Safeguarding Policy

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

1. Protection — Protecting children and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and neglect
2. Prevention — Preventing harm through safe recruitment and working practices
3. Awareness — Ensuring all staff can recognise signs of abuse and know how to respond
4. Reporting — Providing clear procedures for reporting concerns
5. Partnership — Working with statutory agencies and clients to safeguard vulnerable people
6. Accountability — Taking all concerns seriously and responding appropriately
7. Continuous Improvement — Regularly reviewing and improving our safeguarding practices

Definitions

Children

A child is anyone under the age of 18.

Vulnerable Adults

A vulnerable adult (also referred to as an “adult at risk”) is a person aged 18 or over who:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are being met)
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
• As a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect

Vulnerability Indicators

Vulnerability may arise from:

• Age (elderly)
• Physical disability or illness
• Mental health conditions
• Learning disabilities
• Sensory impairment
• Dementia or cognitive impairment
• Substance misuse
• Social isolation
• Domestic abuse
• Financial difficulties
• Homelessness or housing insecurity

Types of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms. Our staff must be able to recognise the signs.

Physical Abuse

Physical harm including hitting, slapping, pushing, burning, restraint, or misuse of medication.

Signs may include:

• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Burns or scalds
• Injuries in unusual locations
• Fear of physical contact
• Flinching or cowering
• Inconsistent explanations for injuries

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Persistent emotional ill-treatment causing severe adverse effects on emotional development or wellbeing.

Signs may include:

• Low self-esteem or confidence
• Withdrawal or fearfulness
• Anxiety or depression
• Aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
• Sleep disturbances
• Self-harm

Sexual Abuse

Forcing or enticing someone to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what is happening.

Signs may include:

• Unexplained changes in behaviour
• Fear of specific people or places
• Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge
• Physical symptoms in genital areas
• Reluctance to undress
• Self-harm or eating disorders

Neglect

Persistent failure to meet basic physical or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of health or development.

Signs may include:

• Poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Untreated medical conditions
• Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
• Being left alone or unsupervised
• Lack of heating or utilities

Financial Abuse

Theft, fraud, exploitation, or pressure in connection with money, property, or possessions.

Signs may include:

• Unexplained lack of money
• Missing belongings or property
• Sudden changes to wills or financial documents
• Unpaid bills despite adequate income
• Someone else controlling finances
• Unusual bank account activity

Discriminatory Abuse

Abuse based on protected characteristics including race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.

Signs may include:

• Verbal abuse or harassment
• Exclusion or isolation
• Unequal treatment
• Hate crime or incidents
• Denial of services

Organisational Abuse

Neglect or poor practice within an organisation, including care settings.

Signs may include:

• Rigid routines not based on individual needs
• Lack of privacy or dignity
• Inadequate staffing or training
• Poor record keeping
• Lack of person-centred care

Domestic Abuse

Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members.

Signs may include:

• Physical injuries
• Fearfulness or anxiety around partner
• Controlling behaviour by partner
• Isolation from friends and family
• Financial control

Modern Slavery

Human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude, or sexual exploitation.

Signs may include:

• Signs of physical abuse or neglect
• Appearing malnourished or unkempt
• Living in overcrowded accommodation
• Not being allowed to speak for themselves
• Fear of authorities
• Having no personal possessions or ID

Self-Neglect

Neglecting to care for one’s own personal hygiene, health, or surroundings.

Signs may include:

• Very poor personal hygiene
• Hoarding or squalid living conditions
• Untreated medical conditions
• Refusing necessary support
• Malnutrition or dehydration

Legal Framework

Our safeguarding responsibilities are underpinned by legislation:

Legislation	Relevance
Children Act 1989 & 2004	Duties to safeguard and promote children’s welfare
Care Act 2014	Duties to safeguard adults at risk
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006	DBS checks and barred lists
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012	DBS regime and regulated activity
Mental Capacity Act 2005	Decision-making for those lacking capacity
Human Rights Act 1998	Right to life, freedom from torture, right to private life
Equality Act 2010	Protection from discrimination
Modern Slavery Act 2015	Protection from trafficking and exploitation
Domestic Abuse Act 2021	Protection for victims of domestic abuse

Our Responsibilities

As a Service Provider

Although we are not a care provider, our work takes us into homes where vulnerable people live. We have a responsibility to:

• Recognise signs of abuse or neglect
• Report concerns to appropriate parties
• Not ignore or dismiss concerns
• Work with clients and agencies to protect vulnerable people
• Maintain safe working practices

What We Are Not

We are not:

• Investigators of abuse
• Social workers or care professionals
• Responsible for ongoing welfare of residents

Our role is to recognise, respond, and report concerns to those with statutory responsibility.

Safe Recruitment

We ensure that people who work for us are suitable to work with vulnerable individuals.

