1. Introduction

Restored Healthcare is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognize our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm, abuse, or exploitation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, patients, and visitors at Restored Healthcare.

3. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy:

- A child is defined as anyone under the age of 18 years.

- A vulnerable adult is defined as anyone over 18 who is unable to care for or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. This may include those with physical, mental, sensory, or learning disabilities, mental illness, chronic or terminal illness, frailty due to age, brain injuries, drug or alcohol problems, etc.

4. Policy Statement

Restored Healthcare will:

- Promote a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults.

- Ensure robust safeguarding procedures are in place and reviewed regularly.

- Follow safer recruitment practices for all staff and volunteers.

- Ensure staff and volunteers are trained to recognize the signs of abuse and know what to do if they have a concern.

- Make sure patients know where to go for help if they have a concern.

5. Code of Conduct

All Restored Healthcare staff and volunteers are expected to:

- Treat children, young people, and vulnerable adults with care, respect, and dignity.

- Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult unless necessary for examinations or treatments. In such cases, inform a colleague.  

- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Avoid unnecessary physical contact.

- Never promise to keep secrets for a child or vulnerable adult.

- Report any concerns, allegations, or disclosures immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.

6. Reporting Procedures

All staff and volunteers have a duty to report any safeguarding concerns relating to the welfare of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult. This includes:

- Suspicions or allegations of abuse  

- Admissions or concerns raised by a patient

- Inappropriate behavior displayed by staff, volunteers, visitors or other patients

Concerns should be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead. If they are not available, speak to the most senior person on duty.

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for taking any necessary immediate action, making referrals to external agencies if required, and maintaining secure records of all safeguarding concerns.

7. Allegations Against Staff

Any allegations against staff or volunteers will be fully investigated. If necessary, the Safeguarding Lead will make referrals to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and other external agencies.

8. Confidentiality  

All safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and with due care to the privacy of those involved. Information will only be shared on a 'need to know' basis with the relevant authorities.

9. Accountability

Overall accountability for this policy lies with the Managing Director. The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of the policy. All staff and volunteers are required to adhere to the policy.

10. Training

All staff and volunteers will receive appropriate safeguarding training on induction and at regular intervals thereafter.

11. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated in line with current legislation and best practice guidance. Compliance with the policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the Safeguarding Lead. Dr Victoria Minkah