Safeguarding Policy

At CarerNest marketplace, safeguarding vulnerable adults is our highest priority. We are committed to protecting everyone who uses our platform from abuse and neglect, with robust protections for both families and carers.

Emergency Safeguarding Concerns:Call 0800 SAFE 4U (0800 7233 4U) - 24/7

Our Commitment to Marketplace Safeguarding

In our care marketplace, safeguarding means protecting every adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. We work with families, carers, and authorities to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse, while promoting wellbeing for all.

Marketplace Protection: Our 15% platform fee includes comprehensive safeguarding measures: enhanced DBS checks, ongoing monitoring, 24/7 support, and incident response protocols for both families and carers.

Our Safeguarding Principles

Prevention

We proactively work to prevent abuse and neglect through robust screening, training, and monitoring.

  • Comprehensive DBS checks for all carers
  • Regular safeguarding training and updates
  • Clear policies and procedures
  • Risk assessment protocols

Early Detection

We maintain vigilant monitoring systems to identify potential safeguarding concerns quickly.

  • Regular check-ins with clients and families
  • Carer reporting requirements
  • Client feedback monitoring
  • Unusual incident flagging

Rapid Response

When concerns arise, we take immediate action to ensure safety and wellbeing.

  • 24/7 safeguarding hotline
  • Immediate investigation protocols
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Coordination with authorities

Continuous Improvement

We constantly review and improve our safeguarding practices based on learning and best practice.

  • Regular policy reviews
  • Learning from incidents
  • Industry best practice adoption
  • Stakeholder feedback integration

Recognizing Abuse and Neglect

It's important to recognize the different types of abuse that can occur. Being aware of these helps us all protect vulnerable people.

Physical Abuse

Any physical harm or injury inflicted on a vulnerable person

Examples:
  • Hitting, slapping, or pushing
  • Inappropriate restraint
  • Rough handling
  • Medication misuse

Emotional Abuse

Psychological harm through words, actions, or neglect of emotional needs

Examples:
  • Verbal abuse or threats
  • Humiliation or intimidation
  • Isolation from others
  • Withholding affection

Financial Abuse

Theft, fraud, or misuse of a person's money or possessions

Examples:
  • Stealing money or possessions
  • Pressure to change wills
  • Misuse of benefits
  • Fraudulent transactions

Neglect

Failure to provide adequate care, support, or attention

Examples:
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Inadequate nutrition
  • Unsafe living conditions
  • Medical neglect

Self-Neglect

A person's inability to care for themselves adequately

Examples:
  • Poor self-care
  • Hoarding behavior
  • Refusing medical care
  • Social isolation

Discriminatory Abuse

Abuse based on discrimination regarding protected characteristics

Examples:
  • Racial harassment
  • Religious intolerance
  • Age discrimination
  • Disability-based abuse

How to Report Concerns

If you have concerns about abuse or neglect, it's important to act quickly. Follow these steps to ensure the person gets the help they need.

1

Immediate Safety

Ensure the person is safe and seek emergency medical attention if needed

Call 999 if immediate danger

2

Report to CarerNest

Contact our safeguarding team immediately

Call 0800 123 4567 (24/7)

3

Document Everything

Record all relevant details while they are fresh in your memory

Use our incident report form

4

Cooperate with Investigation

Provide full cooperation with our investigation and any external authorities

Respond to all requests promptly

Important Contacts

Emergency Services

For immediate danger or medical emergency

Call 999

CarerNest Safeguarding

24/7 safeguarding support line

Call 0800 123 4567

Local Authority

Adult Social Care Services

Call 0800 123 4568

Training and Support

All CarerNest carers receive comprehensive safeguarding training as part of their onboarding process, with regular refresher sessions to ensure they stay up-to-date with best practices and legal requirements.

Initial Training Covers:

  • Recognizing signs of abuse and neglect
  • Reporting procedures and protocols
  • Legal obligations and responsibilities
  • Mental Capacity Act principles

Ongoing Support Includes:

  • Annual refresher training sessions
  • 24/7 support and guidance helpline
  • Regular supervision and check-ins
  • Access to additional resources and materials