Safeguarding Children and Adults Policy

1. Policy Purpose and Statement

The Home Care Hub is committed to ensuring that all children, young people, and vulnerable adults who receive care or come into contact with our services are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. Every individual, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, background, or identity, has the right to live free from abuse and to receive care in a safe, supportive environment.

2. Key Safeguarding Principles

This policy complies with relevant UK legislation, including the Care Act 2014, the Children Act 1989/2004, and national guidance (Working Together to Safeguard Children and Care and Support Statutory Guidance).

We adhere to the six core principles of Adult Safeguarding:

• Empowerment: Presumption of person-led decisions and informed consent.

• Prevention: Taking action before harm occurs.

• Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.

• Protection: Support and representation for those in greatest need.

• Partnership: Local solutions through services working with communities.

• Accountability: Transparency and responsibility in safeguarding practice.

3. Definitions and Indicators of Harm

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

A vulnerable adult is anyone aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, is experiencing (or at risk of) abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves as a result of those needs.

Safeguarding Children

A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. Safeguarding children involves protecting them from maltreatment, preventing impairment of health or development, and ensuring safe care.

Recognised Types of Harm & Abuse

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, improper restraint, or misuse of medication.

• Sexual Abuse & Exploitation: Non-consensual sexual contact, exposure, or pressure.

• Emotional / Psychological Abuse: Humiliation, threats, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, isolation, or coercive control.

• Financial or Material Exploitation: Theft, fraud, pressure around wills or property, or misuse of assets.

• Neglect & Acts of Omission: Failure to provide necessary food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or hygiene.

• Discriminatory Abuse: Harassment or ill-treatment based on protected characteristics.

• Organisational Abuse: Poor care practices across an entire care setting or service provider.

• Self-Neglect: Lack of self-care to an extent that threatens health and safety (applicable to adults).

4. Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, receiving incident reports, referring cases to local authority multi-agency safeguarding hubs (MASH), and keeping secure records.

• Care Personnel & Staff: Responsible for remaining vigilant, recognising signs of abuse, acting immediately to keep individuals safe, and reporting concerns promptly.

• Management Team: Ensures all staff undergo rigorous pre-employment vetting and continuous training.

5. Safe Recruitment & Vetting (DBS Checks)

To prevent unsuitable individuals from working with vulnerable groups, The Home Care Hub enforces strict safe recruitment standards:

• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, including barred list checks for both Children and Adults, prior to work placement.

• Verification of identity, full employment history, and explanation of any employment gaps.

• Minimum of two verified professional references.

• Verification of relevant qualifications and right-to-work status.

6. Reporting and Action Procedure

If staff, service users, or members of the public suspect abuse or neglect:

1. Immediate Safety: Ensure the individual is safe. If there is an immediate emergency or crime in progress, call 999.

2. Listen and Reassure: If a child or adult discloses abuse, listen calmly without passing judgment or promising absolute secrecy. Reassure them that they are doing the right thing.

3. Record details: Document facts, dates, times, and exact statements as soon as possible.

4. Notify the DSL: Report the concern to The Home Care Hub's Designated Safeguarding Lead within 24 hours (or immediately for high-risk concerns).

5. External Referral: The DSL will refer concerns to the relevant Local Authority Adult Social Care Services, Children's Social Care, or MASH team within statutory timeframes.

7. Whistleblowing & Confidentiality

Confidentiality: Safeguarding information is shared strictly on a "need-to-know" basis. Information will be shared with external statutory agencies (Social Services/Police) to protect individuals from harm, in compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection laws.

Whistleblowing: Staff are protected when raising genuine concerns regarding unsafe practices, poor care, or potential abuse within the organisation. Reports can be made directly to external regulatory bodies (e.g., CQC) if internal reporting is deemed compromised.

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually by management or immediately following any significant safeguarding event or any changes to UK statutory legislation.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Lily Wright, Founder & CEO

Safeguarding Contact Email: safeguarding@thehomecarehub.co.uk

Emergency Escalation Contact: +44 7442 813513