Pre-Employment Checks

Before employment, we conduct:

Check	Purpose
Identity verification	Confirm identity using original documents
Right to work	Confirm legal right to work in UK
References	Verify employment history and character
Qualifications	Verify relevant qualifications
DBS check	Criminal record check at appropriate level
Barred list check	Confirm not barred from working with vulnerable groups
Driving licence	For roles requiring driving

DBS Checks

We conduct Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on:

• All employees who enter residents’ homes
• All employees who may have contact with vulnerable people
• Subcontractors and agency workers who work on our behalf

Level of check:

Role	DBS Level
Employees entering residential properties	Enhanced DBS
Supervisors and managers	Enhanced DBS
Office-based staff with no property access	Basic DBS
Subcontractors entering properties	Enhanced DBS (verified)

DBS Renewal

DBS checks are renewed every three years, or more frequently if:

• Required by our clients
• There is reason to believe circumstances have changed
• Required by regulation

Ongoing Monitoring

We also monitor suitability through:

• Supervision and management oversight
• Performance reviews
• Requirement to disclose new convictions
• Responding to concerns raised

Subcontractor Verification

Before subcontractors work on our behalf:

• We verify their DBS status
• We confirm their safeguarding policy
• We include safeguarding requirements in contracts
• We reserve the right to audit compliance

Training

All staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

Training Programme

Training	Audience	Frequency
Safeguarding awareness	All employees	Induction
Safeguarding refresher	All employees	Annual
Recognising abuse	Operatives entering homes	Induction + annual
Reporting procedures	All employees	Induction + annual
Mental capacity awareness	Operatives entering homes	As required
Modern slavery awareness	All employees	Induction
Domestic abuse awareness	Operatives entering homes	As required

Training Content

Training covers:

• What safeguarding means
• Types of abuse and how to recognise them
• Indicators of vulnerability
• How to respond to disclosures
• Reporting procedures
• Professional boundaries
• Record keeping
• Confidentiality

Training Records

Training completion is recorded and monitored. Employees cannot work unsupervised in residential properties until safeguarding training is complete.

Safe Working Practices

We maintain safe working practices to protect both vulnerable individuals and our staff.

Before Visiting Properties

• Check for vulnerability flags on job records
• Review any specific instructions or requirements
• Ensure appropriate DBS clearance
• Plan for any additional support needed

At the Property

You must:

• Always carry and display your ID badge
• Introduce yourself and explain why you are there
• Respect the person’s home and privacy
• Explain what work you will do and where
• Ask permission before entering rooms
• Be patient and communicate clearly
• Respect dignity and independence
• Leave contact information for follow-up

You must not:

• Enter without proper authorisation
• Accept gifts or money from vulnerable residents
• Accept changes to scope of work without authorisation
• Make promises you cannot keep
• Share personal contact details
• Engage in personal relationships with residents
• Take photographs of residents
• Discuss residents with others inappropriately

Working Alone

When working alone with vulnerable individuals:

• Follow lone working procedures
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times
• Keep doors open where appropriate
• Do not put yourself in compromising situations
• Report any concerns immediately

Two-Person Visits

We may require two-person visits where:

• There is a known safeguarding concern
• The resident has challenging behaviour
• Required by our client
• For staff safety

Professional Boundaries

Maintaining professional boundaries protects both vulnerable individuals and our staff.

Appropriate Behaviour

• Be friendly but professional
• Maintain appropriate physical distance
• Use appropriate language
• Respect privacy and dignity
• Focus on the work task

Inappropriate Behaviour

The following are not acceptable:

• Forming personal relationships with residents
• Sharing personal contact information
• Visiting properties off-duty
• Accepting significant gifts or bequests
• Lending or borrowing money
• Making promises about future visits
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Discussing personal matters inappropriately
• Taking photographs without consent

Gifts

If a resident offers a gift:

• Politely decline
• Explain company policy
• If the resident insists on a modest gift (e.g., cup of tea), use judgement
• Report any significant gifts or repeated offers
• Never accept cash

Recognising Concerns

Our staff should be alert to signs that someone may be at risk.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing
• Malnutrition or dehydration
• Untreated medical conditions
• Signs of self-harm

Environmental Signs

• Property in very poor condition
• Lack of heating, lighting, or utilities
• Hoarding or unsanitary conditions
• No food in the property
• Signs of infestation

Behavioural Signs

• Fear, anxiety, or withdrawal
• Reluctance to let you into certain rooms
• Unusual behaviour from others present
• Signs of controlling behaviour by others
• Confusion or disorientation

Financial Signs

• Unpaid bills or lack of essentials
• Someone else controlling money
• Pressure to change financial arrangements
• Missing belongings

What You Might Be Told

A resident may disclose abuse to you. They may:

