Safeguarding Policy

Our Commitment

we take our duty of support seriously. Safeguarding is not just a policy; it is embedded in everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and supportive environment in every interaction. All of our staff understand that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors and anyone working on behalf of Hybrid Independent Living. It covers all adults we support, including those living with disabilities, older adults, individuals recovering from illness and their families.

What Is Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to make enquiries where they believe an adult with care and support needs may be experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect. We support this duty by remaining vigilant, acting promptly on concerns and working with local safeguarding partners.

Types of Abuse and Neglect

Abuse can take many forms. The Care Act 2014 identifies the following categories:

• Physical abuse – hitting, pushing, restraining or causing physical harm
• Domestic abuse – controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour within personal relationships
• Sexual abuse – any sexual act or behaviour carried out without informed consent
• Psychological or emotional abuse – threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation or verbal aggression
• Financial or material abuse – theft, fraud, misuse of money, property or possessions
• Modern slavery – human trafficking, forced labour or domestic servitude
• Discriminatory abuse – harassment or unequal treatment based on protected characteristics
• Organisational abuse – poor care standards, rigid routines or neglect within a service
• Neglect and acts of omission – failure to provide essential care, support or necessities
• Self-neglect – a person failing to care for their own health, hygiene or surroundings

Abuse can be a single act or a pattern of behaviour. It can occur in any setting and can be carried out by anyone.

The Six Safeguarding Principles

Our approach is guided by the six principles of safeguarding set out in the Care Act 2014 statutory guidance:

• Empowerment – people are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent
• Prevention – we take action before harm occurs, with clear policies and training
• Proportionality – the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
• Protection – we provide support and representation to those in greatest need
• Partnership – we work collaboratively with local services and communities to prevent, detect and report neglect and abuse
• Accountability – we are transparent in our safeguarding practices and take responsibility for our actions

Our Responsibilities

Hybrid Independent Living is committed to the following safeguarding practices:

• Recruiting safely with enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for all staff
• Providing safeguarding training to all team members before they begin work and updating this regularly
• Maintaining a clear code of conduct and professional boundaries
• Completing risk assessments for all client environments
• Ensuring staff know how to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns
• Maintaining accurate records of all concerns, actions taken and outcomes
• Cooperating with local safeguarding authorities and statutory agencies
• Reviewing this policy annually and updating it in line with current legislation and best practice

Staff Recruitment and Training

All staff undergo a thorough recruitment process that includes identity verification, right to work checks, enhanced DBS checks, reference checks and a structured interview. Before delivering any support, every team member completes safeguarding awareness training. Ongoing training is provided to keep knowledge current and ensure compliance with the latest guidance.

How to Raise a Concern

If you are worried about your own safety or the safety of someone else, please speak up. You can raise a concern with us directly or contact the relevant authorities.

• Contact Hybrid Independent Living directly using the details on our website
• Call the Cheshire West and Chester Council Adult Social Care team on 0300 123 7034
• In an emergency, always call 999
• Contact the Police on 101 for non-emergency concerns
• Call the national safeguarding helpline operated by Ann Craft Trust on 0115 951 5400

You do not need to be certain that abuse is happening. If something does not feel right, report it.

What Happens When a Concern Is Raised

When a safeguarding concern is raised, we take the following steps:

• The concern is logged immediately and treated with the utmost seriousness
• The safety of the individual is prioritised above all else
• The concern is reviewed by the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Where appropriate, the concern is referred to the Local Authority Safeguarding Adults Team
• We cooperate fully with any subsequent enquiry or investigation
• The person who raised the concern is kept informed where it is safe and appropriate to do so
• All actions and outcomes are recorded and securely stored

Mental Capacity

We operate in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005. We assume every adult has the capacity to make their own decisions unless it is established otherwise. Where a person may lack capacity to make a specific decision, we follow the Act’s principles: any decision made on their behalf must be in their best interests and be the least restrictive option available.

Whistleblowing

We encourage an open culture where staff feel confident to raise concerns about poor practice or potential harm without fear of reprisal. All whistleblowing disclosures are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and treated in confidence. Staff are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We respect confidentiality, but safeguarding always takes priority. Where we believe a person is at risk of harm, we may need to share information with safeguarding authorities, the Police or emergency services. We always share the minimum necessary information and act in the best interests of the person concerned. Our approach to information sharing is guided by the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Caldicott Principles.

Useful Contacts

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, statutory guidance or following a safeguarding incident. The most recent review of this policy was carried out in February 2026.