Safeguarding Policy

Our commitment

Zebo Healthcare is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk who come into contact with our services. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, and we expect the same commitment from every member of staff, contractor and volunteer working with us.

Purpose and scope

This policy applies to everyone who works for or on behalf of Zebo Healthcare, across all our service lines, including adult personal care, live-in care, children's services, learning disability support, and staff supplied to care homes.

Legal and regulatory framework

This policy is informed by relevant legislation and guidance, including the Care Act 2014, the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Human Rights Act 1998, and statutory guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Recognising abuse and neglect

Abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial or material abuse
• Neglect or acts of omission
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational or institutional abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Modern slavery
• Self-neglect

Roles and responsibilities

Our nominated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for overseeing safeguarding practice, providing advice and support to staff, and liaising with external agencies where a concern is raised. All staff receive safeguarding training as part of their induction and on an ongoing basis, and are expected to act promptly on any concern.

Reporting a concern

If you are worried that a child or adult is at risk of harm, please tell us as soon as possible:

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• To report a concern about someone supported by Zebo Healthcare, contact our Safeguarding Lead on [Safeguarding Contact Number] or [Safeguarding Contact Email].
• You can also raise concerns directly with the relevant local authority adult or children's safeguarding team, or with the police.

What happens after a concern is raised

All concerns are treated seriously, recorded, and acted upon in line with local safeguarding procedures. Wherever possible, we will keep you informed of the outcome, subject to confidentiality requirements.

Staff recruitment and training

We follow safer recruitment practices for all staff, including enhanced DBS checks, thorough reference checks, and mandatory safeguarding training before staff begin unsupervised work.

Whistleblowing

Staff who have concerns about the conduct of colleagues, or about safeguarding practice within Zebo Healthcare, are encouraged to raise these through our internal whistleblowing procedure without fear of reprisal.

Review

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects current legislation, best practice and the needs of the people we support.