TurnBright Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy statement

TurnBright believes that everyone has the right to be safe, and to be treated with dignity and respect in their own home, garden or care setting. We often work for older people, people living alone, bereaved families and care-home residents. We take our responsibility to protect them seriously. We will never take advantage of anyone, and we will act promptly on any concern about abuse or neglect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all TurnBright work, including gardening, landscaping, house clearances, probate and bereavement clearances, and care-home room clearances. It applies to everyone who works for or on behalf of TurnBright.

3. Safeguarding lead

Our named safeguarding lead is the owner, Nikolay Goranov. He is responsible for this policy, for briefing the team, and for handling and reporting every safeguarding concern.

4. Team responsibilities

Everyone working for TurnBright must:

• treat customers, vulnerable adults and children with courtesy, patience and respect;
• respect people's homes, privacy, routines and wishes;
• never pressure anyone into a decision, and provide clear written quotes before work begins;
• follow this policy and the safer working practices below;
• report any concern to the safeguarding lead the same day.

5. Safer working practices

• Two-person teams are used where practical.
• Identification is carried at all times and shown on arrival or on request.
• Identifiable vehicles and branding are used, so customers and neighbours know who we are.
• No lone contact: we avoid being alone with a vulnerable adult or child wherever possible, and ask that a family member, carer or executor is present where appropriate.
• No gifts or money: we do not accept gifts, tips, cash or items from customers beyond the agreed payment.
• No lending or borrowing of money or property with customers.
• Facilities: we do not use a customer's toilet, kitchen, phone or other facilities without permission.
• Phones and photos: personal phone use on site is kept to a minimum. Photos are taken only of the work area, only with consent, and people are never photographed.

6. Belongings and valuables found during clearances

Documents, photographs, cash, jewellery, keepsakes and other personal items found during a clearance are set aside, logged and handed to the family or executor, signed for where practical. Nothing is removed, kept or disposed of without permission. If we are unsure about an item, we stop and ask.

7. Key handling

Keys are logged when received, held securely, used only for the agreed work, and returned promptly to the agreed person. Keys are never copied or passed to anyone else without written permission.

8. Working in care homes

In care homes we sign in and out, wear identification, follow the home's rules and procedures, and work under the supervision of, or by arrangement with, care-home staff. We respect residents' privacy and routines and do not enter other residents' rooms.

9. Recognising abuse and neglect

We stay alert to signs of abuse, which can include:

• Physical: unexplained injuries, bruising, or fear of a particular person.
• Financial: missing money or belongings, unusual pressure over money, wills or property.
• Emotional: someone appearing frightened, withdrawn, belittled or controlled.
• Neglect: lack of food, heating, hygiene or care that someone needs.
• Self-neglect: a person not caring for themselves or their home in a way that puts them at risk.
• Scams: signs of doorstep, phone, post or online fraud, such as piles of scam mail or unfamiliar "helpers".

10. Responding to a disclosure

If someone tells us they are being harmed, we will:

1. Listen calmly and take them seriously.
2. Not investigate, question in detail or confront anyone.
3. Not promise secrecy, and explain that we may need to tell someone who can help.
4. Record what was said and seen, factually, in the person's own words, with the date and time.
5. Report it to the safeguarding lead the same day.

11. Recording and reporting

• Emergency: if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• Same day: report the concern to the safeguarding lead, Nikolay Goranov.
• Referral: the safeguarding lead will refer the concern to the relevant local authority adult or children's safeguarding team, and inform the care home where relevant.
• Records: all concerns, decisions and actions are recorded, dated and stored securely.

12. Data protection and confidentiality

We handle personal information in line with UK GDPR. Information about customers and any safeguarding concern is kept confidential, stored securely, and shared only with those who need to know, such as the local authority, the care home or emergency services. Records are kept only as long as needed.

13. Recruitment and briefing

We take care when taking on new team members, including confirming their identity. Everyone is briefed on this policy and our safer working practices before starting work, and works alongside an experienced team member until familiar with them. Reminders are given regularly and after any change to the policy.

14. Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the safeguarding lead, and sooner after any safeguarding incident or change in the law. Dated: October 2026. Next review: October 2027.

Safeguarding contact

Nikolay Goranov, Owner and Safeguarding Lead · team@turnbright.co.uk · 020 8064 1412 · WhatsApp 07877 056734 · turnbright.co.uk