Lesson 3 – Financial Exploitation, Neglect, Self-Neglect and Modern Slavery

3.1 Financial exploitation

Financial exploitation involves the improper use of another person’s:

• Money;
• Property;
• Benefits;
• Bank account;
• Rent;
• Deposit;
• Sale proceeds;
• Identification;
• Credit; or
• Financial authority.

3.2 Possible indicators of financial exploitation

Staff may notice:

• Sudden unexplained changes to payment instructions;
• Rent or sale proceeds redirected to an unrelated account;
• Someone pressuring a customer to sign;
• A customer who does not understand a transaction arranged in their name;
• Unexplained withdrawals or debts;
• A relative taking complete control of property matters;
• A representative refusing direct contact with the customer;
• Unusual gifts or transfers;
• Forged signatures;
• Missing identification documents;
• An unexplained change of representative; or
• A customer expressing fear about money.

An unusual transaction does not prove exploitation. It should prompt verification, accurate recording and appropriate escalation.

3.3 Neglect

Neglect may involve failing to provide necessary:

• Food;
• Heating;
• Medication;
• Hygiene;
• Personal care;
• Medical assistance;
• Safe accommodation; or
• Protection from harm.

During a property visit, possible indicators may include:

• A person left without heating despite available facilities;
• Serious untreated injuries;
• Lack of food;
• Unsafe living conditions;
• A dependent adult left without support;
• Medication apparently withheld;
• Severe hygiene problems; or
• Someone being confined to a room.

3.4 Self-neglect

Self-neglect may involve a person neglecting their:

• Personal hygiene;
• Health;
• Nutrition;
• Medication;
• Home environment; or
• Personal safety.

It can also include severe hoarding.

The Care and Support Statutory Guidance recognises self-neglect as covering a range of behaviour involving neglect of personal hygiene, health or surroundings.

3.5 Self-neglect and personal choice

An untidy or unconventional home does not automatically indicate self-neglect.

Staff should consider whether there appears to be:

• Serious risk to health or life;
• Fire risk;
• Blocked exits;
• Structural danger;
• Infestation;
• Inability to access essential rooms;
• Severe deterioration;
• Risk to neighbours;
• Repeated refusal of essential assistance; or
• Evidence that the person cannot protect themselves.

Employees should record what they observe rather than diagnosing the cause.

3.6 Modern slavery

Modern slavery can include:

• Slavery;
• Servitude;
• Forced or compulsory labour;
• Human trafficking;
• Sexual exploitation;
• Criminal exploitation; or
• Domestic servitude.

The Modern Slavery Act framework covers slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking for exploitation.

3.7 Possible property-related indicators

Property staff may notice:

• Many people living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions;
• Occupants appearing fearful or controlled;
• Someone else holding passports or identification;
• Occupants unable to speak privately;
• People being transported together to work;
• No apparent control over wages;
• Restricted movement;
• Locks preventing occupants from leaving;
• Mattresses filling every room;
• Very limited personal possessions;
• Evidence that occupants do not know the address;
• Another person collecting all rent or money;
• Signs of forced labour or domestic servitude; or
• Occupants appearing coached about what to say.

These indicators do not prove modern slavery. Employees should follow the reporting procedure and must not confront suspected exploiters.

3.8 Reporting modern slavery

Suspected modern slavery can be reported to:

• MyEstate’s designated safeguarding lead;
• The police on 101 where appropriate;
• The Modern Slavery Helpline; or
• Emergency services on 999 where there is immediate danger.

The National Crime Agency advises calling 999 in an emergency and otherwise reporting concerns through the police or Modern Slavery Helpline.

Lesson 3 key point

Employees should recognise indicators and report concerns. They should not decide for themselves whether exploitation has been legally proved.