Safeguarding Children Policy

1. Purpose 

This Safeguarding Children Policy outlines the organisation’s commitment to protecting children and young people from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. As a healthcare recruitment agency supplying staff to CQC-regulated services, the organisation recognises its duty to safeguard children in line with statutory guidance and best practice. 

This policy aligns with: 

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 
• Children Act 1989 and 2004 
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards 
• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
• Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) procedures 

2. Scope

Applies to all staff, directors, agency workers, contractors, and students involved in recruitment, placement, or management of staff working with children. 

3. Definitions 

3.1 Child 

Anyone under the age of 18. 

3.2 Safeguarding 

Protecting children’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, and ensuring they grow up with safe and effective care. 

3.3 Child Abuse 

Includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation. 

4. Principles 

• The welfare of the child is paramount. 
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
• Early identification and reporting of concerns. 
• Confidentiality must be balanced with safeguarding needs. 
• Partnership working with statutory agencies. 

5. Roles and Responsibilities 

5.1 Directors / Board 

• Ensure safeguarding policies, procedures, and resources are in place. 
• Monitor safeguarding compliance and governance. 

5.2 Registered Manager / Nominated Individual 

• Oversight of day-to-day safeguarding practice. 
• Ensure regulatory compliance and liaison with authorities. 

5.3 Safeguarding Lead for Children 

• Advise staff and manage concerns. 
• Liaise with Local Authority, CQC, and clients. 
• Maintain safeguarding records. 

5.4 All Staff 

• Complete safeguarding training. 
• Report concerns immediately. • Act in the child’s best interest.

6. Safer Recruitment 

• Enhanced DBS checks with barred list. 
• Verification of identity, right to work, and qualifications. 
• Assessment of suitability for work with children. 

7. Training 

      •     Mandatory child safeguarding training at induction. 

      •     Annual refreshers and role-specific training. 

8. Recognising and Responding 

• Be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. 
• Respond calmly and do not promise confidentiality. 
• Record and report concerns immediately. 

9. Safeguarding Children Procedure / Flowchart 

Step 1: Immediate Safety 

• If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention, call 999. 
• Take reasonable steps to ensure safety. 

Step 2: Recognise and Respond 

• Listen carefully, remain calm, and take disclosures seriously. 
• Do not promise confidentiality. 
• Avoid asking leading questions. 

Step 3: Report Internally 

• Report immediately to Safeguarding Lead or senior manager. 
• If concern involves Safeguarding Lead, escalate to Director/Nominated Individual. 
• Record dates, times, observations, and actions. 

Step 4: Initial Risk Assessment 

Safeguarding Lead: 

• Assesses seriousness and risk. 
• Decides if concern meets threshold for referral. 
• Determines immediate protective actions (e.g., removal from placement).

Step 5: External Referral and Escalation 

• Refer to Local Authority Children’s Services if threshold met.
• Inform client organisation. 
• Notify CQC where required. 

Refer to DBS or professional body if necessary. 

Step 6: Support and Cooperation 

• Cooperate fully with investigations. 
• Support the child and staff involved. 
• Maintain accurate records. 

Step 7: Outcome and Learning 

• Record outcomes and actions. 
• Review policy, procedures, and training for improvement. 
• Share learning through governance meetings. 

10. One-Page Safeguarding Children Poster 

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN – WHAT TO DO 

Everyone’s responsibility | Act immediately | Never ignore a concern

   1. RECOGNISE 

• Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour 
• Poor care standards 
• Signs of neglect or exploitation 
• Disclosures from the child 

   2. RESPOND 

• Stay calm and listen 
• Take concerns seriously 
• Do NOT promise confidentiality 
• Do NOT investigate 

   3. IMMEDIATE DANGER? 

• YES: Call 999 → Ensure safety → Inform Safeguarding Lead
• NO: Report immediately 

   4. REPORT 

• Safeguarding Lead / Manager 
• If unavailable, escalate to Director/Nominated Individual Record facts: dates, times, people involved 

   NEXT STEPS 

• Risk assessment and protective action 
• Referral to Local Authority Children’s Services if needed
• Inform client organisation 
• Notify CQC if required 
• Refer to DBS/professional bodies if necessary 

   REMEMBER 

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• You will be supported for raising concerns 
• Always act in the child’s best interests
• If in doubt — report it

Safeguarding Lead: Becci Streeter

Contact Number: 01264 577001 Emergency: 999 

Display in offices, share with agency workers, include in induction packs.

11. Whistleblowing 

Staff may raise concerns internally or externally if they feel safeguarding is not addressed. 

12. Confidentiality and Information Sharing 

Information shared on a need-to-know basis in line with GDPR and safeguarding law. 

13. Allegations Against Staff 

• Remove staff from placement if necessary. 
• Investigate concerns in line with procedures. 
• Refer to DBS, professional regulator, or Local Authority. 

14. Monitoring and Review 

• Safeguarding logs, audits, governance reports 
• Annual review or sooner if guidance changes 
  
  

Date written: 27/2/2026
To be reviewed: 27/02/2027