Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all employees of Aurea Care Limited understand the importance we place on safeguarding individuals connected with our operations. This policy provides clear guidance on expected behaviours and outlines our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.
Statement
Modern slavery is a grave crime that deprives individuals of their liberty and dignity for another’s gain. It affects millions of people worldwide, including in developed countries, through various exploitative practices such as human trafficking, forced labour, bonded labour, and child slavery. At Aurea Care Limited, we adopt a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking, committing to robust measures to mitigate associated risks within our operations and supply chains.
Policy Overview
This policy defines the values, principles, and procedures underpinning Aurea Care Limited’s approach to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking. It applies to our care services and all organisations with which we engage.
Our policy aligns with the safeguarding duties outlined in the Care Act 2014, which protects vulnerable adults from abuse, and the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which establishes corporate responsibilities to prevent involvement with organisations implicated in modern slavery.
Service Users
Aurea Care Limited ensures that no vulnerable adult in our care is subjected to conditions of modern slavery. If evidence or suspicion arises, we will take immediate protective action by alerting the appropriate safeguarding authority or the police. Our safeguarding procedures will be strictly applied to protect and support the individual at risk.
Staff
We are committed to ethical employment practices and ensure that all recruitment processes comply with employment laws and statutory requirements. Should any evidence emerge that an employee is being exploited or subjected to forced labour by a third party, we will report these concerns to the relevant authorities while maintaining our duty of care to the employee. Employees recruited in compliance with lawful procedures will not face discrimination.
Contractors and Suppliers
We work with external organisations to procure goods and services, ensuring no links in our supply chain are involved in modern slavery. All contractors and suppliers must demonstrate:
- A zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery.
- Adherence to the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
- Thorough checks of their supply chains to ensure compliance with anti-slavery standards.
Suppliers are informed of our anti-slavery expectations, and concerns regarding non-compliance will be promptly addressed. Whistleblowers raising such concerns will be protected under our policies.
Training
All staff receive training on safeguarding service users and understanding this policy. Additional training is provided to procurement staff to identify and mitigate risks related to modern slavery within our supply chains.
Reporting and Investigation Procedures
All employees must report suspected abuse and will be fully supported in doing so. However, they must not:
- Confront the alleged perpetrator.
- Promise confidentiality.
- Offer personal opinions or judgments.
- Conduct independent investigations, which may compromise evidence.
Immediate Reporting
If a crime has been committed or a client is in immediate danger, staff should contact the police without delay. Managers must be informed, but urgent action may be taken independently in emergencies.
Further Action
In non-urgent cases, staff should consult their manager, who will liaise with local safeguarding authorities. The manager will also notify the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and inform Aurea Care Limited’s insurers of the investigation at an early stage.
If the police are involved, internal investigations will be paused to avoid compromising evidence. Referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be made in accordance with its guidelines when necessary.
Record-Keeping
All allegations and incidents are documented in our electronic system. Any handwritten notes are scanned and attached to client files for easy reference and auditing.
Client Communication
We prioritise client safety and well-being during investigations, ensuring they are informed of developments and outcomes. If clients are dissatisfied, they are advised on how to access our complaints procedure.
Collaboration with Safeguarding Boards
Aurea Care Limited collaborates with local Safeguarding Adults Boards to ensure adherence to safeguarding protocols. We also work with Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCBs) to protect children from harm.
Regulatory and KLOE References
This policy aligns with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) framework to ensure safe, effective, and responsive care services.
Relevant Regulations:
- Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment
- Regulation 13: Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment
- Regulation 17: Good governance
Conclusion
Aurea Care Limited is steadfast in its commitment to eradicating modern slavery and upholding the highest safeguarding standards. Through comprehensive policies, targeted training, and collaboration with safeguarding authorities, we strive to create a safe, ethical environment for all individuals connected with our services.
