Complaints Policy
Safeguarding Policy:
1. Introduction
At Aarav Supported Living (“Aarav,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), we hold the safety, dignity, and well-being of our residents (individuals under our care or residing in our properties) in the highest regard, particularly those with complex support requirements (residents with disabilities, mental health challenges, or other needs requiring specialized care).
Our safeguarding policies are meticulously crafted to cultivate an environment of security and respect for all individuals entrusted to our care. Our dedicated team—comprising employees, volunteers, and associated personnel—works in closely with stakeholders, including local authorities, healthcare providers, regulatory bodies, and families, to prevent any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, remaining resolute in upholding the highest standards of care and protection.
2. Our Commitment to Safety and Respect
Aarav Supported Living is unwavering in its commitment to uphold and surpass UK safeguarding standards (legal standards related to the protection of vulnerable people) across our properties. As a provider of supported housing, wherein care and support services are rendered to adults in need, we are diligent in safeguarding the welfare of our residents, tenants, visitors, and staff, with particular vigilance extended to vulnerable adults—those who may be at greater risk owing to age, disability, or specific personal circumstances.
Our approach aligns with UK legislation and adheres to all national standards and guidelines. We strive to cultivate a culture of vigilance and accountability, ensuring a prompt response to any safeguarding concerns that may arise.
3. What is Safeguarding?
In the United Kingdom, safeguarding means protecting individuals’ health, well-being, and human rights, enabling them to live free from abuse, harm, and neglect. Safeguarding is crucial for vulnerable groups (e.g., adults with disabilities, individuals facing mental health challenges, the elderly) and ensures the safety of all persons requiring support within communal or domestic settings.
4. Types of Abuse Defined
A firm understanding of the various forms of abuse (actions or inactions causing harm to vulnerable individuals) is essential to our safeguarding efforts. We recognize the following categories of abuse:
- Physical Abuse: The intentional application of physical force, resulting in harm or injury, such as hitting, slapping, or misuse of medication.
- Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Behaviour that causes emotional distress, including threats, humiliation, isolation, or verbal abuse.
- Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual activity, including activities which the person cannot fully comprehend or consent to.
- Financial or Material Abuse: Unauthorised use of an individual’s property, money, or other assets, encompassing theft, coercion, or manipulation of finances.
- Neglect and Acts of Omission: The failure to meet an individual’s basic needs, including medical, emotional, or physical care.
- Discriminatory Abuse: Harm based on race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics.
- Institutional Abuse: Inadequate or abusive practices within an organisation, where deficient systems enable the occurrence of harm.
- Cuckooing: The exploitation of vulnerable adults by taking over their homes for criminal activities, often associated with gangs or drug-related offences.
5. Our Safeguarding Policies
Aarav Supported Living enacts a comprehensive safeguarding approach, with policies centred upon prevention, protection, support, and partnership:
- Prevention: We proactively train all staff, volunteers, and residents on abuse and its prevention. Our training programmes (structured education for staff on safeguarding practices) adhere to UK laws and regulations, promoting a culture of awareness and vigilance.
- Protection: Our organisation has stringent procedures in place for identifying and addressing safeguarding concerns, in alignment with the UK’s Safeguarding Adults and Children policies (national policies guiding protective measures for vulnerable individuals). Our protection policies aim to shield vulnerable individuals from harm, ensuring they feel secure in our care.
- Support: Aarav Supported Living offers targeted support to those impacted by abuse, working alongside health and social services to provide comprehensive care. We prioritise a compassionate, responsive approach centred on the needs of affected individuals.
- Partnership: Safeguarding necessitates a collaborative approach. We work closely with local authorities, NHS trusts, police forces, and non-profit organisations to strengthen our safeguarding framework. Through such partnerships, we establish a network of protection and accountability.
6. Staff Training and Compliance
All Aarav Supported Living staff undergo thorough safeguarding training, which is periodically updated to reflect legislative changes and best practices. Training includes:
- Recognising signs of abuse and comprehending reporting procedures (processes for reporting safeguarding concerns).
- Familiarity with legal responsibilities and UK safeguarding regulations.
- Regular refresher courses to remain abreast of new developments, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Specialist training for roles involving direct care of vulnerable individuals to deepen their understanding of safeguarding risks and preventative strategies.
7. Whistleblowing Policy
We encourage all staff, volunteers, and associates to report any concerns regarding abuse or unsafe practices without fear of reprisal. Our whistleblowing policy (policy ensuring protection for individuals reporting concerns) provides a secure avenue for disclosures, with all concerns addressed promptly, confidentially, and professionally.
8. Reporting Abuse
Aarav Supported Living takes any suspicion of abuse with utmost seriousness and has established procedures for reporting such concerns. Should you suspect abuse or hold concerns regarding the safety of any of our residents, kindly contact our Safeguarding Team (team responsible for safeguarding matters) immediately. All reports are treated with strict confidentiality and handled with urgency.
Contact Details for Reporting Abuse:
- Email: safeguarding@aaravsupportedliving.com
- In case of immediate danger, dial 999.
- For non-emergencies, contact the Local Authority’s Safeguarding Adults at Risk team. Should you require assistance in locating their contact details, please consult your Local Council.