1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At Akaal Care Services Limited, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all individuals placed in our supported housing services, especially those who are vulnerable due to age, disability, mental health, social care needs, or risk of abuse or neglect.

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we take a proactive, transparent, and zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harm.

2. Our Responsibilities

We understand our statutory and moral responsibilities to protect individuals from harm and are committed to upholding the safeguarding duties as outlined in:

• The Care Act 2014 (for adults)
• The Children Act 1989 and 2004 (where applicable)
• The Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Housing-related guidance from the Regulator of Social Housing, CQC, and local Safeguarding Boards

3. Our Safeguarding Approach
4. a) Partnership Working

We work in close collaboration with:

• Registered charities, support workers, and outreach teams
• Housing associations and other accommodation providers
• Local authorities and adult/children’s safeguarding teams
• Health and social care professionals
• Police and emergency services

We aim to ensure early identification, appropriate intervention, and coordinated responses to all safeguarding concerns.

1. b) Raising Awareness & Staff Training

We ensure that:

• All staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities
• Induction includes safeguarding awareness and policies
• Staff receive ongoing training appropriate to their role
• All staff know how to identify the signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and how to respond appropriately
• Specialist training is provided for those in roles involving direct tenant support

Staff are instructed to act immediately and never to delay or ignore a concern.

1. c) Clear Reporting Processes

Any safeguarding concerns are:

• Reported immediately to a senior manager or the designated safeguarding lead (DSL)
• Logged in accordance with our internal safeguarding procedures
• Referred to the appropriate agency (e.g., social services, safeguarding board, police) in line with local safeguarding thresholds and legislation

If someone is in immediate danger, staff are required to contact emergency services.

1. d) Creating Safe Environments

We aim to provide safe, respectful, and inclusive housing environments. This includes:

• Secure, well-maintained accommodation
• Encouraging a culture of openness and zero tolerance of abuse
• Enabling tenants to express concerns or raise complaints without fear
• Conducting regular risk assessments and welfare checks
• Monitoring safeguarding risks including domestic abuse, exploitation, substance misuse, and self-neglect

4. Types of Harm We Safeguard Against

We are alert to all forms of abuse, including (but not limited to):

• Physical abuse
• Emotional/psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect and acts of omission
• Financial or material abuse
• Self-neglect
• Domestic abuse
• Modern slavery
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Radicalisation and exploitation (Prevent Duty)

We do not attempt to investigate such matters ourselves but ensure they are passed promptly to appropriate authorities.

5. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

We take confidentiality seriously but understand that safeguarding may require appropriate sharing of information. We follow these principles:

• Information will only be shared on a “need to know” basis
• Consent will be obtained where possible, unless there is immediate risk
• We comply fully with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Caldicott Principles
• All records are securely stored and accessible only to authorised personnel

6. Whistleblowing

We maintain an open and supportive culture that encourages staff to raise concerns.
Our Whistleblowing Policy ensures:

• Concerns can be raised confidentially
• Staff will be protected from victimisation or detriment
• Disclosures are investigated properly and acted upon where necessary

7. Review and Monitoring

• This Safeguarding Statement is reviewed annually or in response to legislative changes or significant safeguarding incidents
• Safeguarding concerns and trends are monitored to inform continuous improvement
• We welcome feedback from tenants, families, professionals, and staff to improve our safeguarding systems

8. What to Do If You Have a Concern

If you are concerned that a person living in one of our properties is being harmed, is at risk, or you feel unsafe yourself, please act:

📧 Contact our safeguarding team: Contact@akaalcareservices.com
📍 Or write to:
Akaal Care Services Limited
Unit 7-8 Freeth St, Birmingham, B16 0QZ

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

9. Statement of Accountability

The Directors of Akaal Care Services Limited are accountable for ensuring that safeguarding arrangements are effective and embedded across the organisation. Our commitment is reflected in all policies, training, and day-to-day operations.

Safeguarding is not an add-on — it is embedded in the heart of everything we do.