Safeguarding

Our commitment to safety and respect

At SLS, we are deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and respect across all our properties. As a UK-based housing provider, we are dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of our visitors, tenants, and staff, with particular focus on the protection of vulnerable individuals. We align our practices with UK safeguarding legislation, ensuring compliance with all national standards and guidelines.

What is safeguarding?

In the UK, safeguarding means protecting people's health, well-being, and human rights, and enabling them to live free from abuse, harm, and neglect. It is especially pertinent for vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, ensuring their safety in domestic and communal living environments.

Types of abuse defined

1. Physical Abuse: Any form of physical harm or violence caused intentionally.
2. Emotional or Psychological Abuse: Actions or words that cause emotional harm or distress.
3. Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual activity, including activities the victim may not fully comprehend.
4. Financial or Material Abuse: The illegal or unauthorized use of a person's property, money, or other valuables.
5. Neglect and Acts of Omission: Failing to meet a person's basic needs, including medical, social, and physical care.
6. Discriminatory Abuse: Abuse based on a person's race, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
7. Institutional Abuse: Mistreatment or abuse by an organisation where poor care or inadequate systems support the occurrence of abuse.

Other types of abuse of vulnerable adults includes Cuckooing. Read more about cuckooing.

Our safeguarding policies

• Prevention: Training and educating our staff and residents about abuse and its prevention, tailored to adhere to UK laws and regulations.
• Protection: Robust procedures are in place, developed in line with the UK's Safeguarding Adults and Children policies, to protect those at risk.
• Support: Providing targeted support to those affected by abuse, working with UK health and social services to facilitate comprehensive care.
• Partnership: Collaborating with local councils, NHS trusts, police forces, and non-profit organisations to strengthen our safeguarding framework.

Staff training and compliance

We ensure all staff are thoroughly trained in safeguarding, based on guidelines set forth by UK regulations, including:

• Identification of abuse and reporting procedures.
• Legal responsibilities under UK safeguarding regulations.
• Regular updates and refresher courses to remain informed of new legislation and best practices.

Reporting Abuse

If you suspect abuse or are concerned about our resident's safety, please contact our Safeguarding Team immediately. We handle all reports with strict confidentiality and urgency. Email us at safeguarding@sls.ltd.

If you think somebody is in imminent danger, call 999. If they're not in immediate danger, please contact the Local Authority's Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk teams. If you are unsure how to find their contact details, call your Local Council and speak to the operator for assistance.