Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy

Last Updated: December 1, 2025

1. Policy Statement

At Vitality Healthcare Services Ltd, we believe that every child and young person has the right to feel safe, valued, and protected from harm, neglect, or abuse.

We are fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people who engage with our services, activities, and care provision within the United Kingdom.

Our commitment is simple: protect every child, empower every young person, and promote a culture of safety, dignity, and respect.

2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy outlines Vitality Healthcare Services Ltd’s approach to safeguarding and child protection. Its purpose is to:

  • Promote the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of all children and young people.
  • Provide clear guidance for staff, volunteers, and partners on safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Ensure consistent procedures for preventing, identifying, and responding to safeguarding concerns.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, agency workers, volunteers, contractors, and partners of Vitality Healthcare Services Ltd.
  • All activities, services, digital platforms, and environments involving children or young people under 18.

It also applies to young people aged 18–25 who may be considered vulnerable adults.

4. Our Safeguarding Principles

Our safeguarding practice is underpinned by the following principles:

  1. Protection – Ensuring children are safeguarded from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  2. Prevention – Taking proactive steps to reduce risk and prevent harm.
  3. Partnership – Working collaboratively with families and safeguarding agencies.
  4. Proportionality – Responding appropriately to the level of risk identified.
  5. Empowerment – Supporting children and young people to have a voice in decisions affecting them.
  6. Accountability – Maintaining transparency and responsibility in safeguarding practice.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees all safeguarding matters, ensures policy compliance, and acts as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

All Staff and Volunteers

All staff and volunteers must:

  • Complete safeguarding training during induction and refresh this annually.
  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately through agreed procedures.
  • Act in accordance with this policy and related safeguarding guidance.

6. Recognising Abuse

Abuse can take many forms. Staff remain vigilant to indicators of:

  • Physical abuse – Causing physical harm.
  • Emotional abuse – Persistent emotional maltreatment.
  • Sexual abuse – Sexual exploitation or inappropriate sexual behaviour.
  • Neglect – Failure to meet basic physical or emotional needs.
  • Online abuse – Grooming, exploitation, or bullying through digital platforms.

All staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse and respond appropriately.

7. Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern must be reported immediately. Staff must:

  1. Report concerns without delay to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  2. Record concerns accurately, factually, and promptly.
  3. Maintain confidentiality and avoid independent investigation.

Where required, referrals will be made to Children’s Social Care, the Police, or relevant safeguarding authorities.

8. Safe Recruitment

Vitality Healthcare Services Ltd is committed to safe recruitment practices. This includes:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all relevant roles.
  • Verification of references and employment history.
  • Mandatory safeguarding induction and ongoing training.

9. Training and Awareness

Safeguarding training is provided to all staff and refreshed annually. Training covers:

  • Recognising and responding to abuse.
  • Managing disclosures sensitively.
  • Online safety and professional boundaries.
  • Safeguarding escalation procedures.

10. Online and Digital Safeguarding

We ensure online safety through moderated platforms, secure handling of digital content, parental consent, and clear boundaries around communication.

11. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Safeguarding information is treated as confidential and managed in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

12. Working with Parents and Partners

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. We work collaboratively with parents, carers, and partner agencies to ensure consistent safeguarding practice.

13. Responding to Allegations Against Staff

Allegations against staff or volunteers are managed in line with statutory guidance, including referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required.

14. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner where legislative or operational changes occur.

15. Related Policies

  • Code of Conduct
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Modern Slavery Statement

16. Policy Approval

This Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy was approved by the Board of Vitality Healthcare Services Ltd on December 1, 2025.

Signed:
Director
Vitality Healthcare Services Ltd

📅 Date: December 1, 2025

Contact:
📧 info@vitalityhcs.co.uk
📞 +44 7306 111 471

Vitality Healthcare Services Ltd
56 Lenthall Avenue, Grays, Essex, England, RM17 5AT