Safeguarding Policy

Goodfellow Support Services Ltd supports elderly people, some of whom may be vulnerable. Safeguarding them is something every member of our team takes seriously, and this page sets out how.

Our commitment

We're committed to protecting the people we support from abuse, neglect, and exploitation — whether that comes from our own staff, other people in their lives, or anyone else. This applies regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, or any other characteristic.

Staff vetting and training

• Every support worker and cleaner undergoes an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before starting work with us.
• We verify identity and take up references before any offer is confirmed.
• Staff receive an induction covering how to recognise and report a safeguarding concern.

What counts as a safeguarding concern

This includes, but isn't limited to:

• Physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse
• Neglect — by us, by another care provider, or by someone in the person's own life
• Signs of self-neglect
• Exploitation, including scams or coercion around money or property
• Discrimination

How to raise a concern

If you're worried about the safety or wellbeing of someone we support — whether you're a client, a family member, a member of the public, or a member of our own team — please contact us straight away:

• Phone: +44 7873 303551
• Email: yourcare@goodfellowsupportservices.co.uk

If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999. If you believe a crime has been committed but it isn't an emergency, you can contact the police on 101. You can also contact your local authority's adult safeguarding team directly — they don't need us to make the referral first.

What happens next

We take every concern seriously, record it, and act on it promptly — which may include pausing a member of staff's involvement while we look into it, and involving the local authority or police where appropriate. We'll keep you informed as far as we're able to, while respecting the privacy of everyone involved.

Whistleblowing

Any member of our team who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith — including about another colleague, or about us as a business — will never be penalised for doing so.

[TODO_LEGAL_REVIEW]: this policy reflects our intended practice as a non-clinical support provider — it hasn't yet been through a compliance/safeguarding-specialist sign-off pass.