Safeguarding Policy
Protecting vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, and neglect
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
At Prestige Care, safeguarding is our highest priority. We are committed to protecting all adults who use our services from harm, abuse, and neglect. Every person has the right to live free from abuse and to be treated with dignity and respect.
This policy explains our approach to safeguarding, how we prevent abuse, what to do if you have concerns, and your rights to protection.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organizations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while making sure the adult's wellbeing is promoted.
Safeguarding Principles
- EmpowermentPeople being supported to make their own decisions and give informed consent
- PreventionIt is better to take action before harm occurs
- ProportionalityThe least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
- ProtectionSupport and representation for those in greatest need
- PartnershipWorking together with local services and communities
- AccountabilityAccountability and transparency in safeguarding practice
Recognizing Abuse and Harm
Abuse can take many forms. Understanding different types of abuse helps us recognize and prevent it:
Physical Abuse
Hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, rough handling, inappropriate restraint, or misuse of medication.
Signs: Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, fear of certain people or situations
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Threats, humiliation, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation, or withdrawal of services.
Signs: Withdrawal, fearfulness, anxiety, changes in behaviour, low self-esteem
Financial Abuse
Theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure about wills or property, misuse of benefits or money.
Signs: Unexplained withdrawals, missing belongings, sudden financial difficulties, changes to wills
Sexual Abuse
Sexual acts without consent, sexual harassment, inappropriate touching, or exposure to pornographic material.
Signs: Unexplained STIs, bruising near genital areas, behavioural changes, fear of being alone with certain people
Neglect and Acts of Omission
Failure to provide care, medical attention, food, heating, clothing, or access to healthcare and social care services.
Signs: Poor personal hygiene, malnutrition, dehydration, untreated medical conditions, living in unsafe conditions
Discriminatory Abuse
Discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
Signs: Withdrawal, isolation, low self-esteem, avoiding social situations
Organisational Abuse
Poor care standards, lack of person-centred care, rigid routines, poor management, or inadequate staffing.
Signs: Multiple complaints, high staff turnover, institutionalized practices
Self-Neglect
Neglecting to care for one's own health, hygiene, or living conditions which poses a risk to wellbeing.
Signs: Poor hygiene, refusal of support, hoarding, living in unsafe conditions
How We Prevent Abuse
We take proactive steps to prevent abuse and harm:
Staff Recruitment & Vetting
- • Enhanced PVG checks for all staff
- • Thorough reference checking
- • Face-to-face interviews
- • Employment history verification
Training & Development
- • Mandatory safeguarding training
- • Regular refresher courses
- • Specialist training in abuse recognition
- • Professional development opportunities
Supervision & Support
- • Regular staff supervision
- • Spot checks and observations
- • Performance monitoring
- • Whistleblowing policy
Quality Assurance
- • Regular client reviews
- • Family feedback mechanisms
- • Quality audits and inspections
- • Continuous service improvement
How to Report Concerns
If you suspect abuse or have safeguarding concerns, you must report them immediately.
Do not delay. Even if you're unsure, it is better to raise a concern than ignore potential abuse.
Who to Contact
Contact Prestige Care
Report concerns to our management team immediately:
Phone: 01355 204 222 (Office hours)
Email: info@prestigecare-ek.com
In person: 1st Floor, 3 Montgomery Street, London
South Lanarkshire Adult Protection Team
Contact the local authority adult protection team directly:
Phone: 0303 123 1008 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
Out of hours: 0800 052 4300 (Emergencies)
Email: adult.protection@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Police Scotland
If someone is in immediate danger or a crime has been committed:
Emergency: 999
Non-emergency: 101
Care Inspectorate Scotland
Report concerns about our service to the regulator:
Phone: 0345 600 9527
Email: enquiries@careinspectorate.gov.scot
Online: www.careinspectorate.com
What Happens When You Report a Concern
Immediate Action
We will take immediate action to ensure the person is safe. This may include stopping visits, changing staff, or implementing additional safeguards.
Alert Relevant Authorities
We will notify the local authority adult protection team, police (if criminal), and Care Inspectorate as appropriate.
Investigation
A thorough investigation will be conducted, interviewing all relevant parties and gathering evidence.
Action Plan
An adult protection plan will be developed to prevent further harm and support the person's recovery.
Follow-up and Learning
We will implement changes to prevent similar incidents, provide additional training, and monitor the situation.
Whistleblowing - For Staff and Professionals
If you work in care or have professional involvement with our service and have concerns about practice, you can report them confidentially:
- Speak to your line manager or senior management
- Contact the Care Inspectorate directly
- Use the National Whistleblowing Standards process
- Contact Public Concern at Work (independent charity): 0207 404 6609
Protection for Whistleblowers: Staff who raise genuine concerns in good faith are protected under whistleblowing legislation and will not face victimization.
Your Rights
Every adult has the right to:
- ✓ Be treated with dignity and respect
- ✓ Live free from abuse, harm, and neglect
- ✓ Be safe and protected from harm
- ✓ Have their views and wishes listened to and respected
- ✓ Be involved in decisions about their care and protection
- ✓ Receive support from independent advocates if needed
- ✓ Have concerns taken seriously and investigated properly
- ✓ Confidentiality (unless sharing information is necessary for protection)
Further Information and Support
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
The legal framework for adult protection in Scotland
South Lanarkshire Adult Protection Committee
Local guidance and information about adult protection
Age Scotland Helpline: 0800 12 44 222
Free confidential information and advice for older people
Victim Support Scotland: 0800 160 1985
Support for people affected by crime
Speak to Us About Safeguarding
If you have any questions about our safeguarding policy or wish to discuss concerns:
01355 204 222
Email: info@prestigecare-ek.com
Address: 1st Floor, 3 Montgomery Street, The Village, London, G74 4JS