure concerns about serious malpractice are properly raised and addressed before the public interest is harmed. Here PCaW's field worker looks...

The characteristics and causes of adult abuse are under‐researched, so the opportunity to make recommendations for practice has been limited. Action to prevent or minimise abuse in care settings has to be informed by a reasoned view of causation if it is to be effective. This article describes...

This article explores a number of reported cases of whistleblowing. While this activity is encouraged and has been given certain legislative protection, the costs of whistleblowing evidently remain high. The article concludes that whistleblowing is unlikely to provide a stand‐alone protective...

Informed consent, confidentiality, disclosure, policy and the wider consequences of HIV testing are issues explored in this paper concerning a man with learning disabilities who tested positive for HIV. The events and outcomes are summarised, with lessons identified for policy and practice in...

This study used vignettes to examine the understanding and application of the concept of duty of care by health and social care staff working in learning disability services, and the relationship of this to promoting client choice. The study found that health care staff had a significantly...