Safeguarding is a critical issue in the care sector. As caregivers, it is our responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect. We owe it to our service users to ensure their well-being and safety.

To guide our staff in responding to safeguarding concerns, we have developed robust policies and procedures in line with the six principles of safeguarding that are regularly reviewed and updated.

What are the six principles of safeguarding?

According to the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SICE), the six principles of safeguarding were first introduced by the Department of Health in 2011 and are now embedded in the Care Act.

They include:
1. Empowerment – people being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.
2. Prevention – it is better to take action before harm occurs.
3. Proportionality – the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
4. Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need.
5. Partnership – local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
6. Accountability – accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

What kind of measures are taken to minimise potential risks and vulnerabilities for service users?

Training…

We understand that staff training is essential to safeguarding in the care sector. We ensure that all team members receive regular training on identifying signs of abuse or neglect, reporting procedures, and how to respond to safeguarding concerns. Our staff members are aware of their responsibilities and understand the importance of safeguarding.

Spotting the signs of abuse…

The signs of abuse are not always obvious, and a victim of abuse may not tell anyone what is happening to them – sometimes, they may not even be aware they are being abused.

With this in mind, our carers are trained to recognise and respond to the main forms of abuse, as set out in the Care Act 2014 Statutory Guidance Chapter 14.

Although this is not designed to be an exhaustive list, it should help to illustrate the sort of behaviour that could give rise to a safeguarding concern:

• Physical abuse
• Domestic violence and abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Modern slavery and human trafficking
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Neglect and acts of omission – failure to act
• Self-neglect
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Cyberbullying
• Hate crime

Common signs and symptoms of abuse include:

• Unexplained changes in behaviour or personality – such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity
• Becoming withdrawn
• Seeming anxious, depressed or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Lacks social skills and has few friends, if any
• Poor bond or relationship with close family members
• Running away or going missing
• Sleep problems and nightmares

Hidden harms may also include:

• Exploitation
• County lines
• Forced marriage – honour-based abuse (HBA)
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)
• PREVENT
• Radicalisation
• Gang violence
• Modern slavery

Risk Assessments…

Risk assessment is another crucial component of safeguarding in the care sector. We identify potential risks and vulnerabilities for our service users and take appropriate measures to minimise them. This could include implementing measures to prevent falls, addressing risks associated with medication, and providing proper support to individuals with mental health or behavioural issues.

Communication…

Effective communication is also vital in safeguarding in the care sector. We ensure that clear and concise information is provided to our service users and their families, and that they are involved in the decision-making process. This helps to build trust and confidence and ensures that we are all working towards the same goal of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

Where an adult at risk discloses or discusses potential abuse or harm, the staff member must be able to:

• Recognise: Identify that the adult at risk may be describing abuse, even when they may not be explicit.
• Respond: Stay calm, listen and show empathy.
• Reassure them that it will be taken seriously and explain that there is a duty to report the issues internally and what may happen next.
• Record: Write up notes of the conversation clearly and factually as soon as possible.
• Report in a timely manner to the appropriate people and organisations.

Reporting Procedure…

If a safeguarding concern arises, we have a clear reporting procedure for all staff members.

Carers are advised to:

• Address any immediate safety and protection needs.
• Assess any risks and take steps to ensure that the adult is in no immediate danger.
• Where appropriate, call 999 for the emergency services if there is a medical emergency, other danger to life or risk of imminent injury, or a crime is in progress. Where a crime is suspected of being committed, leave things as they are wherever possible.
• Call for medical assistance from the GP or other primary healthcare service if there is a concern about the adult’s need for medical assistance or advice. Care Workers can call the NHS 111 service for medical help or advice when the situation is not life-threatening or is out of hours.
• The adult may feel frightened, so the Care Worker must ask whether they want the Care Worker to arrange for someone they feel comfortable with to stay with them.
• Premier Community will consider if there are other adults or children with care and support needs who are at risk of harm and take appropriate steps to protect them.
• The Care Worker will support and encourage the adult to contact the Police if a crime has been or may have been committed.
• The Care Worker will contact their line manager as soon as possible to inform them of the incident or concern.

Safeguarding Contacts and Escalation…

All safeguarding concerns should be reported to the relevant care branch managers. These are listed as follows:

Sabrina Bennett – Amber Valley
Nikita Sargeant – Erewash
Tracy Marsden – North Derbyshire
Lynsey Hind – Nottinghamshire
Sarah Asbury – Derbyshire South

Contact details for all of our branch managers are included in our Welcome Packs, which are given to each service user upon commencement of their care package, or alternatively, they can be reached through our general care line: 01623 810 100.

We also have a designated safeguarding lead, Becky Hale, who oversees all safeguarding concerns and ensures appropriate action is taken.

In addition, we work closely with external agencies, such as Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire County Councils’ social services departments and healthcare providers, including GPs, District Nurses, and Occupational Therapists, to ensure that our service users receive the best possible care and support, whilst adhering to UK GDPR, Data Protection and Confidentiality Laws and complying with the Caldicott principles.

In conclusion, we believe that safeguarding is a critical issue in the care sector. By having robust policies and procedures in place, ensuring staff are properly trained, identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities, communicating effectively with service users and their families, and having a clear reporting and escalation process, we can safeguard the well-being and safety of vulnerable individuals and ensure that they receive the best possible care and support.

*Please note, this article was updated on 25/09/2024 to reflect the changes in the registered care managers.