Safeguarding Statement

1. Purpose of the Safeguarding Statement

This Safeguarding Statement outlines Hillgate Recruitment Services' commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, adults at risk, and those with healthcare needs. We adhere to all relevant legislation, guidelines, and best practices to ensure that safeguarding is integral to our recruitment processes.

2. Safeguarding Responsibilities

We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and have implemented the following measures:

Recruitment and Vetting Procedures
• We ensure that all recruitment practices follow safe recruitment guidelines, including thorough background checks, references, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where required.
• Staff involved in recruitment receive safeguarding training to identify potential risks and ensure proper handling of sensitive cases.

Healthcare Safeguarding
• We recognize that candidates with specific healthcare needs, such as those with disabilities or medical conditions, may require additional safeguarding measures.
• Occupational health assessments are conducted where necessary to determine fitness for work and ensure that healthcare needs are met in a safe and appropriate manner.
• We work closely with healthcare professionals and relevant agencies to implement safeguarding plans for individuals with healthcare vulnerabilities.

3. Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups

Hillgate Recruitment Services acknowledges its duty of care towards vulnerable groups, including children, adults at risk, and individuals with healthcare or support needs. We are committed to preventing harm and exploitation by adhering to the following principles:

Children and Young People
• For roles involving the recruitment of individuals who may work with children, we ensure all candidates undergo strict safeguarding checks.
• We promote a culture of zero tolerance for abuse, exploitation, or neglect in any form.

Adults at Risk
• We recognize that some adults may be at risk due to age, disability, mental or physical health conditions, or other circumstances.
• Our safeguarding measures ensure that adults at risk are treated with respect, their autonomy is promoted, and appropriate actions are taken to protect their well-being.

Healthcare Safeguarding
• We ensure that candidates with healthcare needs are assessed fairly and appropriately, with any required adjustments made to their work environment.
• Safeguarding measures are in place to prevent discrimination, exploitation, or neglect of those with specific healthcare vulnerabilities.
• Healthcare safeguarding may involve the collaboration with health services, social care teams, or occupational health specialists to ensure a comprehensive approach.

4. Safeguarding Procedures

Reporting Concerns

All staff members, candidates, and clients have a responsibility to report any concerns about the welfare of vulnerable individuals. We have clear internal procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns, including:

• Reporting incidents to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Hillgate Recruitment Services
• Immediate action in the case of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Escalating concerns to relevant authorities (e.g., social services, police, healthcare agencies) where appropriate

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Hillgate Recruitment Services has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, including:

• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures
• Providing guidance and support to staff and candidates on safeguarding issues
• Liaising with external agencies and authorities as needed
• Monitoring and reviewing safeguarding practices regularly to ensure effectiveness

5. Training and Awareness

We provide regular safeguarding training to all staff members involved in recruitment and healthcare processes to ensure they are equipped to:

• Identify signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Understand their role in promoting safeguarding
• Know how to report and respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately
• Maintain confidentiality while safeguarding the interests of vulnerable individuals

6. Healthcare Safeguarding Practices

Healthcare safeguarding involves additional considerations due to the sensitive nature of healthcare data and personal information. We ensure that:

• All healthcare-related information is processed and stored securely, in accordance with data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and healthcare confidentiality standards.
• When assessing a candidate’s healthcare needs, only necessary information is shared with employers or other third parties with the candidate’s explicit consent.
• Healthcare assessments are carried out with dignity and respect, and any reasonable adjustments are made to support individuals with medical conditions, disabilities, or other healthcare needs.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Hillgate Recruitment Services is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of all individuals' personal and healthcare data. Safeguarding-related information will be:

• Shared only on a need-to-know basis with those responsible for the safety and well-being of the individual
• Stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel
• Disclosed to relevant authorities where required by law to protect vulnerable individuals from harm

8. Monitoring and Review

This Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed annually, or earlier if necessary, to ensure compliance with changes in legislation, best practices, and the evolving needs of our stakeholders. Regular audits of our safeguarding processes will be conducted to ensure continuous improvement.

9. Contact Information

If you have any safeguarding concerns or questions about our safeguarding practices, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Hillgate Recruitment Services
Email: info@hillgaterecruitmentservices.co.uk
Phone: (0800) 772 0083
Address: Labyrinth Business Centre, 43-47 Middle Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3DG

This Safeguarding Statement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and welfare of all individuals involved in our services, particularly those vulnerable or with healthcare needs.