Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 7-12-2024

At Connect and Care, safeguarding the well-being, dignity, and rights of all individuals is at the heart of our mission. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone we serve, particularly vulnerable adults and elderly individuals, ensuring that they are protected from harm, abuse, and neglect.

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the principles, responsibilities, and procedures that underpin our approach to safeguarding. It is designed to:

• Protect individuals receiving care from all forms of abuse and neglect.

• Promote their right to live free from harm and exploitation.

• Empower staff and stakeholders to recognize, report, and respond to safeguarding concerns.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff, volunteers, and contractors working with Connect and Care.

• Service users and their families.

• Any third parties or stakeholders engaging with our organization.

It covers all forms of abuse, including but not limited to:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Financial or material abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect or self-neglect

• Discriminatory abuse

• Domestic abuse

3. Principles

Our safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

• Empowerment: Supporting individuals to make informed decisions about their own safety and well-being.

• Prevention: Taking proactive steps to minimize risks and prevent abuse.

• Proportionality: Responding appropriately to the level of risk or harm identified.

• Protection: Taking swift action to protect those who are vulnerable or at risk.

• Partnership: Working collaboratively with families, communities, and safeguarding authorities.

• Accountability: Maintaining clear responsibilities and ensuring transparency in all safeguarding actions.

4. Responsibilities

Connect and Care Staff:

• Attend safeguarding training and understand their roles in preventing and responding to abuse.

• Identify signs of abuse or neglect and act on concerns immediately.

• Follow internal reporting procedures for all safeguarding concerns.

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):

• Act as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

• Oversee the investigation and resolution of safeguarding incidents.

• Ensure compliance with local safeguarding legislation and best practices.

Senior Management:

• Promote a culture of vigilance and accountability.

• Ensure all policies and procedures are up-to-date and effectively implemented.

5. Recognizing Abuse

Staff are trained to recognize signs of abuse, including:

• Unexplained injuries or changes in behavior.

• Financial irregularities or sudden lack of funds.

• Withdrawal, fear, or anxiety in service users.

• Neglected personal hygiene or unmet care needs.

6. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

1. Immediate Action: If abuse is suspected or disclosed, staff must act promptly to ensure the individual’s safety.

2. Reporting: Concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO).

3. Recording: All safeguarding concerns must be documented accurately and confidentially.

4. Referral: If necessary, concerns will be escalated to the local safeguarding authority or the police.

Emergency: In situations where immediate danger is present, staff must contact emergency services by dialing 999.

7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

• Safeguarding concerns will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

• Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

• Sharing information with relevant authorities is permitted to protect individuals from harm.

8. Safeguarding Training

All staff receive mandatory safeguarding training, including:

• How to recognize signs of abuse.

• Procedures for reporting concerns.

• Understanding legal and ethical safeguarding obligations.

9. Working with External Agencies

Connect and Care works closely with external safeguarding bodies, such as:

• Local safeguarding boards.

• Healthcare providers.

• Social services.

• Law enforcement agencies.

10. Review and Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever changes in safeguarding legislation occur. Regular audits will ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.

Contact Information

If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)
Connect and Care
Email: Administration: admin@connectandcare.co.uk

Human Resources: Hr@connectandcare.co.uk

Phone: Salisbury Office: 07305552665 Kent Office: 07722002616