At Innovate Care Group, we believe that safeguarding is not just a requirement—it’s a responsibility. Every person we support has the right to live with dignity, autonomy, and protection from all forms of abuse, including financial exploitation. As care professionals, we are not only entrusted with people’s health and wellbeing, but often with their personal finances—whether that’s supporting someone to shop for groceries, withdraw cash, or manage their money safely.
Financial abuse is a very real safeguarding concern—and one that is often hidden in plain sight. That’s why we’re raising awareness, reviewing our practices, and embedding a culture of accountability across our organisation.
What is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse refers to any situation where someone gains access to a vulnerable person’s money, possessions, or assets and uses them inappropriately, without proper consent, or for personal benefit. It doesn’t have to involve large amounts of money—it could be as simple as using a client’s money to pay for a care professional’s own hot drink or snack, or putting loyalty club points onto a staff member’s personal account.
The Care Act 2014 defines financial or material abuse as:
“Theft, fraud, exploitation, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.”
In the care sector, financial abuse can look like:
- Buying additional or more expensive food items for staff while shopping for a client
- Care professionals using leftover change to buy themselves a coffee or snack
- Accepting gifts from clients without management approval
- Using a client’s card for a small ‘joint’ purchase without clear consent
- Care professionals signing clients up for loyalty schemes without them fully understanding what they are consenting to or even using their own loyalty schemes to “gain points” from the clients transactions.
- Claiming for work not carried out
- Pressuring someone to buy items they don’t need
- “Holding onto” bank cards or cash without justification
And it doesn’t stop there.
Hidden and Growing Risks: Other Types of Financial Abuse
Financial abuse doesn’t just come from professionals or people in formal roles. It often comes from family, neighbours, ‘friends’, or criminals posing as helpers.
We are alert to a wider range of risks, including:
Mate Crime
This happens when someone pretends to be a friend in order to exploit a vulnerable adult. They may ask for money, take away their belongings, get the person to buy things for them, or manipulate them into giving away financial control.
Family Manipulation
Sadly, abuse can sometimes come from relatives. This could involve pressuring someone into lending money, signing over financial decisions, or handing over bank details.
Scams and Fraud
Scams are increasingly sophisticated. Vulnerable adults may be targeted by fake emails, phishing calls, online fraud, or postal scams. Criminals often pose as utility companies, banks, or even care agencies.
Doorstep Scammers
Rogue traders, fake charity collectors or “helpful” neighbours can pressure people into handing over cash for services they don’t need—or that are never delivered.
Misuse of Powers of Attorney
Even those with legal authority can abuse their role. It’s financial abuse if someone with Power of Attorney uses that power for personal gain or does not act in the person’s best interest.
Why Financial Safeguarding Matters
For those we support, money equals independence. It means the freedom to make choices, go out, enjoy life, and feel in control. When financial abuse occurs, it can lead to fear, anxiety, isolation and a breakdown in trust—not just in individuals, but in care systems overall.
That’s why we take financial safeguarding as seriously as any other form of abuse.
For many of our clients, we are more than care professionals—we are a vital connection to independence, daily structure, and safety. They may rely on us to support shopping trips, withdraw cash, or help them budget. In these moments, the power imbalance is significant, and that means even small decisions—like adding an item to a basket—can have serious implications.
Financial abuse is often under-reported because:
- The client may not realise it’s happening
- They may not feel confident enough to raise it
- They may be afraid of damaging the relationship with their care professional
- It can be mistaken for “just helping out”
However, as professionals, it is our role to protect—not presume. Even well-intended actions can cross the line if they are not transparent, consensual, or clearly recorded.
That’s why we’re committed to ensuring every financial interaction is handled with care, professionalism, and clear documentation.
The Legal Framework: Safeguarding and Accountability
Our responsibilities are backed by law. The Care Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities and care providers to protect adults at risk from abuse and neglect. Financial abuse is recognised as a specific category of harm that must be taken seriously.
Alongside this:
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005 ensures that people must be supported to make their own financial decisions where possible, and that any decisions made on their behalf are clearly justified, recorded, and in their best interests.
- The CQC’s Fundamental Standards (Regulation 13) require providers to have systems in place that protect people from financial exploitation and to act immediately if concerns are raised.
At Innovate Care Group, we follow these principles in every aspect of our care.
What Innovate Care Group Is Doing
We have recently strengthened our internal processes to protect both clients and staff when it comes to financial matters. This includes:
- Clear Consent and Documentation
Before any money is spent on behalf of a client, there must be clear, informed, and documented consent. This applies to food shopping, clothing, toiletries, or any purchase. - Receipt Monitoring
Where we support clients with shopping, receipts are submitted, reviewed, and checked against care records to ensure accuracy and transparency. This applies whether the purchase was made in a supermarket, a local shop, or online. - No Personal Gain
Under no circumstances should staff benefit personally from a client’s finances. That includes buying items for themselves with the client’s money, even if it’s “only a couple of pounds,” or collecting reward points under their own name. - Raising Awareness of Wider Risks
We train our teams to spot external threats—such as suspicious phone calls, emails, or unexpected visitors—and how to support clients in recognising these dangers. - Supporting Clients with Confidence
Where appropriate, we help clients learn how to protect their finances—whether that’s recognising scams, managing cash securely, or understanding digital safety. - Creating a Speak-Up Culture
Staff are encouraged and supported to raise concerns. All reports are taken seriously and investigated with care. - 7. A Culture of Accountability
We are building a culture where doing the right thing is the norm. Financial safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility—from our office teams reviewing transactions, to care professionals in the field making everyday decisions with clients.
For Families and Commissioners: What You Can Expect From Us
We want families, advocates, and our commissioners to know that we take financial safeguarding seriously. You can expect that:
- Every financial transaction is logged, with full transparency
- Clients are supported to make their own choices wherever possible
- Our staff are trained to act ethically, and monitored to ensure accountability
- Any concerns raised by clients or families will be investigated quickly and appropriately
Our aim is to give families peace of mind that the people they care about are protected—not just physically, but financially as well.
A Message to Our Team Members
To everyone who works with us—whether in the field or in the office—thank you for taking safeguarding seriously. We know how much you care about the people we support, and we also know that good intentions must always be matched with professional boundaries.
If you’re ever in doubt about a transaction, a purchase, or what’s appropriate—ask. If you see something that doesn’t feel right—report it. You’re not alone. Our safeguarding leads and managers are here to help.
It’s not about catching people out. It’s about doing the right thing, protecting our clients, and maintaining the high standards that Innovate Care Group is known for.
Everyone’s Money Deserves Respect
Financial safeguarding is not just about preventing harm. It’s about promoting independence, supporting dignity, and ensuring that every person we care for can trust the people around them. At Innovate Care Group, that trust is earned every day—through professionalism, transparency, and care that always puts the person first.
If you would like to know more about our safeguarding practices, or have a question or concern, please contact our team directly. We’re always here to talk.
