Safeguarding Policy

Document reference: KCL-POL-004
Version: 1.0  |  Last reviewed: June 2026
Named Safeguarding Lead: [Name, Job Title, Contact Details — to be confirmed by Registered Manager]
Regulatory basis: Care Act 2014; Children Act 1989 & 2004; Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 — Regulation 13 (Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment); Mental Capacity Act 2005

1. Our Commitment

Kome Care Ltd is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all adults and children it comes into contact with through the delivery of its services. The safety and protection of vulnerable people is our highest priority.

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, not just that of specialist practitioners. Every member of our team has a duty to be alert to signs of abuse or neglect and to act without delay.

2. Legal Framework

Adults

The Care Act 2014 places a statutory duty on local authorities to make enquiries if they have reasonable cause to suspect that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect. Kome Care is required to cooperate with such enquiries and to refer concerns proactively through the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults (MASA) framework.

Children

The Children Act 1989 and 2004 and statutory guidance (Working Together to Safeguard Children) require all organisations working with children to have clear policies and procedures to protect them from harm. Where Kome Care's staff come into contact with children in a client's home, the same safeguarding duties apply.

3. Definition of Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It may take many forms, including:

4. Signs and Indicators to Watch For

Our care workers are trained to recognise potential signs of abuse or neglect, which may include:

• Unexplained injuries, bruising, or burns, especially in unusual locations or inconsistent with the client's account
• Changes in behaviour such as withdrawal, fearfulness, or agitation, particularly in the presence of specific individuals
• Poor personal hygiene, weight loss, or signs of dehydration not explained by a known medical condition
• Missing medications, unusual financial transactions, or unexpected changes to wills or power of attorney
• A carer or family member who appears controlling, dismissive, or refuses to allow private conversations with our care worker
• A client making disclosures, directly or indirectly, about harm or mistreatment

5. How to Raise a Concern

If you are a client, family member, or member of the public and you are concerned about the welfare of someone receiving care from Kome Care:

1. Contact our Named Safeguarding Lead: [Name] — [phone] — [email]
2. Alternatively, contact our main office: 02080 755966 / info@komecare.co.uk
3. If it is out of hours and urgent, contact the client's local authority emergency duty team
4. If there is immediate risk of harm, call 999

If you are a Kome Care employee and you have a safeguarding concern:

1. Report to your line manager or the Named Safeguarding Lead immediately. Do not delay
2. Record what you have seen, heard, or been told, using the person's exact words where possible
3. Do not investigate yourself, confront the alleged abuser, or share information beyond those who need to know
4. Complete a formal safeguarding referral form and submit it to the safeguarding lead
5. If you believe your manager is involved in the concern, contact a senior manager or the CQC directly

6. Referral Process

Where a safeguarding concern meets the threshold for referral under the Care Act 2014, the Named Safeguarding Lead will:

• Make an urgent referral to the relevant Local Authority Adult or Children's Social Care team
• Notify the CQC as required under our registration conditions
• Cooperate fully with any Section 42 (Care Act) or Section 47 (Children Act) enquiry
• Take immediate steps to protect the person at risk from further harm

7. Training and Competence

All Kome Care employees receive safeguarding training at induction and refresher training at least annually. Training is delivered at two levels: a general safeguarding awareness level for all staff and an enhanced safeguarding level for managers and the Named Safeguarding Lead. Training aligns with Making Safeguarding Personal guidance and the London multi-agency safeguarding adults framework.

8. Whistleblowing

Any employee who raises a genuine safeguarding concern in good faith is protected by our whistleblowing policy and by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. We will not tolerate any retaliation against a person who reports a concern about the welfare of a client or colleague.

9. External Contacts