Last Updated: June 2026
1. Introduction
At Friendly Companions, the safety, dignity and well-being of every client is a priority. This policy outlines how safeguarding concerns are identified, reported and managed to help protect vulnerable adults who use our companionship and support services.
Friendly Companions provides non-medical companionship and practical support services. We do not provide personal care, administer medication, or undertake regulated care activities.
2. Purpose of This Policy
This policy aims to:
Promote the safety and well-being of all clients.
Protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm.
Provide clear procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.
Ensure concerns are handled appropriately and confidentially.
Maintain a safe, respectful and professional service.
Promote the independence, dignity and choice of every client.
3. Who This Policy Applies To
This policy applies to all individuals working for or representing Friendly Companions, including the owner, any future employees, associates, contractors or volunteers, as well as all clients receiving services from Friendly Companions.
4. Our Commitment
Friendly Companions is committed to:
Treating all clients with dignity, respect and kindness.
Promoting independence wherever possible.
Listening to clients and respecting their wishes and choices.
Maintaining professional boundaries at all times.
Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously.
Creating an environment where clients feel safe, valued and heard.
5. Types of Abuse
Safeguarding concerns may include:
Physical Abuse
The use of force resulting in injury, pain or harm.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Bullying, intimidation, humiliation, threats or controlling behaviour.
Financial Abuse
The misuse of money, property, possessions or financial resources.
Neglect
Failure to meet a person’s basic needs or provide necessary support.
Discriminatory Abuse
Unfair treatment based on age, disability, race, religion, gender or other protected characteristics.
Self-Neglect
Situations where an individual is unable or unwilling to care for their own health, safety or living conditions.
6. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Possible indicators may include:
Unexplained injuries or frequent accidents.
Sudden changes in behaviour or mood.
Signs of fear, anxiety or distress.
Concerns regarding living conditions.
Unusual financial activity or missing possessions.
Lack of food, heating or essential household items.
Evidence of isolation, coercion or neglect.
7. Reporting Concerns
If a safeguarding concern arises:
The concern will be recorded as soon as possible.
Immediate risks to safety will be treated as a priority.
Where appropriate, concerns may be discussed with family members, carers or relevant professionals.
Serious concerns may be referred to the local authority safeguarding team, social services, the police, or emergency services.
If there is an immediate danger to life or safety, emergency services will be contacted without delay.
8. Confidentiality
All safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially.
Information will only be shared where necessary to:
Protect an individual from harm.
Comply with legal obligations.
Assist safeguarding investigations or referrals.
9. Professional Boundaries
Friendly Companions maintains clear professional boundaries.
The service does not provide:
Personal care.
Assistance with bathing, dressing or toileting.
Administration of medication.
Medical treatment or healthcare services.
Financial management or access to client bank accounts.
Clients remain responsible for making their own decisions wherever they have capacity to do so.
10. Recruitment and Safety Measures
Friendly Companions is committed to maintaining appropriate safety standards for all individuals working within the service.
These measures may include:
Enhanced DBS certificates where appropriate.
Public liability insurance.
First aid training.
Safeguarding awareness and training.
Secure handling of personal information.
Ongoing review of safeguarding practices.
Where additional staff, associates, contractors or volunteers are engaged, appropriate recruitment procedures, identity verification, DBS checks, safeguarding requirements and insurance arrangements will be applied before services are provided to clients.
11. Review of This Policy
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or business operations.
12. Contact Information
If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions regarding this policy, please contact:
Friendly Companions
Email: info@friendlycompanions.co.uk
Website: www.friendlycompanions.co.uk