Clear written procedures

We maintain up‑to‑date safeguarding policies that explain how concerns are identified, recorded, and escalated. These documents are shared with staff and made available to placing authorities.

Designated safeguarding lead

A named safeguarding lead oversees practice, supports staff with decision‑making, and ensures that referrals and notifications are made in line with local processes and statutory requirements.

Recording and escalation

Concerns are recorded promptly, with clear factual detail and analysis. We follow agreed escalation routes, keep a clear audit trail of actions taken, and check that outcomes are followed through.

Review and learning

Safeguarding incidents and near misses are reviewed so we can learn from them, improve practice, and strengthen arrangements for young people over time.

Pre‑employment checks

All staff are subject to identity checks, references, employment history verification, and appropriate criminal record checks before starting work. Any gaps or discrepancies are explored and recorded.

Values‑based interviews

Interviews explore attitudes to safeguarding, boundaries, diversity, and working with young people who may have experienced trauma or instability, as well as practical scenarios from residential practice.

Probation and review

New staff complete a probation period with structured feedback, supervision, and training. Their performance and conduct are reviewed before confirming their appointment to the role.

Ongoing suitability

Concerns about conduct or practice are taken seriously and addressed quickly, with clear processes for managing allegations, liaising with safeguarding partners, and taking action where needed.

Core safeguarding training

All staff receive induction and refresher training on safeguarding, professional boundaries, information sharing, and recognising signs of abuse, exploitation, or neglect in different settings.

Trauma‑informed practice

We promote approaches that recognise the impact of trauma, helping staff respond in ways that are consistent, predictable, and supportive, while still maintaining clear boundaries.

Reflective supervision

Regular supervision provides space to reflect on safeguarding concerns, decision‑making, and the emotional impact of the work, with clear actions agreed, recorded, and followed up.

Practice guidance

Staff have access to written guidance, tools, and checklists that support safe day‑to‑day practice and consistent responses to risk across the team and across shifts.

Individual risk assessments

Each young person has a risk assessment that considers their history, current circumstances, and known vulnerabilities. These are reviewed regularly and after incidents or significant changes.

Safety plans

Safety plans set out clear strategies, boundaries, and responses for managing specific risks, helping young people and staff know what to do in different situations and who to contact.

Digital and community risks

We consider online activity, peer groups, local contexts, and exploitation risks, and support young people to make safer choices in these areas through discussion, education, and clear rules.

Environment and property checks

Regular checks of the living environment help identify and address hazards, ensuring the physical space supports safety, security, and wellbeing for everyone in the home.

Immediate response

Staff follow clear steps when a young person is missing, including attempts to contact them, notifying the appropriate agencies, and recording actions taken and decisions made.

Communication and updates

Social workers, out‑of‑hours teams, and other relevant professionals are kept informed, with information shared in line with agreed protocols and local missing from home procedures.

Return discussions

When a young person returns, staff offer a calm, supportive conversation to understand what happened, explore any harm or worries, and agree any changes needed to plans or support.

Learning from incidents

Patterns of missing episodes are monitored so we can identify triggers, adjust support, and work with partners to reduce future risk and improve the young person’s experience.

Partnership working

We maintain regular contact with social workers, education providers, health services, and other agencies involved in a young person’s life, ensuring support is coordinated and responsive.

Involving families where appropriate

Where it is safe and in the young person’s best interests, we involve parents or carers in planning and reviews, balancing transparency with confidentiality and professional judgement.

Information sharing

Information is shared lawfully and proportionately so that risks are understood and managed effectively, while ensuring that young people’s rights to privacy and dignity are respected.

Consistency and follow‑through

Agreements made in meetings are translated into daily practice, helping young people experience stability, clear expectations, and reliable support from all involved.

How to raise a concern

Concerns can be shared with any member of staff, the manager, or the designated safeguarding lead. All concerns are taken seriously and responded to in line with our safeguarding procedures.

Contacting safeguarding partners

Where there is a risk of significant harm, we contact the relevant local authority, police, or emergency services. We work openly with safeguarding partners during any enquiries or investigations.

Commitment to safe practice

We promote a culture where staff, young people, and families feel confident to speak up. Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility that shapes our daily practice and decision‑making.

Record keeping and documentation

All concerns are recorded promptly, stored securely, and reviewed regularly. Accurate records support good decision‑making and ensure that safeguarding actions are transparent and accountable.