1. Policy Statement
Accomplish Care Chichester Ltd trading as The Care Pod is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults who use our services. We believe that every individual has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and to be treated with dignity and respect. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — all staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners have a duty to act promptly on any concerns.

2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy is informed by:

• Care Act 2014

• West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board Procedures

• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards & Key Lines of Enquiry

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Equality Act 2010

• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR

• Modern Slavery Act 2015

• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)

 

3. Zero Tolerance Statement
We have a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse and neglect. All allegations or concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly, regardless of where they occur.

4. Scope
This policy applies to:

• All employees of Accomplish Care Chichester Ltd trading as The Care Pod

• Volunteers

• Contractors and agency staff

• Visitors to our services

5. Definitions
Adult at Risk: A person aged 18+ who:

• Has needs for care and support

• Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect

• Cannot protect themselves because of their care and support needs

Types of Abuse (Care Act 2014):

• Physical abuse

• Domestic abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Psychological abuse

• Financial abuse

• Modern slavery

• Discriminatory abuse

• Organisational abuse

• Neglect/acts of omission

• Self-neglect

6. Safeguarding Principles
We adopt the Care Act’s six principles:
1. Empowerment
2. Prevention
3. Proportionality
4. Protection
5. Partnership
6. Accountability
7. Roles and Responsibilities

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Chantelle Mason – Operations Manager
Tel: 07359 014682
Email: [Insert email]

All staff must:

• Recognise signs of abuse

• Respond appropriately

• Record information factually

• Report concerns immediately

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8. Recognising Abuse in a Dementia/Respite Setting
Abuse or neglect may present as:

• Unexplained injuries

• Sudden changes in behaviour

• Poor hygiene or unkempt appearance

• Withdrawal from activities or people

• Unexplained loss of money or possessions

 

9. Procedure for Raising a Concern
Step 1 – Immediate Action:
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger.

Step 2 – Internal Reporting:

• Notify the DSL immediately.

• Complete a Safeguarding Concern Form.

Step 3 – External Reporting:
If the DSL is unavailable or the matter is urgent:
West Sussex County Council Adult Safeguarding
Tel: 01243 642121
Email: MASH@westsussex.gov.uk
Online: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/social-care-support/adults/raise-a-concern-about-an-adult

Step 4 – CQC Notification:
The DSL will notify the CQC where legally required.

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Information is only shared with relevant professionals on a need-to-know basis, in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

11. Safer Recruitment

• Enhanced DBS checks for all staff/volunteers

• Verified references prior to appointment

• Safeguarding responsibilities included in all job descriptions

12. Training and Awareness

• Induction safeguarding training for all staff

• Annual refresher training

• Specialist dementia safeguarding training where appropriate

13. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes. Safeguarding practice will be monitored through regular audits and incident reviews.