Safeguarding
Safeguarding
In the UK, safeguarding means protecting peoples' health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.
In our sector, we understand it to mean protecting people, including children and at-risk adults from harm that arises from coming into contact with our colleagues'.
If you have a complaint or concern relating to safeguarding, you should report this to your Line Manager immediately. If you do not feel comfortable reporting it to your Line Manager (for example if you feel that the report will not be taken seriously, or if that person is implicated in the concern), you may report to any other appropriate manager.
The Company will follow up safeguarding reports and concerns according to policy and procedure, and legal and statutory obligations.
The Company will apply appropriate disciplinary measures to colleagues found in breach of policy.
This safeguarding page should be read alongside our other policies and procedures, including:
The six key principles form a core set of standards for anyone who has a responsibility for safeguarding both vulnerable adults and children. They aim to highlight every individual's wants and needs as a human being and are important across the board.
Your responsibility is to ensure that the individual feels empowered to make their own decisions and that they are not being forced to give consent.
It it sometimes possible to take action before harm has come to an individual. Prevention is the primary goal of safeguarding.
Partnership working is essential if you decide to report a safeguarding concern. You should also consider confidentiality and must never disclose sensitive information without first ensuring that it is going to the right person.
Safeguarding is designed to protect everyone from harm - it is everyone's responsibility to look out for the wellbeing of others.
Supporting these individuals in an appropriate manner can help to protect them from further harm.
When a safeguarding incident occurs, you should report your concerns in a manner that is appropriate for the risk presented. For example if you suspect that a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger and the matter is urgent, dial 999.
In the event of a disclosure, if someone entrusts you with information that you know could be indicative of abuse or maltreatment, you must be clear with the individual that you need to report what you have heard.