Oakley House Ltd

Policy Statement

Oakley House believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status. We are committed to creating and maintaining a safe and positive environment and an open, listening culture where people feel able to share concerns without fear of retribution.

Oakley House acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to prevent abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults involved. The home and organisation recognise that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience. We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help. We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people’s lives. 

Oakley House recognises that there is a legal framework to work within to safeguard adults and for protecting those who are unable to take action to protect themselves, and will act in accordance with the relevant safeguarding adult legislation and with local statutory safeguarding procedures. Actions taken by Oakley House will be consistent with the principles of adult safeguarding, ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adult concerned.

We are committed to creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm to adults which necessitates: the recognition of adults who may be at risk and the circumstances which may increase risk; knowing how adult abuse, exploitation or neglect manifests itself; and being willing to report safeguarding concerns. This extends to recognising and reporting harm experienced anywhere, including within our care setting and within other organised community or voluntary activities.

Oakley House is committed to best safeguarding practice and to uphold the rights of all adults to live a life free from harm from abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of Oakley House to safeguarding adults and to ensure that everyone involved in Oakley House is aware of: 

• The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults.
• Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults.
• What to do or who to speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult within the organisation. 

Commitments 

In order to implement this policy Oakley House will ensure that: 

• Everyone involved with Oakley House is aware of the safeguarding adult procedures and knows what to do and who to contact if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult. 
  
   
• Any concern that an adult is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and 
  followed up in line with our Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures. 
  
   
• The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first and the adult actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported.

• Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
  
   
• Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy and Procedures.
  
   
• Oakley House will cooperate with the Police and the relevant Local Authorities in taking action to safeguard an adult. 
  
   
• All staff and volunteers understand their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults and have completed and are up to date with safeguarding adult training and learning opportunities appropriate for their role. 
  
   
• Oakley House uses safe recruitment practices and continually assesses the suitability of staff and volunteers.
  
   
• Oakley House shares information about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies. For example: Disclosure and Barring Service, Services, Police, Local Authority/Social Services.