We’re proud to be publishing our Safeguarding Annual Report 2021/22, outlining the actions we are taking to keep customers safe from harm and abuse.
3rd Mar 2023 - Corporate news
The report places a greater emphasis on the learning and development of our colleagues, partnership working with local authorities and a review of our existing policies and procedures around safeguarding.
Alongside the delivery of specialist training from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to employees across our frontline services, we have developed comprehensive training for operatives and staff within our Customer Hub. As a result, our colleagues have a greater understanding as to what constitutes a safeguarding concern and are more confident in deciding when to raise a concern or escalate a referral.
The results are encouraging, with cases in both our retirement and supported living schemes decreasing and 31% more referrals accepted by the local authority than the previous year.
Following a review of some of the most concerning safeguarding cases, we’re also developing a ‘home checker’ form that will be used to highlight safeguarding concerns, enabling us to address these earlier.
It gives me great pleasure as our safeguarding lead to present our Safeguarding Annual report for 2021-22. During another year working through the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve continued to adopt flexible and collaborative approaches to working with partners to make sure our customers are safe from harm and abuse.
Sharon Alexis-Wilson, Director of Retirement and Supported Living at Midland Heart
The report coincides with the appointment of an Independent Chairperson to Midland Heart’s newly formed Safeguarding Board, who will ensure our practices continue to align with our aim to deliver positive outcomes for our most vulnerable customers. This is alongside an internal Safeguarding Ambassador Group, dedicated to championing our focus on safeguarding within the organisation.
The safety of customers living in our homes is a priority to all of us at Midland Heart, and we will continue to work with our colleagues to spot the signs and ensure our customers are protected from abuse or neglect.
