Safeguarding Policy
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
HealthLink360 recognises that living a life that is free from harm and abuse is a fundamental human right and an essential requirement for health and wellbeing. HealthLink360 is committed to ensuring that everyone using our services is kept safe from all types of harm and abuse.
Safeguarding is about the safety and well-being of all clients, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, providing additional measures for those least able to protect themselves from harm or abuse as outlined above.
Safeguarding is a fundamental part of client safety and wellbeing and a key outcome expected of HealthLink360 as an independent health clinic, regulated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. Safeguarding is also integral to complying with legislation, regulations and delivering high standards of care.
The nature of our work means that, at times, we will see clients who are in a time of distress and difficulty which may render them more vulnerable. It is also likely therefore, that staff or volunteers may from time to time come into contact with someone who is at-risk or suffering from abuse or neglect. The purpose of this document is therefore to provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles and practices which guide our approach to safeguarding of adults at risk, young people and children, including the children of adults who use our services.
Our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect adults and children at risk of harm. In this document, we outline our policy commitment as follows:
HealthLink360 recognises the right of everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, has a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse and to be kept safe and free from harm. We recognise that we have a responsibility to:
act on behalf of at-risk adult clients, young people or children, reporting abuse when suspicions are raised.
promote the welfare of our clients and to keep them safe, and we are committed to practice in a way that protects them.
We also recognise the special status of children and young people. Because of their vulnerability, children and young people who use services provided by HealthLink360, will be awarded special protection. They are to be respected as persons, created and loved by God. We therefore commit ourselves to take all steps within our power to keep children and young people from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
We commit to:
Preventing and reporting abuse and harm by:
sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately
taking prompt action where we think that client safety, dignity or comfort is or may be seriously compromised.
considering the needs and welfare of ALL clients and offering them help if we think their rights have been abused or denied.
Implementing safer staff recruitment, training and support processes by:
Upholding good practice recruitment procedures, including ensuring all necessary disclosure checks are made.
Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with all who work for or on behalf of HealthLink360 and providing effective management through supervision, support and training.
Ensuring that all who work for or with HealthLink360 are aware of their respective responsibilities as they relate to Safeguarding.
Respecting and empowering adults at risk, young people and children by
Valuing them, listening to them and respecting their privacy and dignity.
Upholding organisational values and clear behavioural standards across all areas of our work.
Supporting clients in caring for themselves to empower them to improve and maintain their health.
Implementing robust working practices
which uphold safeguarding good practice and which create an environment that is as safe as possible for children, young people and adults at risk and which includes ways of working which promote their safety and wellbeing. Upholding the principle of proportionality, we will:
treat information about clients as confidential.
handle personal information lawfully.
disclose the minimum information necessary for the purpose.
ensure a proportionate and least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
Learning and improving by regular review of these policies and procedures and annual safeguarding audit. We will implement improvements where indicated. Upholding the principle of partnership, we will:
give clients information about all the options available to them in a way they can understand.
listen to clients, taking account of their views, and respond honestly to their questions.
keep up to date with, and follow the law, related guidance and other regulations relevant to our work.