Policy Statement This policy aims to protect and support the young people under Noor Homes Ltd’s care from harm and maltreatment by providing a clear safeguarding framework for all staff. It ensures that concerns are reported appropriately, and staff have the necessary training to act in the best interests of the young people.

This policy and the supporting policies are available upon request. Noor Homes Ltd believes safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and all staff, volunteers, key stakeholders, and young people have a role to play. Staff must familiarize themselves with the safeguarding and whistleblowing policies, as they form part of their induction and ongoing training.

Principles of Safeguarding

Young People The management of Noor Homes Ltd is committed to the following principles:

• Recognizing that abuse can take multiple forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and institutional abuse.

• Ensuring the welfare and protection of every young person in our care.

• Prohibiting any staff member without a valid and current DBS Certificate from being left alone with a young person.

• Providing safeguarding training at induction, including identifying and handling suspected abuse.

 

Role of Staff

All staff have a duty of care to safeguard young people. This includes:

• Identifying those at risk of harm or abuse.

• Following the correct protocols and reporting procedures.

• Ensuring young people are aware of the complaints procedure.

• Identifying the Signs of Abuse Staff must recognize common indicators of abuse, including:

• Physical signs (e.g., bruises, burns, fractures).

• Behavioral signs (e.g., withdrawal, aggression, fear of adults).

• Neglect indicators (e.g., poor hygiene, malnutrition, lack of supervision).

 

Procedure for Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

• Minor Injuries: Log the incident in the young person’s records within 24 hours.

• Suspected Abuse: Complete a safeguarding incident form and report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

• Disclosures of Abuse: Listen, reassure, and record details accurately. Report to the DSL without delay.

• Allegations Against Staff: Report to the DSL or directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

• Immediate Danger: Contact emergency services (999) and inform the DSL.

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) The DSL at Noor Homes Ltd is responsible for:

• Investigating safeguarding concerns and liaising with authorities.

• Ensuring confidential and secure record-keeping.

• Training staff on safeguarding procedures.

• Reporting serious concerns to the Local Authority and other relevant agencies.

 

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

• All safeguarding records are confidential and stored securely.

• Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis, in line with data protection laws.

• Digital records are password-protected; hard copies are stored in a locked cabinet.

 

Allegations Against Staff or Peers
Any allegation against a staff member is referred to the LADO. Peer-to-peer abuse is taken seriously and managed according to safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding Key Areas Noor Homes Ltd has policies addressing specific safeguarding concerns, including:

• E-Safety: Protecting young people from online risks.

• Child Sexual and Criminal Exploitation: Recognizing and preventing exploitation.

• Prevent Duty: Identifying and responding to radicalization risks.

• Substance Abuse: Ensuring young people do not engage in harmful substance use.

• Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery: Identifying and protecting victims.

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) & Forced Marriage: Recognizing and reporting risks.

 

Training & Development

All staff at Noor Homes Ltd receive ongoing safeguarding training, including:

• Understanding different types of abuse.

• Reporting and handling disclosures.

• Managing risks related to child exploitation, radicalization, and trafficking.

 

Monitoring & Review

This policy is reviewed annually and following any serious safeguarding incidents. Staff are encouraged to provide feedback to improve safeguarding measures.

Contact Information

For safeguarding concerns, contact the DSL or report directly to:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Board

• Hampshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

• Emergency Services (999 for immediate danger)

 

Noor Homes Ltd remains committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all young people under our care.