Background Safeguarding was held and managed by a small, senior team, which led to increased risk and reduced knowledge, skills, and confidence within the workforce.

Aims There was a thorough review of the safeguarding policy, procedures, training, attitudes, cultures, systems, and processes to upskill the workforce across all departments. We needed to become more transparent and multi-disciplinary in our approach (Department for Education. Working together to safeguard children: a guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.2018).

Methods

• Introduction of a Named Nurse for safeguarding with extensive experience to re-design and lead the changes.

• Updated and index linked policy, reviewed by an external, independent safeguarding professional.

• All staff and volunteers receive a level of training appropriate to their roles.

• Internal training updates.

• Staff newsletter updates.

• Quarterly Safeguarding Assurance Committee meeting chaired by a safeguarding Trustee and attended by representatives from all departments across the organisation.

• Adult safeguarding e-learning for all staff.

• Regular audits.

• Safeguarding supervision expectation, with senior staff receiving external supervision. Discussed at all routine 1:1 meetings.

• Six Safeguarding Leads, contactable for all staff and volunteers.

• Monthly meeting to discuss current cases and staff are encouraged to attend to observe or to present cases. Internal referral process in place.

Results Training evaluations, staff feedback and a recent mock CQC inspection have highlighted that staff and volunteers understand their roles and responsibilities, know who to contact and are raising concerns early and appropriately. We have seen an increase in advice being sought by non-care teams, such as retail, and voluntary services. Staff report they have an increased confidence and feel able to raise and review concerns.

Conclusions We completely re-designed how safeguarding works within our organisation, with all staff and volunteers believing safeguarding is everyone’s business. Staff have the training, skills, and confidence to identify and manage safeguarding concerns in a more transparent and autonomous way which in turn, is making us a safer organisation.