Safeguarding Adults Policy

At Live In Care Partners, we believe every adult has the right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.

As an introductory agency, our role is to vet and introduce suitable live-in carers to clients and their families. We take safeguarding seriously and have processes in place to respond to concerns raised about the safety or wellbeing of a client or carer.

Types of Abuse

Safeguarding concerns can include:

• Physical abuse — such as hitting, kicking, inappropriate restraint or misuse of medication.
• Financial or material abuse — including theft, fraud, scams or misuse of someone's money or property.
• Sexual abuse — any sexual activity or behaviour to which a person has not consented.
• Discriminatory abuse — including racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia or other discrimination.
• Neglect and acts of omission — failing to provide appropriate care, support or access to necessary services.
• Psychological or emotional abuse — including threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying or controlling behaviour.
• Domestic abuse — including controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse within a family or intimate relationship.
• Self-neglect — where a person is unable or unwilling to care for their own health, wellbeing or surroundings.
• Modern slavery — including forced labour, human trafficking or domestic servitude.
• Organisational abuse — poor or inappropriate care practices resulting in harm or loss of dignity.

A safeguarding concern does not have to be proven before it is reported.

If Someone Is in Immediate Danger

If you believe a criminal offence has occurred, such as theft, assault or serious abuse, the matter should be reported to the police.

For emergencies, call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.

Local Authority Safeguarding

If you have concerns that an adult may be experiencing abuse or neglect, the concern should be reported to the relevant local authority safeguarding team. Please check your local authority via Find Your Local Council on GOV.UK.

The appropriate local authority will normally be determined by where the person receiving care lives.

Reporting a Concern to Live In Care Partners

If you become aware of or suspect abuse, neglect or harm, please contact Live In Care Partners as soon as possible.

This includes concerns involving a potential or introduced live-in carer.

All safeguarding concerns received by Live In Care Partners will be taken seriously and considered by the person responsible for safeguarding.

Where appropriate, we will work with the relevant local authority, police or other professionals and provide information requested as part of a safeguarding enquiry or investigation.

Our Role as an Introductory Agency

Live In Care Partners is an introductory agency.

Our role is to vet and introduce potential live-in carers. We do not directly manage or direct the ongoing personal care provided by an introduced carer.

However, where a safeguarding concern is brought to our attention, we will take appropriate action in relation to our role.

Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will be treated sensitively and confidentially.

Information may be shared with the appropriate authorities where necessary to protect an adult from abuse, neglect or serious harm, or where we are legally required to do so.

Safeguarding Lead

Live In Care Partners will have a designated person responsible for safeguarding arrangements.

The Safeguarding Lead will ensure that safeguarding concerns are appropriately recorded, considered and referred where necessary.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, safeguarding guidance or the way Live In Care Partners operates.