Safeguarding Policy Response for Nurturenest Family Care and Coaching

  1. Safe Recruitment Policy and Procedures

    At Nurturenest Family Care and Coaching, safeguarding is a core component of our operations. Our commitment begins with robust recruitment practices to ensure that only suitable individuals are employed to work with vulnerable adults and children.

    All potential candidates undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before being offered employment. We verify a minimum of two written references (including their most recent employer) and carry out face-to-face interviews to assess suitability. The interviews include scenario-based safeguarding questions to evaluate the candidates’s understanding and approach to protecting vulnerable individuals. Employment history is scrutinized, and any gaps are questioned and recorded.

    Our recruitment team is trained in safer recruitment practices in line with the guidance issued by the Department of Health and Social Care and CQC regulations. Additionally, all new staff undergo induction training, which includes detailed safeguarding modules.

  2. Understanding of Adult Safeguarding Legislation and Key Principles

    Nurturenest operates in full alignment with the Care Act 2014, which underpins adult safeguarding in England. We are also guided by the Six Safeguarding Principles:

    Empowerment: We support individuals to make their own decisions and provide informed consent.

    Prevention: We strive to prevent abuse or neglect from occurring by promoting proactive safeguarding measures.

    Proportionality: We respond appropriately to the risk presented, ensuring actions are proportionate and person-centered.

    Protection: We ensure that those in greatest need receive timely and effective interventions.

    Partnership: We work in collaboration with local authorities, families, community organizations, and healthcare providers.

    Accountability: We maintain transparency in our operations and are accountable for safeguarding decisions and actions.

    We also acknowledge other relevant legislation, including the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Equality Act 2010, in our day-to-day safeguarding decisions.

  3. Whistleblowing Procedures

    Nurturenest encourages a culture of openness and transparency. Our Whistleblowing Policy provides guidance on how staff and stakeholders can raise concerns about malpractice, including abuse or neglect. Concerns can be raised anonymously through various internal reporting channels, including a designated safeguarding officer.

    All staff are made aware that they are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, and we actively foster an environment where reporting concerns is seen as a professional responsibility rather than disloyalty.

    We have zero tolerance for any form of victimization against whistleblowers and treat all concerns raised seriously and confidentially. Each report is investigated thoroughly, and appropriate actions are taken based on findings.

  4. Compliance and Accountability with Safeguarding

    Safeguarding governance within Nurturenest is overseen by our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), who reports directly to the Managing Director. The DSL is responsible for:

    • Reviewing and updating the safeguarding policy annually or following significant legislative changes.
    • Ensuring that all staff receive safeguarding refresher training every 12 months.
    • Overseeing internal audits of safeguarding incidents and implementing any lessons learned.
    • Liaising with local safeguarding boards and professionals.

    All incidents and allegations of abuse are logged and reviewed in accordance with our Safeguarding Incident Protocol. Our records are stored securely and maintained in line with GDPR regulations.

    We use digital systems to track the status of safeguarding training and DBS checks for all staff members. This system sends reminders for renewals, helping to ensure full compliance at all times.

    Furthermore, our service managers conduct monthly supervision meetings with staff to discuss any safeguarding issues or near misses. This promotes continual reflection and enhances safeguarding vigilance.

    Nurturenest conducts quarterly safeguarding audits, including unannounced spot checks to observe care practices, staff engagement, and service user safety. Any areas of concern are escalated to our senior management team and rectified with immediate effect.

  5. Multi-Agency Collaboration and External Safeguarding Links

    We actively engage with multi-agency safeguarding hubs (MASH), social services, healthcare providers, and the police to ensure a joined-up approach in safeguarding adults at risk. We participate in multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings and contribute to safeguarding inquiries initiated under Section 42 of the Care Act.

    All staff are trained in how to make safeguarding referrals to Essex County Council via their online portal or helpline. We maintain direct contact with safeguarding leads in our local authority areas and have a proven track record of escalating concerns in a timely and effective manner.

  6. Safeguarding Training

    All staff receive face-to-face safeguarding training as part of their induction, covering topics such as:

    • Identifying types of abuse
    • Recognising signs and indicators
    • How to respond to disclosures
    • Recording and reporting procedures

    Annual refresher training is mandatory. Specialist training on topics like dementia, autism awareness, and mental capacity assessments is provided to staff working with those with additional needs.

  7. Policy Accessibility and Communication

    Our Safeguarding Policy is available to all staff, clients, and families upon request and is published on our intranet and staff app. It is also discussed during team meetings and supervisions to ensure it remains embedded in our organizational culture.

  8. Conclusion

    Safeguarding is not a one-off task but an ongoing commitment that makes up every aspect of our care delivery. At Nurturenest Family Care and Coaching, we prioritize the well-being of every individual and strive to maintain the highest standards of safety, dignity, and respect for all service users.