Safeguarding Adults Policy

Business Name: Vita Domi (Yorks)

Safeguarding Lead: Diana Page

Date: 30th January 2026 Review Date: 30th December 2026

Policy Statement

Vita Domi (Yorks) is committed to protecting the rights of all adults to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

As a provider of home support, gardening, and companionship services, we recognize that our staff enter the private homes of potentially vulnerable people.

We accept our moral and legal responsibility to remain alert to the signs of abuse and to report any concerns promptly to the appropriate authorities, in line with the Care Act 2014.

We operate a “Zero Tolerance” approach to abuse.

Scope

This policy applies to:

The Proprietor (Diana)
All employees (whether permanent, temporary, or casual).
All subcontractors (including Handyman/Maintenance staff).
Any volunteers working on behalf of Vita Domi.

The Six Principles of Safeguarding

Our work is guided by the six key principles set out in the Care Act 2014:

Empowerment: People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions. “I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process.”

Prevention: It is better to take action before harm occurs. “I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is.”

Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented. “I am sure that the professionals will work in my interest.”

Protection: Support and representation for those in greatest need. “I get help and support to report abuse.”

Partnership: Local solutions through services working with their communities. “I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in confidence.”

Accountability: Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. “I understand the role of everyone involved in my life.”

Making Decisions (Mental Capacity Act 2005)

We assume every client has the capacity to make their own decisions unless proven otherwise. We respect a client’s right to make “unwise decisions” (e.g., refusing to put the heating on), provided they understand the consequences. However, if a client lacks capacity (e.g., advanced dementia) and is in danger, we will act in their “Best Interests” and contact the relevant authorities.

Definitions of Abuse

All staff at Vita Domi are trained to recognize the main categories of abuse:

Physical: Hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, or inappropriate restraint.
Domestic Violence: Incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, or threatening behavior.
Sexual: Rape, indecent exposure, or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented.
Psychological: Emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, humiliation, verbal abuse.
Financial or Material: Theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to wills or property. Staff must be particularly vigilant regarding financial abuse (e.g., strangers pressuring clients for money).
Modern Slavery: Human trafficking, forced labor, and domestic servitude.
Discriminatory: Harassment or slurs based on race, gender, disability, or religion.
Organisational: Neglect or poor care practice within an institution or care setting.
Neglect and Acts of Omission: Ignoring medical, emotional, or physical care needs; failure to provide access to appropriate health, care, and support.
Self-Neglect: This covers a wide range of behavior neglecting to care for one’s own personal hygiene, health, or surroundings (e.g., hoarding).

Roles and Responsibilities

The Safeguarding Lead (Diana) is responsible for:

Ensuring all staff/subcontractors have read this policy.
Ensuring all staff have a valid Enhanced DBS check.
Being the main point of contact for staff who have a concern.
Deciding whether to alert the Local Authority or Police (using the “Three Point Test” criteria).
Maintaining a confidential record of all concerns raised.

All Staff are responsible for:

Remaining vigilant to signs of abuse (e.g., unexplained bruises, changes in behavior, lack of food).
Reporting concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
Not investigating the matter themselves (Staff must not ask leading questions or confront an alleged abuser).

Reporting Procedure (The 4 R’s)

If a staff member witnesses abuse or has a concern, they must follow this procedure:

RECOGNISE

Acknowledge that something is wrong.
If the client tells you about abuse, listen calmly. Do not express shock or judgment.
Tell the client: “I cannot keep this secret; I have a duty to report this to keep you safe.”

RESPOND

Is the person in immediate danger? (e.g., serious injury, violence in progress).
Call 999 (Police/Ambulance) immediately.
If there is no immediate danger, ensure the client is comfortable before leaving.

RECORD

Write down exactly what you saw or heard as soon as possible.
Use the client’s own words where possible.
Keep it factual (e.g., “I saw a bruise on the left arm,” NOT “The son hit him” unless you saw it happen).
Sign and date the record.

REPORT

Contact the Safeguarding Lead (Diana) immediately by phone.

If Diana is unavailable, or if the concern is urgent, contact the relevant Local Authority Safeguarding Team directly (details below).
6.1 Whistleblowing (Reporting concerns about management) If a staff member feels unable to raise a concern with the Proprietor (Diana), or if the concern is about the Proprietor’s conduct, they must contact the Local Authority Safeguarding Team directly using the numbers listed in Section 7. Staff will be protected from reprisals for “blowing the whistle” on genuine concerns in the public interest.

Important Contact Numbers

INTERNAL:

Safeguarding Lead (Diana): 07561862507

EXTERNAL (East Riding of Yorkshire):
Safeguarding Adults Team (Office Hours): 01482 396940
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours): 01377 241273
Email: safeguardingadultsteam@eastriding.gov.uk

EXTERNAL (North Yorkshire):
Customer Service Centre (Office Hours): 0300 131 2 131
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours): 0300 131 2 131
Email: social.care@northyorks.gov.uk

POLICE:
Emergency: 999
Non-Emergency: 101

Breaches of Policy

Failure to comply with this safeguarding policy is a serious matter. Any staff member who fails to report a concern, or who is found to have acted in a way that puts a client at risk, will face investigation.

This may result in:

Disciplinary action (up to and including dismissal).
Referral to the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) to be barred from working with vulnerable adults.
Referral to the Police.

Declaration I confirm that I have read and understood the Vita Domi Safeguarding Adults Policy. I understand my duty to report any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of clients and the consequences of failing to do so.

Staff Name: ___Diana Page_________________
Signature: ___________Diana Page__________
Date: ______30th January 2026