Welcome to this latest edition of the Knowsley Adult Social Care Adult Policies, Procedures and Practice (APPP) Portal.

This section provides a summary of how to use this APPP Portal, and its main features.

Contents

Finding your way around this Resource

This site is structured into different sections. On the front page there are a number of buttons:

  • ASC Procedures – which contains the policies, procedures and practice guidance for Knowsley Adult Social Care;
  • Safeguarding – which has links to local safeguarding information for both children and adults  and to the Knowsley Safeguarding Adults Board website;
  • Mental Capacity – this section contains easily accessible links to mental capacity and deprivation of liberty information in this APPP Portal;
  • Knowsley Residents – the information in this site has been written for adult social care staff, but local residents are very welcome to access the information. There is explanation about the site and some useful links for them;
  • Useful Links – which has links to the most commonly used local and national web pages for Knowsley staff;

When you are in the ASC Procedures section, there are a number of tabs on the left side of the screen when viewed on larger screens or by clicking on the lined box in the top right corner on smaller screens (such as phones or tablets). The sections within these tabs can be  viewed by clicking on the arrows.

  • Using this APPP Portal (this page) which gives information about using this site.
  • CQC which gives information about the Care Quality Commission Single Assessment Framework and supporting documentation.
  • Contents contains the policies, procedures and practice guidance chapters. These are divided into sections which can be viewed by clicking on the arrow on the right of ‘Contents’ or if you click on the word ‘Contents’ all of the chapters and sections will be displayed.
  • Resources provides a range of relevant supporting information (see also below). The different sections can also be viewed by clicking on the arrow on the right of ‘Resources’.
  • Contact contains a link to the Liverpool City Region Live Well Directory for contact details of local teams, services and partner organisations.

Accessibility Options

This portal has a number of different options to aid online reading. Using the ‘Accessibility’ drop-down menu on the left-side of the screen, you can change to green, blue or pink backgrounds, yellow text on a black background or you can return to the default setting.You can also resize the website by pressing CTRL and + together to make the site larger, you can keep pressing this to increase the zoom level. Pressing CTRL and – together makes the site smaller. This is a feature built into your web browser, known as in-browser zooming, and so depending on the browser you’re using the controls may be different.

In addition, the site is designed to be accessible for users of text only and screen reader software programs which allow blind or visually impaired users to read the text that is displayed on the computer screen with a speech synthesizer or braille display. Our content is consistently structured, including headings, which makes using the software on our site easier. Also, when viewed through screen reader software, every page has a ‘Skip to main content’ link which allows software users to go straight to the main content of that page instead of receiving the full navigation options every time. Please share this information with blind or visually impaired colleagues.

To view the content in a language other than English, use the ‘select language’ drop-down menu on the left-side of the screen and select the language you require. Translations on the Knowsley Portal are provided using Google Translate. Google Translate is a free translation service that provides instant translations between different languages. However, Google Translate may not provide an exact translation from English to the required language. Also, it cannot translate all types of documents. Policy Partners Project Ltd and Knowsley Council cannot, therefore, guarantee the accuracy of the translation and are not responsible for the content. However, this service may be useful when working with people who do not have English as their first language, but please bear these points in mind when using translated information.

Using the APPP Portal on Mobile Phones and Tablets

This resource works well on internet enabled mobile phones and tablets by typing in the weblink in the internet address bar. When used on a mobile phone, the website will immediately convert into a mobile phone friendly version, where the tabs sit behind the Menu button. If it does not work straightaway, tap on the refresh circle in the address bar.

If your phone or tablet has a reader option (it may be an ‘R’ or say ‘Reader’ in the address bar, you may have to install it), tap on it and it will convert the text into a more easy to read version for phones or tablets.

Adding Shortcuts to the APPP
You can easily access the APPP by installing a shortcut on your device, which will directly open up your internet browser to the APPP site. You can do so using the following methods:
  • on desktop / laptops: go to the homepage of the APPP portal website in your internet browser, then bookmark it using your browser’s bookmark feature. You can also highlight the url: https://www.knowsleyappp.co.uk/ and drag it onto the desktop of your device.
  • on smartphones / tablets: open the APPP portal website in your internet browser, and do the following:
    • on Android devices – click the three dots, and select ‘add to home screen’.
    • on iOS / Apple devices – click the share icon Apple share icon, scroll down the page and select ‘add to home screen’.

