Methods of promoting and supporting safeguarding in the work setting

For this assessment criteria, you will be required to demonstrate that you are able to use methods that effectively promote and support safeguarding within the work setting.

Active and visible working practices to support staff with their responsibilities toward safeguarding and whistleblowing

All policies, procedures and other agreed ways of working should be easily accessible to all employees and volunteers. In addition, you should ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities and the process to follow if they have concerns about unsafe practices and abuse. At the very minimum, your organisation should have safeguarding and whistleblowing policies and procedures.

Training for all staff in their responsibilities toward safeguarding and whistleblowing

All staff should undergo training to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of safeguarding and protection of vulnerable individuals. This will begin with their induction, which may include the Care Certificate, and regular training thereafter to support their professional development. Training will address any changes in legislation or local/national guidance, however, any changes to policies and procedures should be communicated to the staff team ahead of time.

Review of any issues as a regular agenda item at meetings with internal and external stakeholders

Any safeguarding issues or concerns should be a regular agenda item in meetings with both internal and external stakeholders. Doing this can keep everyone informed about current issues and any changes to safeguarding practices or protocols. It also demonstrates that safeguarding is something that your organisation takes seriously and gives others the opportunity to speak up if they have concerns.

Open-door approach for whistleblowing issues and reporting of safeguarding concerns

Whistleblowing and safeguarding are very important issues and so everyone should feel comfortable about reporting any concerns that they have. Therefore, it is useful to operate an ‘open door’ policy where staff can bring concerns to your attention at any time – you should ensure that you communicate this to your team and it is backed up by your organisational policies and procedures. Reporting a concern can be very daunting for some people and if they feel, for example, that you are too busy or they will be reprimanded, it can prevent them from speaking out.

Information provided for all individuals in receipt of services, visitors to the setting and other professionals and agencies on how to raise a concern or make a complaint

Information about reporting a concern or raising a complaint should be easily accessible by individuals receiving care and support services, as well as other visitors to the setting, which can include family, carers and other healthcare professionals. This helps to ensure that concerns are reported, which means you will be able to address them.

Assessment Criteria

Learners use methods to effectively promote and support safeguarding in the work setting, to include:

• Active and visible working practices to support staff with their responsibilities toward safeguarding and whistleblowing
• Training for all staff in their responsibilities toward safeguarding and whistleblowing
• Review of any issues as a regular agenda item at meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Open-door approach for whistleblowing issues and reporting of safeguarding concerns
• Information provided for all individuals in receipt of services, visitors to the setting and other professionals and agencies on how to raise a concern or make a complaint