Safeguarding Statement
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination and avoidable harm, whilst promoting their wellbeing, independence and human rights.
At White Care Group, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to providing safe, compassionate, person-centred care where people are treated with dignity, respect and kindness. All colleagues receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role and understand their responsibility to recognise, respond to and report any concerns promptly.
We work in partnership with residents, families, health professionals, local authorities and safeguarding teams to ensure concerns are managed appropriately, lessons are learned and the quality and safety of our services continue to improve.
Who may be at risk?
Anyone can experience abuse or neglect; however, some adults may be more vulnerable due to illness, disability, frailty, cognitive impairment or their dependence on others for care and support.
Children and young people visiting our homes also have the right to be safe and protected whilst on our premises.
Types of Abuse
We recognise and respond to all forms of abuse, including:
- Physical abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological or emotional abuse
- Financial or material abuse
- Neglect and acts of omission
- Organisational or institutional abuse
- Discriminatory abuse
- Modern slavery and human trafficking
- Self-neglect
Children Visiting Our Homes
Children are always welcome to visit family and friends living in our homes. To help keep everyone safe, all children under the age of 18 must remain under the supervision of a responsible adult throughout their visit.
Where children attend as part of work experience, volunteering, school or community visits, appropriate supervision and risk assessments will be in place.
If You Have a Safeguarding Concern
If you are worried that someone may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please speak to the Home Manager of the relevant White Care Group home in the first instance. Contact details for each of our homes can be found on their individual home pages.
All safeguarding concerns are treated seriously and will be responded to promptly in accordance with our safeguarding procedures and local authority guidance.
If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm or requires urgent assistance, please call 999 immediately.
Information for Staff
White Care Group is committed to promoting an open, honest and transparent culture where colleagues feel confident to raise concerns about the safety or wellbeing of those in our care.
If you are a member of staff and have a safeguarding concern, you should report it immediately to your Home Manager or another senior manager. If you feel unable to do so, or your concern relates to the management of the service, you are encouraged to use our Whistleblowing Policy or contact the Local Authority Safeguarding Team directly. All concerns raised in good faith will be treated seriously and without fear of reprisal.
Somerset Adult Safeguarding
Adult Social Care
Telephone: 0300 123 2224 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm)
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours)
Telephone: 0300 123 2327
Email: adults@somerset.gov.uk
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Telephone: 03000 616161
Website: www.cqc.org.uk