Safeguarding is
Everybody's Responsibility
At NextGen Healthcare Services, we recognise that every individual in our care has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, and harm. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously — ensuring the welfare of all service users, children, and vulnerable adults is always our highest priority.
Our Pledge
Protecting Every Person in Our Care
We are committed to creating an environment where every person — service users, their families, and our staff — feels safe, respected, and heard. Our safeguarding framework is embedded in everything we do, from recruitment and training to daily care delivery and incident management.
Our Safeguarding Commitments
NextGen Healthcare Services upholds a robust and proactive approach to safeguarding. We will always act swiftly, transparently, and in the best interests of those we support.
Respond Quickly & Appropriately
We will respond promptly and proportionately where abuse is suspected or allegations are made, following established escalation procedures without delay.
Voice for Service Users & Families
We provide both service users and their families with clear channels to raise concerns about their own care or the care of others — confidentially and without fear.
Clear Concern Management System
We maintain a structured system for recording, escalating, and reviewing all safeguarding concerns — ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Links with Partner Agencies
We maintain strong working relationships with local authorities, the NHS, social services, and other safeguarding partners — acting collaboratively when concerns arise.
Regular Staff Training
All staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role upon joining and on a regular refresher basis — ensuring competence and confidence are always maintained.
Awareness & Vigilance
We remain aware of current child and adult safeguarding procedures, continuously reviewing practice to reflect updated guidance and legislation.
Basic Principles
These core principles guide every aspect of our safeguarding practice and underpin the behaviour expected of all NextGen staff, contractors, and volunteers.
1
The welfare of the service user — child or adult — is paramount and takes precedence in every decision we make.
2
It is the responsibility of all adults — including all employed, commissioned, or contracted staff — to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable people.
3
Adults who work with our service users are responsible for their own actions and behaviour, and must avoid any conduct that could lead any reasonable person to question their motivation or intentions.
4
All staff must work — and be seen to work — in an open and transparent way, with no hidden conduct or undocumented interactions.
5
The same professional standards are applied to all service users regardless of culture, disability, gender, language, racial origin, religious belief, or sexual identity.
6
Adults must continually monitor and review their own practice, ensuring alignment with this policy and all relevant safeguarding guidance at all times.
Confidentiality & Information Sharing
Staff are required to access sensitive information about service users in order to do their jobs effectively. This information must be handled with the utmost care, discretion, and professionalism at all times.
Strict Confidentiality
All confidential information about service users must be kept secure and only shared when it is in the interests of that individual — and only with those who have a legitimate need to know. Information must never be used in a way that could humiliate or embarrass a service user.
When to Share Information
If any member of staff is uncertain whether information should be shared or kept confidential, they must seek guidance from the designated Safeguarding Lead immediately. All actions must comply with locally agreed information sharing protocols and the Data Protection Act / UK GDPR.
No Secrets — The Golden Rule
While staff must listen to and support service users, they must never promise to keep secrets — and must never request secrecy from a service user or child under any circumstances. Any concerns or allegations about adults must be treated as confidential and passed to the designated person or relevant agency without delay. This rule is absolute and non-negotiable.
Important Reminder for All Staff
Any concern — however minor it may seem — must be reported through the correct channels. You will never be penalised for raising a genuine concern in good faith. Silence is not an option when the welfare of a vulnerable person is at risk.
How to Report a Concern
If you have a safeguarding concern — whether you are a staff member, family member, or member of the public — please follow the steps below. Acting promptly could make a real difference.
Reporting Steps
All concerns are treated seriously, handled confidentially, and escalated appropriately.
1
Do Not Ignore It
If something doesn't feel right — a comment, a physical sign, or a change in behaviour — trust your instincts. You do not need to be certain before raising a concern.
2
Do Not Investigate Yourself
Do not attempt to investigate the concern yourself or confront the person alleged to have caused harm. This could jeopardise a formal investigation.
3
Contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Report your concern to the NextGen Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible — ideally the same day. They will guide you through the next steps and take appropriate action.
4
Record Your Observations
Write down exactly what you saw, heard, or were told — using the individual's own words where possible. Include dates, times, and the names of anyone present.
5
In an Emergency — Call 999
If a person is in immediate danger, call 999 first. Then notify the Safeguarding Lead and your line manager as soon as it is safe to do so.