• Tell you directly about abuse
• Hint at problems or “drop clues”
• Ask hypothetical questions
• Show you evidence

Responding to Concerns

If Someone Discloses Abuse

Do:

• Listen carefully and take it seriously
• Stay calm and reassuring
• Allow them to speak at their own pace
• Tell them they are right to tell you
• Explain you will need to share the information
• Make a note of what they said as soon as possible
• Report immediately using our procedures

Don’t:

• Promise to keep it secret
• Ask leading questions
• Investigate or ask for details
• Make judgements about the alleged abuser
• Confront the alleged abuser
• Delay reporting

If You Observe Concerns

If you observe signs of abuse or neglect:

1. Do not ignore it
2. Make a mental note of what you observed
3. Complete the work safely if possible
4. Report your concerns immediately
5. Make a written record as soon as possible

In an Emergency

If someone is in immediate danger:

1. Call 999
2. Take reasonable steps to ensure safety
3. Do not put yourself at risk
4. Inform your manager immediately
5. Follow up with a written report

Reporting Procedures

All safeguarding concerns must be reported.

Internal Reporting

Step 1: Report immediately

Contact your line manager or the Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Designated Safeguarding Lead Name: [Name] Phone: [Phone number] Email: safeguarding@allservices4u.co.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Name: [Name] Phone: [Phone number]

If neither is available, contact any senior manager.

Step 2: Complete a written report

Complete a Safeguarding Concern Form as soon as possible, including:

• Your name and contact details
• Date, time, and location
• Name and address of the person at risk
• What you saw, heard, or were told (use their words)
• Any visible injuries or signs
• Names of any others present
• Any action you took
• Any other relevant information

Step 3: Submit the report

Email to: safeguarding@allservices4u.co.uk

Or hand to your manager in a sealed envelope marked “Confidential — Safeguarding”

External Reporting

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will decide whether to refer to external agencies.

We will report to:

Concern	Report To
Child at risk	Local Authority Children’s Services
Adult at risk	Local Authority Adult Social Care
Crime in progress or immediate danger	Police (999)
Crime (not immediate)	Police (101)
Modern slavery	Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700)
Domestic abuse	National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247)

We will also inform:

• Our client (property manager, housing association, landlord)
• Other relevant agencies as appropriate

Client Notification

We will notify our client of safeguarding concerns as they may have:

• Additional information about the individual
• Existing safeguarding arrangements
• Responsibilities for ongoing welfare
• Obligations to report to their own authorities

Confidentiality

Safeguarding information is confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis. However, confidentiality must never prevent reporting concerns about abuse or neglect.

Record Keeping

Accurate records are essential for safeguarding.

What to Record

• Date, time, and location of concern
• Name and address of person at risk
• What was observed, heard, or disclosed
• Exact words used (where possible)
• Your actions and who you reported to
• Any witnesses
• Outcome and follow-up

How to Record

• Write clearly and factually
• Record facts, not opinions
• Use the person’s own words where possible
• Do not include unnecessary personal opinions
• Sign and date the record
• Keep records secure and confidential

Retention

Safeguarding records are retained for:

• 6 years from the date of the concern, or
• Until the individual reaches age 25 (if a child), or
• Longer if required for legal proceedings

Records are stored securely with restricted access.

Mental Capacity

Some adults may lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Act establishes:

1. Presumption of capacity — Assume people have capacity unless established otherwise
2. Support to make decisions — Help people make their own decisions where possible
3. Unwise decisions — People have the right to make unwise decisions
4. Best interests — Decisions made for those lacking capacity must be in their best interests
5. Least restrictive option — Choose the option that restricts rights and freedom least

Our Approach

• We assume residents have capacity to make decisions about our work
• We explain work clearly and check understanding
• We respect decisions, even if we disagree
• If we have concerns about capacity, we report to our client
• We do not make capacity assessments (that is for professionals)

Concerns About Capacity

If you are concerned someone cannot:

• Understand information about the work
• Retain information long enough to make a decision
• Weigh up the information
• Communicate their decision

Report this to your manager. We will liaise with the client about how to proceed.

Information Sharing

Sharing information appropriately is essential for safeguarding.

When to Share

We will share information when:

• There is a safeguarding concern
• Sharing is necessary to protect someone from harm
• Required by law or regulation
• With consent of the individual (where appropriate)

What to Share

Share only information that is:

• Necessary for the purpose
• Accurate and up to date
• Shared with appropriate people
• Recorded appropriately

Who We Share With

We may share safeguarding information with:

• Local Authority (Children’s Services or Adult Social Care)
• Police
• Our client (property manager, housing association, landlord)
• Health services
• Other agencies with a legitimate need to know

Confidentiality

• Information is shared on a need-to-know basis
• We follow data protection requirements
• Confidentiality does not prevent safeguarding referrals
• We record what information was shared and with whom

Allegations Against Staff

We take allegations against our staff seriously.

