Safeguarding Policy

Protecting children, young people, and adults at risk

Last updated: 01/01/2026

Osa First Care is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. We recognise our responsibility to act in accordance with UK safeguarding legislation, NHS guidance, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.

1. Our Safeguarding Commitment

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility at Osa First Care. We take all reasonable steps to prevent abuse, neglect, harm, and exploitation by ensuring safe recruitment, effective training, robust policies, and a culture of openness and accountability.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All employees and agency staff
  • Volunteers and trainees
  • Contractors and partner organisations
  • Service users, patients, and their families

3. Definitions

Safeguarding refers to the action taken to protect children and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, and harm.

Adults at risk are individuals aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves due to illness, disability, mental health conditions, or other vulnerabilities.

4. Types of Abuse

We recognise and respond to all forms of abuse, including:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Neglect and acts of omission
  • Financial or material abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Discriminatory abuse
  • Organisational or institutional abuse

5. Safe Recruitment & Workforce Training

Osa First Care operates a robust safer recruitment process, including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks (where required)
  • Right to Work verification
  • Professional registration checks
  • Employment references
  • Mandatory safeguarding training

6. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately. Staff are required to:

  • Act promptly and ensure immediate safety
  • Report concerns to their line manager or safeguarding lead
  • Follow local safeguarding authority procedures
  • Layouttain accurate, factual records

7. Whistleblowing

We encourage staff to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Concerns may be raised through internal reporting channels or in line with NHS and regulatory whistleblowing guidance.

8. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

Information relating to safeguarding will be shared only on a need-to-know basis, in accordance with UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and safeguarding legislation. Confidentiality will not prevent appropriate information sharing where there is risk of harm.

9. Governance & Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice. Any updates will be published on this page.

10. Contact & Safeguarding Lead

If you have a safeguarding concern or require further information, please contact:

Designated Safeguarding Lead
Osa First Care
Email: safeguarding@osafirstcare.co.uk
Phone: +44 7760 895495