Safeguarding Policy
Created: 1st November, 2024
Last Review: 1st November, 2025
Next Review: 1st November, 2026
1. Policy Statement
TiC Heating Solutions Ltd. is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk who may come into contact with our employees or contractors during the course of our work.
As a service provider that may operate in domestic, commercial, and public settings, we recognise our responsibility to act appropriately where safeguarding concerns arise. While we are not a statutory safeguarding authority, we are committed to identifying concerns, responding promptly, and referring matters to the appropriate agencies where necessary.
This policy reflects relevant UK legislation, statutory guidance, and recognised best practice.
2. Purpose and Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agency workers, and representatives acting on behalf of TiC Heating Solutions Ltd.
It covers safeguarding responsibilities arising during work activities carried out in private homes, commercial premises, and public-sector environments, including situations where contact with children or adults at risk may be incidental or unplanned.
The policy aims to:
• Provide a clear framework for safeguarding responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with UK safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Ensure concerns are recognised, reported, and escalated appropriately.
3. Key Principles
Zero Tolerance of Abuse
TiC Heating Solutions Ltd. adopts a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm of any kind.
Early Identification and Action
Employees and contractors are expected to remain alert to safeguarding concerns and to report them promptly rather than attempting to investigate.
Professional Boundaries
All staff must maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid behaviour that could be misinterpreted or place themselves or others at risk.
Training and Awareness
Safeguarding awareness will be proportionate to role and risk, ensuring staff understand signs of concern and reporting routes.
4. Legal Framework
This policy is informed by the following UK legislation and statutory guidance:
• Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
• Care Act 2014
• Children and Social Work Act 2017
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Equality Act 2010
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
5. Definitions
Child
A person under the age of 18 years.
Adult at Risk
A person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and may be unable to protect themselves because of those needs.
6. Responsibilities
Management
• Appoint a Safeguarding Lead responsible for receiving and managing concerns.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate safeguarding information and training.
• Ensure concerns are recorded, reviewed, and escalated appropriately.
Employees and Contractors
• Remain alert to potential safeguarding concerns.
• Report concerns promptly in line with this policy.
• Maintain professional conduct and boundaries at all times.
• Not investigate concerns or promise confidentiality.
7. Safer Recruitment
TiC Heating Solutions Ltd. applies proportionate safer recruitment practices. Where roles involve regular or unsupervised contact with children or adults at risk, appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks will be undertaken in line with legal requirements.
Recruitment checks may include:
• Verification of identity, references, and employment history.
• Confirmation of qualifications, registrations, and licences.
• DBS checks where the role and risk profile justify them.
8. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
Employees and contractors must remain vigilant for indicators of abuse or neglect, which may include physical, emotional, behavioural, or environmental signs.
Any concern, regardless of perceived seriousness, must be reported to the Safeguarding Lead as soon as practicable and recorded factually.
Where there is an immediate risk of harm or danger, emergency services must be contacted by calling 999.
Non-urgent concerns may be referred to:
• Children – Local Authority Children’s Services
• Adults at Risk – Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Teams
9. Training
Safeguarding awareness training will be provided at induction and refreshed at appropriate intervals based on role, risk, and legislative change.
Training will cover recognising concerns, reporting procedures, professional boundaries, and confidentiality.
10. Confidentiality and Data Protection
Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Information may be shared without consent where this is necessary to protect a child or adult at risk or to comply with legal obligations, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
11. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually and sooner if required due to changes in legislation, guidance, organisational structure, or following a safeguarding incident.
Lessons learned from incidents, feedback, or audits will inform policy updates and improvements.