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Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Commitment of Caremax 24/7

Caremax 24/7 UK Ltd is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults with whom our carers work. We expect all colleagues, carers, clients, and stakeholders to share this commitment. Our safeguarding procedures are in compliance with the Care Act 2014, Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and Modern Slavery Act 2015. We also maintain full compliance with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements and the Immigration, Asylum, and Nationality Act 2006. Our recruitment, training, and service delivery processes are designed to prevent any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or discrimination.

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Statement of Safeguarding Actions We Take

Caremax 24/7 takes safeguarding seriously and implements a rigorous vetting process to ensure that all carers are suitable and fit to work with vulnerable individuals. Our safeguarding actions include the following:

  • Identity Checks: We conduct thorough identity checks for all carers, ensuring their name, date of birth, address, and photographic identification are verified using official documents such as a passport, driving license, or birth certificate, supported by proof of address. Only original documents are accepted.

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks: All carers are required to undergo a DBS check before being allocated any assignment. We ensure that the DBS checks are processed and validated in line with safeguarding regulations, and we share these DBS outcomes with clients as required. No carer is placed on assignment without a fully completed and verified DBS clearance.

  • Declaration of Convictions: We require carers to disclose any cautions, convictions, or pending prosecutions—even if they are considered ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974—to ensure transparency and maintain the safety of our clients.

  • Qualification Checks: All carers are required to provide original copies of their qualification certificates. These are verified and cross-checked during the interview process to ensure that carers possess the necessary qualifications and experience.

  • Right to Work Checks: We rigorously check that all carers have the legal right to work in the UK, by reviewing valid visas, work permits, or worker registration scheme certificates. This is done in compliance with the Immigration, Asylum, and Nationality Act 2006.

  • Reference Checks: At least two professional references are obtained from the most recent employers or educational institutions where the carer was employed. These references are detailed, covering both personal conduct and professional competence.

  • Employment History Checks: We thoroughly review each carer’s full employment history for the past 10 years, ensuring that all skills and experience are verified and that any gaps in employment are accounted for.

  • Face-to-Face Interviews: Carers undergo a comprehensive interview to assess their suitability for work in health and social care settings. During these interviews, their understanding of safeguarding, professional conduct, and care responsibilities is evaluated.

  • Full Induction and Training: Every carer receives a full induction, including training on safeguarding, care procedures, and their responsibilities toward clients. Additional client-specific training is provided, ensuring carers are prepared to meet the unique needs of each individual they support.

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Ongoing Quality Safeguarding Management, Vetting, and Monitoring

Our commitment to safeguarding does not end once carers are placed on the Caremax 24/7 register. We continually vet and monitor carers to ensure ongoing compliance with our high safeguarding standards:

  • Regular Performance Feedback: We collect feedback from clients and supervisors to evaluate the performance of carers regularly. This feedback is used to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that carers maintain the high standards of care expected.

  • File Audits: We conduct regular audits of carer files to ensure that all documentation remains up to date, including DBS checks, qualifications, and references. This auditing process ensures that we consistently meet the highest standards of care.

  • Incident and Complaints Handling: Our robust complaints policy ensures that any safeguarding concerns or incidents are investigated promptly. All incidents and complaints are initially handled by the carer's consultant, with escalation to a senior manager if required.

  • Suspension of Carers Under Investigation: In the event of a serious safeguarding allegation, the carer is immediately suspended from duty while an investigation is carried out. No further assignments will be allocated until the matter is resolved satisfactorily, ensuring the safety of clients is prioritised.

  • Safeguarding Referrals: When required, Caremax 24/7 will make referrals to local safeguarding boards, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and other relevant authorities. We cooperate fully with statutory agencies to safeguard vulnerable individuals.

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Professional Development and Client Engagement

  • Ongoing Training: We ensure that carers undergo continuous professional development, including updated training on safeguarding, equality, diversity, and care standards.

  • Client Briefings: Before starting any assignment, carers receive a detailed briefing on the client’s needs and any specific safeguarding considerations. This ensures that carers are fully aware of their responsibilities toward the client’s well-being.

  • Regular Client Contact: We maintain frequent contact with clients to monitor the care provided and to identify and address any concerns at the earliest stage. Our team is proactive in resolving any issues related to safeguarding and the quality of care.

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Reporting and Auditing

Our safeguarding practices are subject to rigorous audits to ensure that our policies and procedures remain effective. These audits are carried out regularly by our internal safeguarding officers, and we are committed to making improvements where necessary to meet evolving safeguarding standards.

  • Rigorous Auditing: Our safeguarding procedures and carer vetting systems are regularly audited to ensure they comply with current legislation and best practices.

  • Review of Safeguarding Protocols: All safeguarding procedures are reviewed annually or in response to any legislative changes or new guidance. This ensures that Caremax 24/7 remains fully compliant with all relevant safeguarding laws.

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Legal and Legislative Compliance

Caremax 24/7 complies with all relevant safeguarding legislation, including:

  • Care Act 2014

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Modern Slavery Act 2015

  • Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) guidelines

  • Immigration, Asylum, and Nationality Act 2006

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards in safeguarding, and also ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the protection and care they deserve.

 

 

July 2024​​

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