If an Allegation is Made

If a child or vulnerable adult makes an allegation against one of our employees or subcontractors:

1. Take it seriously
2. Do not investigate yourself
3. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
4. Preserve any evidence
5. Maintain confidentiality

Our Response

We will:

• Report to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations involving children
• Report to Adult Social Care for allegations involving adults
• Report to the police if a crime may have been committed
• Suspend the individual pending investigation if appropriate
• Cooperate fully with any investigation
• Take appropriate action based on the outcome

Support

We will provide support to:

• The person making the allegation
• The person subject to the allegation (while maintaining appropriate boundaries)
• Other affected individuals

Roles and Responsibilities

Board of Directors

• Overall accountability for safeguarding
• Ensuring adequate resources and policies
• Receiving regular safeguarding reports
• Setting the tone from the top

Managing Director

• Leadership commitment to safeguarding
• Appointing Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Ensuring policy implementation
• Reviewing serious concerns

Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Day-to-day responsibility for safeguarding
• Receiving and assessing concerns
• Making referrals to external agencies
• Liaising with clients and authorities
• Maintaining safeguarding records
• Coordinating training
• Reporting to senior management
• Reviewing and updating policy

Managers

• Ensuring team awareness of safeguarding
• Receiving and escalating concerns
• Supporting staff involved in safeguarding matters
• Ensuring safe working practices
• Monitoring DBS compliance

All Employees

• Completing safeguarding training
• Being alert to signs of abuse
• Reporting all concerns
• Maintaining professional boundaries
• Following safe working practices
• Keeping accurate records

Working with Clients

We work in partnership with our clients on safeguarding.

Client Responsibilities

Our clients (property managers, housing associations, landlords) typically have:

• Overall responsibility for residents’ welfare
• Their own safeguarding policies and procedures
• Obligations to report to regulatory bodies
• Relationships with local authorities

Our Responsibilities

We will:

• Follow our own safeguarding procedures
• Report concerns to clients promptly
• Share relevant information appropriately
• Cooperate with client investigations
• Follow client-specific procedures where required
• Attend safeguarding meetings if requested

Information from Clients

Clients should inform us of:

• Known vulnerability factors
• Existing safeguarding concerns
• Specific procedures to follow
• Preferred contact methods for residents
• Any restrictions on access or work

We will record this information securely and share with relevant staff.

Monitoring and Review

We monitor and review our safeguarding arrangements.

Monitoring

• Number of safeguarding concerns reported
• Nature and outcomes of concerns
• Training completion rates
• DBS compliance rates
• Allegations against staff
• Feedback from clients and agencies

Reporting

The Designated Safeguarding Lead reports to senior management:

• Quarterly: Summary of safeguarding activity
• Annually: Full safeguarding report
• Immediately: Serious concerns or allegations

Review

This policy is reviewed:

• Annually as a minimum
• Following any serious incident
• Following changes in legislation or guidance
• Following feedback from audits or inspections

Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Code of Conduct
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Data Protection Policy
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Lone Working Policy
• Recruitment Policy

Useful Contacts

Internal

Designated Safeguarding Lead Name: [Name] Phone: [Phone number] Email: safeguarding@allservices4u.co.uk

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Name: [Name] Phone: [Phone number]

External — Emergency

Service	Contact
Police/Ambulance/Fire (emergency)	999
Police (non-emergency)	101

External — Safeguarding

Service	Contact
Local Authority Children’s Services	[Local number]
Local Authority Adult Social Care	[Local number]
NSPCC Helpline	0808 800 5000
Childline	0800 1111
Action on Elder Abuse	080 8808 8141
Hourglass (elder abuse)	0808 808 8141

External — Specialist

Service	Contact
Modern Slavery Helpline	08000 121 700
National Domestic Abuse Helpline	0808 2000 247
Samaritans	116 123
Mind	0300 123 3393
Age UK	0800 678 1602
Mencap	0808 808 1111

Approval

This Safeguarding Policy has been approved by the Board of Directors and applies to everyone working for or on behalf of All Services 4U.

Review Date: [Date + 1 year]

Quick Reference

Remember

✓ Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
✓ If in doubt, report it
✓ Listen, believe, and reassure
✓ Record accurately and promptly
✓ Maintain confidentiality appropriately
✓ Never promise to keep secrets
✓ Don’t investigate — that’s not your role

Report To

1. Your line manager, OR
2. Designated Safeguarding Lead, OR
3. Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Emergency: Call 999

Signs to Look For

• Unexplained injuries
• Poor hygiene or living conditions
• Fear or withdrawal
• Controlling behaviour by others
• Financial concerns
• Disclosures or hints about problems

All Services 4U is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Everyone has a responsibility to protect those at risk. If you have concerns, report them.