Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: [01/08/2026]

FVA Care Solution Limited is committed to protecting people from abuse, neglect, exploitation and improper treatment. We take every safeguarding concern seriously and aim to create an environment where individuals feel safe, respected, heard and able to raise concerns without fear.

Purpose and Scope

This policy explains how FVA Care Solution Limited works to prevent, recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.

It applies to:

• People receiving our care or support
• Family members and representatives
• Employees, carers, agency workers and volunteers
• Contractors and other professionals working with us
• Visitors and members of the public who raise concerns

Our primary focus is safeguarding adults with care and support needs. Any concern involving a child or young person will be referred through the appropriate local safeguarding procedures.

Our Safeguarding Responsibilities

Our safeguarding approach is informed by the Care Act 2014, relevant statutory guidance and, where regulated care activities are provided, the requirements of Regulation 13 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

Regulation 13 is intended to protect people receiving care from abuse and improper treatment. The Care Act places duties on local authorities to make enquiries where an adult with care and support needs may be experiencing abuse or neglect and is unable to protect themselves because of those needs.

Our Safeguarding Principles

We follow the six principles that underpin adult safeguarding:

• Empowerment: Supporting people to make informed decisions
• Prevention: Acting before harm occurs wherever possible
• Proportionality: Responding in a way appropriate to the risk
• Protection: Supporting people who are most at risk
• Partnership: Working with individuals, families and relevant agencies
• Accountability: Being clear, responsible and transparent

Safeguarding should be person-led and focused on the individual’s desired outcomes, safety, wellbeing, choices and control.

What Abuse and Neglect May Include

Abuse and neglect can occur once or repeatedly and may be caused by a family member, friend, carer, professional, organisation or another person.

Safeguarding concerns may include:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Neglect or acts of omission
• Self-neglect
• Modern slavery or exploitation
• Misuse of medication
• Inappropriate restraint or restrictions

Abuse can take many forms, and concerns must be considered according to the individual circumstances rather than being limited to a fixed list.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Possible signs of abuse or neglect may include:

• Unexplained injuries or repeated accidents
• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
• Fear, anxiety, withdrawal or distress
• Poor hygiene, hunger or unsuitable living conditions
• Missing money, possessions or unusual financial activity
• Overmedication, missed medication or medication misuse
• Unexplained isolation or restricted contact with others
• A person appearing frightened of a particular individual
• Inconsistent explanations about injuries or incidents
• A direct disclosure of abuse, neglect or exploitation

One sign does not always confirm that abuse has occurred. However, staff must report concerns promptly rather than investigate the matter themselves.

Preventing Abuse and Neglect

FVA Care Solution Limited aims to reduce safeguarding risks through:

• Safer recruitment and appropriate pre-employment checks
• Safeguarding training during induction and ongoing employment
• Clear professional boundaries and codes of conduct
• Person-centred care plans and risk assessments
• Regular supervision and staff support
• Open communication with individuals and families
• Clear procedures for reporting concerns
• Appropriate management oversight and record keeping
• Learning from incidents, complaints and safeguarding reviews

Government guidance expects care providers to maintain clear operational safeguarding procedures and ensure staff receive training appropriate to their roles.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Anyone who witnesses, suspects or receives information about abuse or neglect should report it immediately.

If Someone Is in Immediate Danger

Call 999 and request emergency assistance. Where a crime may have been committed but there is no immediate danger, contact the police using 101 or the appropriate non-emergency reporting method.

Non-Emergency Concerns

Report the concern to:

Designated Safeguarding 
Email: [info@fvacaresolutions.co.uk]
Telephone: [+44 000 000 0000]

Concerns may also be reported to:

Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team: [info@fvacaresolutions.co.uk]

Staff must report concerns immediately through the agreed internal process. They must not delay reporting while attempting to prove whether abuse has occurred.

Responding to Concerns and Allegations

When a concern is raised, we will:

• Take immediate steps to protect anyone at risk
• Listen carefully and take the concern seriously
• Record the facts clearly and accurately
• Preserve any relevant evidence
• Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Refer concerns to the local authority or police where appropriate
• Cooperate with safeguarding enquiries and investigations
• Consider the individual’s wishes, capacity and desired outcomes
• Provide appropriate support and reassurance
• Take disciplinary or organisational action where required

Where an allegation concerns an employee, carer, volunteer or contractor, appropriate steps may include changing duties or suspending the person from work while enquiries take place. Any action will be handled fairly and without assuming guilt before the facts have been established.

Local authorities are responsible for deciding whether a safeguarding enquiry is required under section 42 of the Care Act. Where criminal conduct is suspected, a police investigation may take priority while agencies continue working together to protect the individual.

Consent, Confidentiality and Record Keeping

Wherever possible, we will explain the safeguarding process to the individual, seek their views and involve them in decisions about their safety.

Information will be shared only where necessary, proportionate and legally permitted. Confidentiality cannot be promised where:

• Someone is at immediate or serious risk
• Other people may also be at risk
• A serious crime may have occurred
• The person lacks capacity to make the relevant decision
• Disclosure is required by law or a safeguarding authority

Accurate safeguarding records will be maintained securely and kept separate from general notes where appropriate. Records should clearly distinguish facts, observations, disclosures, decisions and actions taken.

An adult’s wishes are important, but information may still need to be shared where there is a risk to others, coercion, undue influence or a significant public-interest concern.

Training, Review and Contact Details

All relevant employees and carers will receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role. Managers and the Designated Safeguarding Lead will receive additional training to support decision-making, referrals and cooperation with external agencies.

This policy will be reviewed:

• At least annually
• Following a serious safeguarding concern
• When legislation or guidance changes
• When learning identifies that improvements are required

For questions or concerns about safeguarding, contact:

FVA Care Solution Limited
Designated Safeguarding Email: [info@fvacaresolutions.co.uk]
Telephone: [+44 000 000 0000]
Address: [UK]