Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 7th June 2025

This policy sets out Oaktree Homecare Services' commitment to safeguarding and protecting adults who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We are fully compliant with the Care Act 2014, the Children Act 1989 (where applicable), and local safeguarding board guidance.

1. Our commitment

Oaktree Homecare is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing and dignity of all individuals receiving our care. We operate a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse and are dedicated to creating a safe environment for our clients, staff, and the wider community.

2. Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to all Oaktree Homecare staff, including care workers, administrative personnel, volunteers, and contractors. It also informs our service users, their families, and representatives about our safeguarding responsibilities and procedures.

3. What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the process of protecting adults at risk from abuse or neglect. An adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who:

Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting those needs)
Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
Is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it

4. Types of abuse

Abuse may include (but is not limited to):

Physical abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect and acts of omission
Financial or material abuse
Discriminatory abuse
Organisational abuse
Domestic abuse
Modern slavery
Self-neglect

5. Responsibilities of Oaktree Homecare

Ensure all staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role
Implement safe recruitment practices, including enhanced DBS checks
Respond immediately and appropriately to safeguarding concerns
Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records
Report safeguarding concerns to the relevant local authority or emergency services when necessary
Collaborate with Local Authority Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) and other relevant bodies

6. Reporting a concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about a service user or staff member, you must report it without delay to the Safeguarding Lead.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Email:
Phone: +447490333319, +447426826964

In an emergency, contact emergency services on 999.

7. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns are treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence. However, we may be required to share information with statutory authorities where a risk of harm is identified.

8. Training and awareness

All staff receive mandatory safeguarding training on induction and annual refreshers. Additional role-specific safeguarding training is provided for senior staff and designated officers.

9. Whistleblowing

Oaktree Homecare supports a culture where staff and service users feel confident in raising concerns. Whistleblowing about safeguarding failures can be made confidentially. Staff are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

10. Policy review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or regulatory guidance changes. The latest version is always available on our website or upon request.

11. Contact information

Care Quality Commission (CQC):
Website: www.cqc.org.uk
Phone: 03000 616161

For any questions about this policy or how to report a concern, please contact our Safeguarding Lead.