Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 14 July 2026
Last Updated: 14 July 2026

At IKEN Care, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to protecting the rights, dignity, wellbeing, and safety of every individual we support. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, and avoidable harm.

Our safeguarding culture promotes openness, accountability, respect, and person-centred care, ensuring that concerns are identified, reported, and addressed promptly and appropriately.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

Promoting the safety, wellbeing, and rights of every individual.
Providing care that respects dignity, independence, and personal choice.
Preventing abuse, neglect, discrimination, and exploitation.
Encouraging individuals to speak up about concerns.
Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
Working collaboratively with families, professionals, Local Authorities, and partner agencies.
Ensuring all staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and every member of our team has a duty to act where concerns arise.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may involve, but are not limited to:

Physical abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Financial or material abuse
Neglect or acts of omission
Discriminatory abuse
Organisational or institutional abuse
Domestic abuse
Self-neglect
Modern slavery or exploitation

Every concern is taken seriously, regardless of how it is identified or reported.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern, including:

Individuals receiving support
Family members
Carers
Staff members
Healthcare professionals
Commissioners
Members of the public

If a safeguarding concern is identified, it should be reported immediately using the appropriate safeguarding procedures. Where necessary, concerns may be referred to the relevant Local Authority, NHS services, emergency services, or other statutory agencies.

How We Respond

When a safeguarding concern is raised, we will:

Respond promptly and appropriately.
Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the individual.
Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
Record concerns accurately.
Cooperate fully with statutory investigations.
Take appropriate action to reduce future risk.

Our response will always be guided by applicable legislation, safeguarding guidance, and best practice.

Safer Recruitment and Training

We are committed to recruiting suitable individuals who share our safeguarding values. Appropriate pre-employment checks are completed where required, and all staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

Safeguarding knowledge is reinforced through regular supervision, ongoing learning, and continuous professional development.

Partnership Working

Effective safeguarding depends upon strong partnership working. We work collaboratively with Local Authorities, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Social Workers, Safeguarding Adults Boards, healthcare professionals, families, advocates, and other partner agencies to ensure coordinated and effective safeguarding arrangements.

Continuous Improvement

Safeguarding incidents, concerns, and learning opportunities are reviewed regularly to strengthen our policies, improve staff practice, and maintain high standards of care.

Contact Us

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of an individual supported by IKEN Care, please contact us using the details available on our website. Where there is an immediate risk to life or safety, contact the emergency services without delay.