Safe Guarding

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy

Healthcare organizations have a legal duty under the Children’s Act 2004 (Section 11) to protect children and young people up to the age of 18. However, the National Service Framework for Children, Young People, and Maternity Services extends this responsibility to those up to 19 years of age. Additionally, safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect is a priority for all of us.

Our safeguarding policies are aligned with the following guidelines:

  1. The Intercollegiate Document on Safeguarding Children and Young People (2010)
  2. The Children’s Act (1989, 2004)
  3. “Working Together to Safeguard Children” (2010)
  4. “Every Child Matters” (2010)
  5. The National Service Framework for Children, Young People, and Maternity Services (2004)
  6. The Laming Report (2003, 2009)
  7. Data Protection Act (1998)
  8. Human Rights Act (1998)
  10. The Department of Health’s “No Secrets” guidance (2000) mandates that local authorities in England establish multi-agency policies to protect vulnerable adults.
  11. Lancashire implements this through the Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Multi-Agency Policy and Procedure (2008), which is available here.Additionally, the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADSS, 2005) developed a national framework for standards of good practice.

Bespoke Healthcare’s safeguarding policy adheres to the principles and protocols outlined in both the Lancashire Safeguarding Children’s Procedure and the Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Multi-Agency Policy and Procedure (2008). This policy encourages effective collaboration among the numerous agencies involved with vulnerable individuals and their carers to ensure their protection from abuse.

Moreover, under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, all staff have a duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism (previously known as the “Prevent” duty), which is now integrated into our safeguarding agenda to support early intervention.

Bespoke Healthcare is committed to promoting the safeguarding of adults and children by:

  • Appointing a designated safeguarding lead, fully supported in fulfilling these responsibilities.
  • Ensuring senior board members have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to lead safeguarding efforts.
  • Implementing safe recruitment, selection, and contractual procedures, including criminal records checks.
  • Maintaining clear whistleblowing procedures and fostering a culture that encourages staff to raise concerns.
  • Providing appropriate staff supervision, support, and mandatory safeguarding training.
  • Cultivating a culture of listening to and consulting with adults.
  • Promoting a culture of safety, equality, diversity, and protection.
  • Arranging for the sharing of information with other organizations.