Improvements to our Safeguarding policy to keep residents safe

Everyone has a role they can play to help keep someone experiencing abuse safe from harm. We know that we have a responsibility to keep residents and colleagues safe from harm. We’ve recently reviewed and updated our Safeguarding policy so it’s clear what our approach is to prevent or reduce the risk of harm to our residents, colleagues and children who are experiencing, or are at risk from abuse or neglect. You can read our updated policy on our website on the ‘Keeping our residents safe’ page.

Safeguarding is in place to keep people and children safe from harm, abuse and/or neglect, so they can live their life safely. There are many different types of abuse including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, domestic, cyber and modern slavery.

Our Safeguarding policy

Our policy covers the protection of children, young adults and adults who are risk of being abused. It applies to everyone across Network Homes as we believe it is everyone’s responsibility to understand what safeguarding is and that everyone should act on concerns of abuse and neglect. We expect our colleagues, Board members, contractors and involved residents are aware that it is everyone’s ‘responsibility’ to act on concerns of abuse and neglect. We’re also committed to working in partnership with external agencies, for example Adult Care Services where a multi-agency approach is necessary.

The policy focuses on the Department of Health’s six key principles:

• Empowerment - People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and have informed consent.
• Prevention - It is better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportionality - The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
• Protection - Support and representation for those in greatest need.
• Partnership - Local solutions through services working with their communities - communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
• Accountability - Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice.

What to do if you think someone is at risk

If you’re concerned about someone and you believe they may be a victim of abuse or neglect, please do the following:

• If the person is in immediate danger, call 999.
• Contact your local authority Safeguarding Department. You can report in confidence online or by phone. All reports are sensitively investigated and, if necessary, support will be provided to you.
• If you’re unsure whether to make a report and there is no one in immediate danger, speak to us about your concern by calling 0300 373 3000 or emailing us on customerservice@networkhomes.org.uk. We will listen and provide advice and guidance.

All information we receive will be treated confidentially, shared securely and will only be shared with relevant professionals and agencies so we can help the person.

Read Network Homes’ Safeguarding Policy

Updated: 17 April 2023