Last updated: May 2026
Our Commitment
Ekvarta Ltd takes the safeguarding of adults seriously. We are committed to:
- Ensuring all staff are trained to recognise and respond to concerns about abuse or neglect
- Acting swiftly and decisively when concerns are raised
- Reporting all safeguarding concerns to the appropriate statutory authority
- Supporting service users to understand their rights and how to raise concerns
- Working collaboratively with local councils, police and other agencies
Types of Abuse
Under the Care Act 2014, the following are recognised categories of abuse and neglect:
- Physical abuse — hitting, pushing, restraining, misusing medication
- Domestic abuse — abuse within a relationship or by a family member
- Sexual abuse — including non-consensual acts and exploitation
- Psychological or emotional abuse — intimidation, humiliation, threats
- Financial or material abuse — theft, fraud, misuse of assets, exploitation
- Modern slavery — trafficking, forced labour, exploitation
- Discriminatory abuse — abuse based on protected characteristics
- Organisational abuse — neglect and poor practices within an institution
- Neglect and acts of omission — failing to provide adequate care, food, medication or attention
- Self-neglect — a person's failure to maintain their own personal hygiene, health or home
Recognising Abuse
Signs that may indicate abuse or neglect include:
- Unexplained injuries or bruising
- Fear, anxiety or withdrawal in the presence of certain people
- Sudden changes in financial circumstances
- Poor physical condition, malnutrition or dehydration
- Distress or disclosure by the person themselves
- Unexplained deterioration in wellbeing
Reporting Concerns
All Ekvarta staff have a duty to report safeguarding concerns. Staff are trained to:
- Report concerns to the company's designated Safeguarding Lead immediately
- Not investigate concerns themselves, but preserve information and evidence
- Report to the local council's adult safeguarding team where required
- Report to the police where a crime may have been committed
- Report to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as appropriate
Our Safeguarding Lead is: Paurav Joshi, Director, Ekvarta Ltd. Contact: [email protected]
If You Have a Concern
If you are a service user, family member or member of the public with a safeguarding concern about anyone receiving our services:
- Contact us at [email protected]
- In an emergency, call 999
- To report a concern about an adult at risk to the local council, contact the adult social care safeguarding team at your local council
- You can also contact the CQC: 0300 061 6161
Prevent Duty
As a care provider, Ekvarta is alert to the risk of radicalisation. Staff are trained in the government's Prevent strategy and know how to refer concerns appropriately.
Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, Complaints Policy and staff Code of Conduct, copies of which are available on request.
Review
This policy is reviewed annually and following any significant safeguarding event. Next review: May 2027.