Share and Care Homeshare takes Safeguarding very seriously. The company has rigorous vetting procedures and robust Safeguarding Policy and Procedures in place. A full copy of our Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding, Complaints and Conflict Resolution are available on request.
Prevention and Confidentiality
- All Homesharers undergo Enhanced DBS (renewed every 3 years), ID and credit checks.
- Potential Homesharers must provide at least two character and/or professional references.
- All Homesharers, Householders and/or their POA are made aware and asked to read Share and Care’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
- Share and Care works with vulnerable adults and children in a way that meets all the aspects of confidentiality in our different policies; if abuse to a vulnerable person is alleged, suspected, reported or concerns are raised, the Safeguarding Procedure must be followed. The confidentiality of the vulnerable person will be respected, wherever possible, and their consent obtained to share information. However, the vulnerable person is made aware that staff cannot ignore issues around abuse and that steps will be taken to deal with them in as sensitive a manner as possible. The welfare of the individual is paramount.
- We endeavour to find out as much as possible about a potential Householder (including the accommodation) to ensure that Homeshare is appropriate for their situation and support needs, both for their safety and that of their Homesharer. We require permission to be able to contact either a family member, health official or social worker as part of the support/checks.
Monitoring
Share and Care Homeshare monitors the following Safeguarding aspects:
– Safe recruitment practices
– DBS checks undertaken
– References applied for new staff/sharers
– Records made and kept
– Monitoring whether concerns are being reported and actioned
– Checking that policies are up-to-date and relevant
– Regular reviews of the reporting procedure
Managing Information
Information will be gathered, recorded and stored in accordance with the following policies:
– Data Protection Policy
– Confidentiality Policy
All staff are made aware that they have a professional duty to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. The public interest in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults may override confidentiality interests. However, information will be shared on a need to know basis only, as judged by the Directors.