At Innovate Care Group, safeguarding lies at the heart of what we do. Ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every individual we support is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. Whether you are a member of our team or a client, understanding safeguarding is essential for creating a secure and supportive environment. For our clients and their families, safeguarding demonstrates our commitment to your safety and building a culture of continuous learning. You can trust that we know how to spot and address any signs of abuse or neglect.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding is a broad term, used when describing a multitude of scenarios for when somebody is at risk of harm, abuse and/or neglect, or where harm, abuse and/or neglect has occurred; both accidental, and non-accidental. We also use it to describe or justify any actions and/or discussions that we have or take to protect the health, wellbeing, and human rights of individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable. Organisations such as ours are responsible for promoting a culture of openness, care, and vigilance and safeguarding is centre point of this.
We understand that discussing safeguarding can sometimes worry you or make you feel concerns, but to us it is part of our everyday language and talking openly about it ensures transparency and trust. The ‘trigger points’ for what we refer to as ‘safeguarding referrals’ can sometimes be lower than expected, meaning that sometimes referrals are made more frequently, this does not necessarily indicate that there is anything to worry about but it ensures that all the key people involved in the person’s life and care regimes are informed and collective efforts are put into place to protect them.
In the UK, safeguarding is guided by legislation such as the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018. These frameworks emphasise the importance of collaboration and accountability in ensuring safety and underpin how safeguarding works in care delivery.
Types of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms. Recognising these is the first step in prevention and intervention.
1. Physical Abuse
Definition: Intentional infliction of physical harm.
Examples: Hitting, slapping, pushing, or misuse of medication.
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Definition: Actions or words that harm an individual’s self-esteem or emotional wellbeing.
Examples: Threats, intimidation, humiliation, or coercive control.
3. Sexual Abuse
Definition: Any sexual activity without consent.
Examples: Unwanted touching, sexual assault, or inappropriate sexual communication. Indecent images, or photography of private areas.
4. Neglect
Definition: Failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm.
Examples: Ignoring medical needs, inadequate nutrition, or leaving someone in unsafe conditions.
5. Financial or Material Abuse
Definition: Misuse or theft of an individual’s money or assets.
Examples: Fraud, coercion to sign financial documents, or misuse of bank accounts.
6. Discriminatory Abuse
Definition: Harassment or unfair treatment based on personal characteristics.
Examples: Racism, sexism, ageism, or abuse related to disability.
7. Domestic Abuse
Definition: Abuse occurring within a personal or family relationship.
Examples: Physical violence, emotional manipulation, or economic control.
8. Modern Slavery
Definition: Exploitation through forced labour, human trafficking, or servitude.
Examples: Forced domestic work, sexual exploitation, or debt bondage.
9. Self-Neglect
Definition: When an individual neglects their own basic needs.
Examples: Poor personal hygiene, hoarding, or refusal of essential care.
Indicators of Abuse
Spotting the signs of abuse can be challenging, but awareness of potential indicators is really important in safeguarding. These include:
- Physical Indicators: Unexplained injuries, frequent hospital visits, or signs of malnutrition.
- Behavioural Indicators: Withdrawal, anxiety, aggression, or fearfulness.
- Environmental Indicators: Unsanitary living conditions, lack of basic amenities, or signs of financial exploitation (e.g., unpaid bills despite adequate income).
- Verbal Disclosures: A person confiding in you about their experiences of harm or mistreatment.
What to Do If You Are Concerned
If you suspect abuse or neglect, it is vital to act swiftly and appropriately. Follow these steps:
1. Stay Calm and Listen
If someone discloses abuse to you, remain calm and supportive. Listen without judgment and avoid probing questions.
2. Do Not Promise Confidentiality
Explain that you may need to share the information with appropriate authorities to ensure their safety.
3. Report Your Concerns
Report your concerns immediately to your manager, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Safeguarding Champion (contact details below).
4. Document the Incident
Write a clear, factual account of what you observed or what was disclosed. Include dates, times, and any direct quotes.
5. Learning
What can you, or your organisation lean from this, and how will it influence your practice moving forwards
Creating a Positive Safeguarding Culture
At Innovate Care Group, we are committed to:
- Training: Regular safeguarding training and workshops ensures all staff are equipped to identify and respond to concerns.
- Policies and Procedures: Robust safeguarding policies provide clear guidance on our responsibilities.
- Accountability: We foster a culture where concerns can be raised openly and addressed effectively.
Resources for Further Support
We have a strong structure of individuals with additional safeguarding training and practices across our organisation; from the board members to care coordination team, recruitment professionals and all our clinical leads.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Frances Kyprianou, Chief Nursing Officer
Our Safeguarding Champion is Andrea Davis Registered Services Manager
For support, contact 0203 879 1520 or clinicalleads@innovatecare.co.uk. Assistance is available 24/7.
If you need additional support or guidance, consider these resources:
- NSPCC: Helpline for concerns about children – 0808 800 5000
- Hourglass (Action on Elder Abuse): Advice for concerns about elder abuse – 080 8808 8141
By understanding safeguarding and recognising the vital role we all play, we can ensure that every individual receives the protection and respect they should have. Together we are building a safer, more caring community at Innovate Care Group, together towards tomorrow.