Resources

The Resources section contains a number of links and documents to supplement the information in chapters. It includes

For ease of use, if you can open the resource in two tabs next to each other you can click on the Resources section to consult related resources without leaving the chapter you are reading.

ePractice

Some key chapters in this KAPPP site have epractice questions at the end, which help you test your understanding of the subject and provide evidence for your continuing professional development. Click here to find the full list of ePractice chapters.

At the top of the questions are some fields about who you are (name, job title, service name and email address) as well as where to send your results. It also asks for your manager’s email address.

The questions are straightforward to answer. Some will only allow for a single choice of answer, for example true or false, and others have check-boxes which allow you to tick as many as you feel apply.

Once you reach the end just click on the blue’ Submit’ button to send in your answers. All questions must be answered before you can do this. You will automatically be taken to a detailed results page, showing you how you did and explaining the answers further. You’ll also receive a copy of those results via email, as well as a certificate of completion should you pass. Your manager will also be notified of your results.

Quick Reads and Audio Summaries

Some chapters have summaries (Quick Reads) and Audios which provide key information for staff who do not need to know the full detail of the chapter. They can be found at the top of the relevant chapter. A full list can be found in Quick Reads and Audios, in Resources.

Reading Confirmation

This form enables staff in Knowsley Adult Social Care to confirm they have read specific chapters in this APPP. This is useful for newly employed staff as part of their induction, supervision, CPD and for team discussions for example.

When you complete and submit the form, it is stored in a secure database accessed only by Knowsley Adult Social Care managers.

Chapter Feedback

You can provide feedback on whether you found this site useful by using the ‘was this helpful’ tool at the bottom of each page. If you found the content useful, select the ‘yes / thumbs up’ image, or if it was not helpful, you can select ‘no / thumbs down’. You will be given the option to provide additional feedback / comment. Any feedback you provide is anonymous.

CQC We and I Statements

At the top of relevant chapters, we have added We and I statements from the CQC Assessment Framework for local authorities.

We statements are included to help staff understand the service the CQC expects a good local authority to provide. They contain the commitments that local authorities should live up to in order to deliver truly person-centred care and support.

The I statements are taken from the Think Local, Act Person Making it Real Framework which was developed with adults using services to capture what good, person-centred care looks like to them. The I statements will help staff understand what a good experience of care looks and feels like from the perspective of an adult who is in contact with the local authority.

Amendments

With each revised edition of your APPP Portal, we indicate which chapters are new or have been updated. This information will be available in the table below and at the top of each chapter.

7 March 2024

Section Summary
Practice Guidance Alcohol and Other Drugs: Essential Information for Social Workers published by BASW, has been added.
Local Policies, Procedures and Practices A link to Knowsley Adult Social Care Operational Guidance has been added.
Care and Support Statutory Guidance The Ordinary Residence chapter has been updated to reflect the Worcestershire judgment.

17 January 2024

Section Summary
Google Translate Google Translate has been added to this site. There is information about it in the Accessibility section of this page.

11 January 2024

Section Summary
Practice Guidance Knowsley’s Dementia and Domestic Abuse Toolkit has been added.

30 November 2023

Section Summary
Local Policies, Procedures and Practices Knowsley Ordinary Residence Policy has been added.

20 November 2023

Chapter Summary
Knowsley Advocacy Services New information has  been added about Knowsley Advocacy Services, including a leaflet for clients, information for professionals and a referral form.

15 November 2023

Section Summary
Domestic Abuse, Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management ProcessPrisons, Approved Premises and Bail Accommodation chapters and Practice Guidance section A link has been added in these chapters / section to Knowsley Risk Management Arrangements.

10 October 2023

Section / Chapter Summary
Mental Capacity section and Mental Capacity and Code of Practice chapter A link has been added to Knowsley Legal Guidance – Capacity Assessment – Relevant Information.

9 October 2023

Section Detail
Local Policies, Procedures and Practices A link to the Knowsley Council Transport Support Policy has been added. The policy sets out the council’s approach to providing travel support for children, young
people (including those aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and adults.
Independent Advocacy

and Independent Mental Capacity Advocate

Contact details for advocacy referrals have been updated; see

Knowsley Advocacy Hub | n-compass

29 September 2023

Section Detail
Practice Guidance Managing and Allocating Cases across the Complexity Continuum: Practice Guidance has been added to this section.

