We play a vital role in the protection of all vulnerable adults and children cared for within the hospice. They may be vulnerable due to the nature of their age, illness, their social and/or domestic circumstances. It is every person’s right to live in safety and be free from abuse or fear of abuse from others, in accordance with the Human Rights Act 1998. Our safeguarding policy applies to all persons in our care, alive or deceased, and we have a responsibility to them until they have left our building.

We are committed to protecting all vulnerable adults, children and young people in our care through strong safeguarding arrangements, clear leadership, effective governance and a culture of openness and accountability. Our safeguarding policies and procedures are accessible on request, regularly reviewed and aligned with relevant legislation, statutory guidance and recognised best practice. We maintain clear lines of responsibility, supported by monitoring, auditing and learning from incidents, to continually strengthen and improve our safeguarding approach.

Statutory responsibility for the protection of a vulnerable person lies with the Local Authorities. Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice, will fully support these and other agencies in safeguarding vulnerable adults and children working in a multi-disciplinary way. The joint working of all appropriate agencies and lead staff from these agencies will assist in ensuring that, where possible, any abuse is prevented. Where preventative measures fail, incidents of abuse will be dealt with sensitively and effectively.

We will work with the following agencies to deal with all allegations of abuse to vulnerable adults and children: