Purpose and responsibilities
Bacland Limited protects the welfare of children and adults at risk when working in occupied premises and in the homes we let. The Director is the safeguarding lead and is responsible for this policy.
Everyone working for us receives a safeguarding briefing at induction. We agree site-specific arrangements with the client or responsible organisation before work starts.
Before visiting or starting work
We agree access, identification, working areas, supervision and communication needs with the client, and keep works separate from residents and visitors. Lone working is assessed and unnecessary unsupervised contact with children or adults at risk is avoided.
We use only the vetting checks that are appropriate and legally available for the role. A DBS check never replaces supervision and safe working arrangements.
Expected conduct
- Treat people with respect and keep professional boundaries.
- Never use access or a position of trust to exploit anyone.
- Do not exchange personal contact details, make private arrangements, photograph residents without good reason, or share personal information casually.
- Ask permission before entering and explain the work clearly.
If a concern or disclosure arises
Listen calmly, avoid leading questions and do not promise secrecy. Record the person's words, what you saw, and the date and time, accurately and securely. Do not investigate or confront anyone yourself.
Tell the safeguarding lead promptly. If that would create a conflict or risk, or the lead cannot be reached, go directly to the local authority or police.
Immediate danger and referrals
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger. Other concerns are referred to the children's or adult safeguarding team of the local authority where the person lives, alongside any client safeguarding procedure, without delaying an urgent referral.
Information is shared proportionately and the decision and referral are recorded. Allegations about someone who works with children are referred to the local authority designated officer (LADO).
Follow-up and review
A concern involving the Director is handled independently through the local authority or police. We support anyone who raises a concern and protect them from retaliation. Records are restricted to those who need them, and we record what we learn.
Approved by the Director on 11 October 2026. Reviewed annually (next review October 2027), after any incident, and before taking on work with materially different safeguarding risks.