20 September 2023

Chapter Detail
Section 117 Aftercare This chapter has been amended throughout and should be reread.
Advance Care Planning A new section 1, Advance Care Planning, has been added to reflect guidance contained in ‘Universal principles for advance care planning’ which was published in response to the Care Quality Commission report ‘Protect, Connect, Respect – decisions about living and dying well’.
Independent Advocacy A link has been added in Section 10.2, Relevant information to Advocacy Services for Adults with Health and Social Care Needs, published by NICE.
Independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service A link has been added in Section 9.2, Relevant information to Advocacy Services for Adults with Health and Social Care Needs, published by NICE.
Involving People who Use Services / Co-production A link has been added in Section 4.2, Relevant information to Am I Invisible? Using Co-production to Advocate Change in Social Care, published by SCIE.
Mental Capacity and Code of Practice A link has been added in Section 8.2, Relevant information to Fluctuating Capacity in Context published by 39 Essex Chambers.
Adult Safeguarding A link has been added in Section 11.2, Relevant information to Using the Inherent Jurisdiction in relation to Adults (39 Essex Chambers) and What Constitutes a Safeguarding Concern and how to Carry out an Enquiry (LGA).
Disclosure and Barring A link has been added in Section 5.1, Relevant information to DBS Checks for Adult Social Care Roles published by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Working with Autistic Adults A link has been added in Section 8.2, Relevant information to Case Studies about Improving Support for People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People published by the LGA.
Homelessness A link has been added in Section 5.2, Other useful resources to Care and Support and Homelessness: Top Tips on the Role of Adult Social Care published by the LGA.
Care Act 2014 A link has been added in Section 3, Relevant Information to Care Act: Legal Duties and Impact on Individuals published by SCIE.
Safeguarding Procedures for Responding in Individual Cases A link has been added in Section 14.2, Relevant information to Gaining Access to an Adult Suspected to be at Risk of Neglect or Abuse published by SCIE.
New chapter Detail
Providing Culturally Appropriate Care This chapter outlines what culturally appropriate care is and how it can inform social work practice.

22 August 2023

Chapter Detail
Local Strategies and Plans The Knowsley Council Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement 2022-2025 has been added to this section

4 August 2023

Chapter Detail
Interpreter Process Adult Social Care This outlines the process in Knowsley Adult Social Care for using interpretation, translation and transcription services.

14 April 2023

Chapter Detail
Mental Capacity and Code of Practice A new Section 4.3, Causative nexus has been added.
Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty This chapter has been updated throughout and should be reread.

Date of Next Portal Revision

This Portal is updated as and when required. Email notifications are sent to staff, to inform them of changes.

Search

On the home screen, type in the word or phrase you are looking for in the ‘Search’ facility and press ‘Enter’. It will bring up a list of all the chapters where it appears. Click on the one you want. The word / phrase will remain highlighted in the chapter. If you want to narrow the focus of your search use inverted commas or speech marks ” around the word, for example “safeguarding”.

If you want to search for specific text within a chapter or a pdf document, you can also press ‘Ctrl’ and ‘f’ together. A box will appear in the top right of your screen. Type in the word / phrase you want to find and press ‘Enter’. The number of times it appears in the chapter will be displayed next to your word. Use the up and down arrows next to it to find all the references.

Print

This resource has been designed to be used online. If you print a chapter, for example to take to a meeting, please note it is valid for 72 hours only from the date it was printed. Whilst APPP resources are usually updated every six months, there may be occasions when they are updated urgently as a result of a Safeguarding Adults Review or inspection recommendation, so it is important to be sure that you are using the most recent copy. This is why we recommend that if you have to print a chapter, you no longer refer to it after that time.

Please remember that the resource can be also accessed on mobile phones and tablets (see Using the APPP Resource on Mobile Phones and Tablets).

Copyright

The chapter content in this resource can be accessed, downloaded and printed unchanged, on a temporary basis. Any content printed or downloaded may not be sold, licensed, transferred, copied or reproduced in part or in whole in any manner or format without the prior written permission of Policy Partners Project Ltd.

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