Safeguarding Policy

White’s Scaffolding Ltd

White’s Scaffolding Ltd is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals who come into contact with our organisation, including employees, subcontractors, clients, members of the public, and especially vulnerable adults and young people. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we expect everyone representing the company to uphold the highest standards of conduct, care and protection at all times.

This policy outlines our approach to recognising, responding to and reporting safeguarding concerns in compliance with UK legislation, including the Care Act 2014, the Children Act 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and related statutory guidance.

1. Purpose of This Policy

The aims of this Safeguarding Policy are to:

• Protect vulnerable adults, young people and children from harm, abuse or neglect.
• Ensure all staff and subcontractors understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Provide clear procedures for identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Promote an environment where safety and wellbeing are prioritised.
• Support staff in responding appropriately to safeguarding disclosures.

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors, agency workers, directors, and anyone working on behalf of White’s Scaffolding Ltd.

2. Definitions

2.1 Safeguarding

Protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from harm, abuse and neglect.

2.2 Vulnerable Adult

A person aged 18+ who:

• Has care or support needs.
• Is unable to protect themselves from harm.
• May be at risk due to age, disability, illness or mental capacity.

2.3 Children & Young People

Anyone under the age of 18.

2.4 Types of Abuse

Abuse may include, but is not limited to:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Neglect or self-neglect
• Financial or material abuse
• Discriminatory abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Modern slavery
• Organisational abuse
• Cyber or online exploitation

Staff must remain alert to any signs of possible harm.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Director Responsibilities

The Director of White’s Scaffolding Ltd is responsible for:

• Implementing and overseeing the Safeguarding Policy.
• Ensuring staff receive appropriate guidance and support.
• Reviewing safeguarding concerns and escalating where necessary.
• Ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.
• Maintaining secure and confidential safeguarding records.

3.2 Safeguarding Lead

Safeguarding Lead:
Lewis White, Director
Email: info@whitesscaffolding.co.uk
Phone: 01722 398439

3.3 Employee Responsibilities

All employees and subcontractors must:

• Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Avoid any behaviour that could be misinterpreted as abusive or inappropriate.
• Never ignore signs of potential abuse.
• Follow the reporting procedures in this policy.
• Co-operate with investigations where required.

4. Recognising Abuse

Employees may become aware of abuse through:

• Direct disclosure from a vulnerable person.
• Observing physical signs such as injuries or poor hygiene.
• Significant behavioural changes.
• Concerns raised by colleagues, family or third parties.
• Unsafe working or living environments.

All concerns — even minor or uncertain ones — must be reported.

5. Responding to a Disclosure

If someone discloses harm or abuse:

• Listen carefully without interruption.
• Stay calm and non-judgmental.
• Do not make assumptions or promises.
• Record the facts accurately using the person’s own words.
• Report immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
• If the person is in immediate danger, call 999.

Your role is not to investigate — only to record and report.

6. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Concerns must be reported immediately to:

Safeguarding Lead:
info@whitesscaffolding.co.uk
01722 398439

Where urgent risk is present:
Police / Emergency Services — 999

Concerns may also be raised with:

• Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team.
• Local Children’s Services.
• NSPCC (Children): 0808 800 5000.

All reports will be handled sensitively, confidentially and in accordance with data protection law.

7. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

White’s Scaffolding Ltd will:

• Keep safeguarding records secure and confidential.
• Only share information with authorised persons.
• Store records under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Ensure records are factual, accurate and dated.

Employees must never discuss safeguarding concerns with anyone except the Safeguarding Lead or relevant authorities.

8. Recruitment & Training

White’s Scaffolding Ltd ensures:

• All employees and subcontractors are made aware of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Roles involving vulnerable individuals may require DBS checks.
• Safeguarding processes form part of induction training.
• Additional training is provided where appropriate.

9. Managing Allegations Against Staff

If a safeguarding allegation is made against a member of staff:

• The Safeguarding Lead will be informed immediately.
• The individual may be suspended while an investigation is carried out.
• External authorities may be contacted where appropriate.
• Disciplinary procedures may apply if misconduct is identified.

False or malicious allegations will also be investigated.

10. Policy Monitoring & Review

White’s Scaffolding Ltd will:

• Review this policy annually.
• Update procedures in line with legislation and best practice.
• Ensure ongoing improvement of safeguarding processes.
• Encourage staff feedback.

11. Policy Approval

This Safeguarding Policy is fully supported by the Director of White’s Scaffolding Ltd. All employees and subcontractors must comply with this policy.

Signed:
Lewis White
Director, White’s Scaffolding Ltd
Date: 10th April 2025