Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

9CH Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals we work with, particularly vulnerable adults and children. We recognise our responsibility to ensure that working practices protect those at risk from harm, abuse, or neglect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all work undertaken by 9CH Ltd, particularly when providing services in homes where vulnerable individuals may be present.

3. Definitions

Vulnerable adult: A person aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to age, illness, disability, or other circumstances.

Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

Safeguarding: Protecting people's health, wellbeing and rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.

4. Types of Abuse

We recognise the following forms of abuse and neglect:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, or other forms of physical harm
• Emotional abuse: Bullying, threatening, controlling behaviour, or verbal abuse
• Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour
• Financial abuse: Theft, fraud, or misuse of money or possessions
• Neglect: Failing to provide adequate care, food, shelter, or medical attention
• Discriminatory abuse: Harassment or poor treatment based on protected characteristics

5. Prevention Measures

9CH Ltd takes the following steps to prevent abuse:

• DBS check in place for all personnel working in sensitive environments
• Professional conduct maintained at all times during service delivery
• Clear communication with clients regarding work scope and access requirements
• Respect for privacy and dignity of all household members
• Adherence to lone working procedures when appropriate

6. Recognition and Response

If abuse or neglect is suspected or disclosed, we will:

• Take all concerns seriously and respond promptly
• Listen carefully and avoid leading questions
• Record details factually, including date, time, and observations
• Not investigate allegations ourselves
• Report concerns to appropriate authorities immediately

7. Reporting Procedures

Concerns must be reported to the appropriate authority:

For children:

Suffolk County Council Children and Young People's Services
Phone: 0808 800 4005
Email: customer.services@suffolk.gov.uk

For vulnerable adults:

Suffolk County Council Adult Social Care
Phone: 0808 800 4005
Email: adultsandcommunities@suffolk.gov.uk

In an emergency:

Contact Police on 999 if someone is in immediate danger
Contact Police on 101 for non-urgent concerns

8. Confidentiality

Information regarding safeguarding concerns will be shared only with relevant authorities and on a need-to-know basis. Confidentiality cannot be maintained if sharing information is necessary to protect someone from harm.

9. Record Keeping

Any safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or actions taken will be recorded promptly and stored securely in accordance with data protection legislation.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any safeguarding incident to ensure it remains effective and current.

11. Contact Information

Director: Rick Keenan
Email: rick-the-handyman@proton.me
Phone: 07909 912 038
Address: 15 Gainsborough St, Sudbury, CO10 2EU