1. Policy Objectives

• Prevent the abuse of service users, clients, and independent carers we work with.
• Establish clear safeguarding principles to guide our business practices.
• Raise awareness of the different forms of abuse and their common signs.
• Provide clear guidance on how to report safeguarding concerns and how those reports will be handled and investigated.

2. Our Safeguarding Principles

• Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and fear.
• All allegations or suspicions of abuse are treated with seriousness and urgency.
• We have established procedures to thoroughly investigate and respond to reports of abuse or neglect.

3. Understanding and Identifying Abuse

• In this policy, ‘abuse’ refers to the mistreatment or neglect of any individual. Abuse may be: Physical, Psychological or emotional, Sexual, Financial or material, Neglectful, Discriminatory, Organisational or institutional.
• Carers are often in a strong position to detect or prevent abuse. While most carers act with dedication and integrity, we recognise that carers themselves may be at risk of abuse—particularly from clients or family members of service users.
• Abuse may become apparent in various ways, including: Direct disclosure by the victim or a third party, Witnessing abusive behaviour, Noticing changes in behaviour, such as increased fear or anxiety, Observing physical signs, such as malnutrition or unexplained bruises.

4. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

• If you are a service user, client, family member, or other concerned party and suspect or experience abuse, contact us immediately. In emergencies, contact emergency services first.
• Professional carers must report any suspected or actual abuse. If the service user is at immediate risk, contact emergency services, then notify Joyful Care.
• How to Report:
• Email (Confidential): safeguarding@joyfulcares.co.uk
• Phone: 020 8156 5799
• Also consider reporting to your local authority’s adult safeguarding team.

5. Responding to Reports of Abuse

• All Joyful Care staff are trained to respond professionally and supportively.
• Staff will: Remain calm and listen carefully, Respond objectively, Take concerns seriously, Record reports in writing, Preserve any available evidence.
• Staff will not: Promise confidentiality where it cannot be upheld, Ask leading or investigative questions, Make assumptions, Destroy evidence.
• After a report is received:
• Create a confidential written record, Contact emergency services if needed, Appoint a senior staff member to investigate, Inform and cooperate with authorities, Take immediate actions to protect individuals and prevent further harm.

6. Background Checks (DBS)

• All professional carers must undergo and pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before being introduced to clients or service users.

7. Policy Oversight

• This policy is overseen by: Imelda Godwin, Director, Joyful Care

8. Questions and Further Information

• For questions or further clarification, please contact:
• Email: safeguarding@joyfulcares.co.uk

Policy Review

• Last updated: 26 February 2025