Safeguarding Audit - Care Homes

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  • Is there a safeguarding policy in place that is up to date and aligned with local authority and CQC guidance?
  • Are all staff trained in safeguarding adults at risk, including how to recognise and report abuse?
  • Is safeguarding training refreshed regularly and recorded accurately in staff training logs?
  • Do staff understand the different types of abuse (e.g., physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, discriminatory, institutional)?
  • Are staff confident in raising safeguarding concerns and do they know the reporting procedure?
  • Is there a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) who is trained and easily accessible to staff?
  • Are all safeguarding concerns documented and reported promptly to the appropriate authority?
  • Are safeguarding referrals tracked with records of actions taken and outcomes achieved?
  • Are residents aware of how to report concerns or abuse and do they feel safe doing so?
  • Are families and visitors informed about safeguarding policies and reporting procedures?
  • Are incidents involving peer-to-peer abuse (e.g., resident-to-resident aggression) properly identified, investigated, and managed?
  • Are patterns of repeated low-level concerns reviewed for escalation and learning?
  • Are safeguarding investigations handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and timeliness?
  • Are outcomes of safeguarding incidents reviewed with lessons learned embedded into practice?
  • Are people with cognitive impairments or communication difficulties supported to raise concerns?
  • Are Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) applications made when necessary and reviewed regularly?
  • Are there clear records of mental capacity assessments for decisions relating to safety and safeguarding?
  • Are allegations or concerns about staff behaviour taken seriously and investigated in line with disciplinary procedures?
  • Are recruitment checks (e.g., DBS, references) robust enough to prevent unsuitable individuals from being employed?
  • Are whistleblowing procedures accessible and are staff confident they will be protected when using them?
  • Is there a log of safeguarding incidents and concerns that is regularly reviewed by management?
  • Is safeguarding discussed during supervisions, appraisals, or team meetings?
  • Are safeguarding themes and trends reported in governance and quality monitoring processes?
  • Is financial abuse considered as part of care planning and resident support (e.g., money handling, access to accounts)?
  • Are restrictive practices or physical interventions monitored, reviewed, and reported appropriately?
  • Are staff aware of professional boundaries and how to manage relationships appropriately with residents and families?
  • Are visitors monitored, and are there controls to prevent unauthorised access or risky behaviour from external individuals?
  • Are staff trained in supporting residents who may disclose historical abuse or trauma?
  • Are environmental risks (e.g., lack of supervision, locked doors, blind spots) assessed as potential safeguarding hazards?
  • Is there a contingency plan in place to manage safeguarding during major disruptions (e.g., pandemics, staff shortages)?
  • Are complaints linked to safeguarding concerns reviewed and categorised appropriately?
  • Is information shared with external professionals (GPs, social workers, police) when required under safeguarding duties?
  • Are safeguarding outcomes communicated and explained to residents and families where appropriate?
  • Is there a review of whether actions taken in response to safeguarding concerns led to sustained improvement?
  • Are staff trained to recognise signs of grooming, coercion, or undue influence—especially in vulnerable residents?
  • Are care plans reviewed after safeguarding incidents to reflect changes in risk or required protections?
  • Do safeguarding audits include the perspective of residents, families, and advocates where possible?