Safeguarding Policy

This policy sets out our approach to safeguarding adults at risk. It applies to all staff, volunteers and anyone acting on behalf of Primrose Ever Care. It is reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding incident.

This policy is underpinned by the following legislation and guidance:

• The Care Act 2014
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005
• The Human Rights Act 1998
• The Equality Act 2010
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
• CQC Fundamental Standards
• Local Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) procedures for Kent

Abuse is a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It can take many forms, including:

To fulfil our safeguarding duty, Primrose Ever Care will:

• Treat every person with dignity, respect and compassion
• Create an environment where people feel safe to raise concerns
• Ensure all staff complete safeguarding training before working with clients
• Conduct DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks on all staff
• Follow robust safer recruitment procedures
• Respond promptly to any safeguarding concern or allegation
• Work in partnership with the local authority, CQC and other statutory bodies
• Maintain confidential and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns

Staff are trained to recognise indicators of potential abuse, including but not limited to: unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behaviour, withdrawal, fearfulness, unexplained financial transactions, or poor living conditions.

Any concern, however small, will be taken seriously and documented.

Reporting Procedure

1. 1Identify the concern (signs, disclosure, or incident)
2. 2Ensure the immediate safety of the service user if required
3. 3Record the information accurately including date, time, and details
4. 4Report immediately to the Registered Manager / Safeguarding Lead
5. 5Refer to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team where appropriate

What Happens After a Concern is Reported

• Immediate steps will be taken to protect the service user
• The safeguarding concern will be reported to the local authority where appropriate
• An investigation may be carried out by the local authority safeguarding team or other relevant agencies
• Primrose Ever Care LTD will fully cooperate with investigations
• Appropriate support will be provided to the service user throughout the process

Safeguarding concerns are handled with appropriate confidentiality. However, the safety and welfare of the individual will always take precedence over confidentiality. We will share information with relevant authorities where there is a safeguarding risk, even without the individual's consent if necessary.

We respect the right of adults to make their own decisions. Where a person lacks capacity to make a specific decision, we will act in their best interests in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and involve appropriate parties (family, advocates, or the Court of Protection where required).

All Primrose Ever Care staff must:

• Complete safeguarding adults training before working unsupervised with clients
• Refresh safeguarding training annually
• Report any concern immediately and never ignore a suspicion
• Not investigate allegations themselves (this is the role of the statutory agencies)
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous records of any concerns observed

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes to legislation, guidance or following a significant safeguarding event. All staff will be notified of any updates.