Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: June 25, 2025
Company Name: Home 1st Care Ltd
Website: home1st.co.uk
Address: Office 46, Pure Offices, Broadwell Road, Oldbury, United Kingdom
Email: care@home1st.co.uk
Phone: +44 121 389 3166

1. Policy Statement

Home 1st Care Ltd is fully committed to protecting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of all individuals who use our services — particularly vulnerable adults and individuals who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

We believe that every individual, regardless of age, ability, or background, has the right to live free from harm, and we operate with a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of any kind.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all:

• Employees (full-time, part-time, temporary)

• Contractors and volunteers

• Clients and service users

• Partner agencies involved in care delivery

It covers all aspects of our care services and operational procedures.

3. Definitions

Safeguarding:
Protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse or neglect.

Vulnerable Adult:
An adult who is aged 18 or over and may need help due to age, illness, disability, or mental health conditions — and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

Types of Abuse:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Financial or material abuse

• Neglect and acts of omission

• Discriminatory abuse

• Institutional abuse

• Domestic abuse

• Self-neglect

• Modern slavery

4. Our Responsibilities

Home 1st Care Ltd ensures that:

• Safeguarding is a central part of our care planning and delivery.

• All staff are trained in safeguarding procedures and know how to report concerns.

• Concerns are acted upon promptly and appropriately.

• We work closely with local authorities, health professionals, and safeguarding boards.

• We maintain records of safeguarding incidents and monitor patterns or risks.

• We regularly review and update this policy in line with current legislation.

5. Reporting Concerns

Who Can Report:

Anyone — staff, clients, family members, or the public — can raise a safeguarding concern.

How to Report Internally:

• Immediately inform your line manager or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Document the concern accurately and without bias

• Avoid confrontation with the alleged abuser

• Maintain confidentiality at all times

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Name: To Be Assigned
Email: safeguarding@home1st.co.uk
Phone: +44 121 389 3166

External Reporting (If needed):

• Local Authority Safeguarding Team

• Care Quality Commission (CQC)

• Police (in urgent danger)

6. Recruitment & Training

We are committed to safe recruitment practices to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with vulnerable adults. This includes:

• Enhanced DBS checks

• Reference verification

• Mandatory safeguarding training

• Ongoing refresher courses and supervision

7. Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns are treated with strict confidentiality. Information will only be shared with appropriate parties involved in the protection of the individual. Data handling is in line with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

8. Whistleblowing

We encourage a culture of openness. Any employee who suspects wrongdoing or abuse has the right to report it without fear of retaliation, under our Whistleblowing Policy.

9. Monitoring & Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually, or as legislation changes, to ensure its continued effectiveness.

Last Reviewed: June 25, 2025
Next Scheduled Review: June 2026

10. Contact Information

For any safeguarding concerns, please contact:

Home 1st Care Ltd
Office 46, Pure Offices, Broadwell Road
Oldbury, United Kingdom
📧 care@home1st.co.uk
📞 +44 121 389 3166
🌐 home1st.co.uk