Safeguarding Policy
1. Introduction
Carter Care Solutions Ltd is committed to promoting the welfare, safety, and protection of all children and young people our support workers come into contact with. Although we are not a regulated provider, we supply staff to regulated children’s residential services and semi independent provisions, and therefore uphold the highest safeguarding standards at all times. Safeguarding means preventing abuse, identifying risks, responding appropriately to concerns, and working collaboratively with regulated settings and relevant agencies to ensure children are protected from harm. This policy applies to all employees, agency support workers, directors, and individuals representing the company.
2. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the organisation is: Amanda Carter – Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead The DSL is responsible for:
• Receiving and responding to safeguarding concerns raised by staff.
• Liaising with provider services, LADO, local authority children’s services, and police where required.
• Providing guidance, support, and safeguarding updates to all staff.
• Ensuring records are kept securely and confidentially.
3. Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Carter Care Solutions Ltd is committed to:
• Promoting the welfare and safety of all children and young people.
• Ensuring support workers understand their responsibilities and follow the safeguarding procedures of the regulated services they are deployed to.
• Reporting all concerns immediately and appropriately.
• Ensuring children and young people are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.
• Conducting safe recruitment, including enhanced DBS checks and thorough vetting.
• Providing clear guidance on professional boundaries and safe working practices.
4. Definitions of Abuse
Support workers must be aware of the four main categories of abuse as defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018):
• Physical Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Neglect
Abuse can occur in any environment and may involve peers, adults, or other children. Support workers must remain alert to signs and indicators of harm at all times.
5. Roles & Responsibilities of Support Workers
All support workers must:
• Follow this Safeguarding Policy and the safeguarding procedures of the regulated setting they are assigned to.
• Report all concerns immediately to the on-site manager of the provider service AND to the Carter Care Solutions DSL.
• Record all information factually and promptly.
• Maintain professional boundaries and avoid behaviour that could be misinterpreted.
• Promote safe environments and encourage children to express concerns.
• Never promise confidentiality if a child discloses abuse.
Support workers are not responsible for investigating allegations. Their duty is to
report concerns appropriately.
6. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If a support worker has a concern about a child or receives a disclosure:
1. Listen carefully and avoid leading questions.
2. Reassure the child they have done the right thing by speaking up.
3. Do not promise confidentiality—explain you may need to share their concern with professionals who can help.
4. Report immediately to:
o The shift manager/designated person at the regulated provider service, AND
o The Carter Care Solutions DSL (Amanda Carter).
5. Record the information factually, including dates, times, observations, and direct quotes where possible.
6. Follow any additional instructions from the regulated service or safeguarding agencies.
If there is immediate danger, call 999.
7. Allegations Against Staff
If an allegation is made about a Carter Care Solutions support worker:
• The DSL will notify the recipient service and follow their internal safeguarding pathways.
• The DSL will liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and follow their direction.
• The worker may be suspended from performing any duties pending investigation to protect both the child and the worker.
• All information will be recorded confidentially and shared only with appropriate authorities.
• Carter Care Solutions will fully cooperate with any investigation by the regulated
service, local authority, or police.
We recognise the impact of allegations on staff and will provide appropriate support while prioritising the safety of children and young people.
8. Working in Partnership
Carter Care Solutions Ltd will work closely with:• Regulated children’s residential homes
• Semi-independent services
• Local Authority Children’s Services
• Police
• LADO
• Other safeguarding professionals
We will follow the reporting expectations and safeguarding procedures of each regulated service we support.
9. Training
All staff and support workers will receive:
• Safeguarding and child protection training before deployment
• Regular refresher training
• Guidance on professional boundaries and safe working practices
• Guidance on ‘whistle blowing’ procedures
• Role-specific training where necessary (e.g., managing disclosures, risk
awareness)
10. Record Keeping
All safeguarding concerns raised with Carter Care Solutions Ltd will be:
• Recorded promptly, accurately, and securely
• Stored in line with data protection requirements
• Shared only with appropriate professionals
• Retained for an appropriate period in line with statutory guidance
11. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if:
• Legislation changes
• Local safeguarding procedures are updated
• Learning from incidents requires adjustments Conclusion
Although Carter Care Solutions Ltd is not a regulated service, we recognise that our support workers operate within regulated environments where safeguarding is paramount. We are committed to ensuring all children and young people are protected from harm and that our staff uphold the highest safeguarding standards at all times.