Log in Request staff
Healthcare Standards

Safeguarding Policy

How MAP Health Care identifies, responds to, escalates and manages safeguarding concerns to protect vulnerable individuals, in accordance with UK law and best practice.

MAP Health Care LTD Company No. 09723243 Version 1.0 Effective 28 June 2026

1Introduction

MAP Health Care LTD ("we", "our", "us") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children (where applicable), and all individuals receiving care or healthcare services through our Platform.

As a healthcare recruitment and workforce management provider, we recognise that safeguarding is a fundamental legal, ethical, and professional responsibility.

This Safeguarding Policy outlines how MAP Health Care identifies, responds to, escalates, and manages safeguarding concerns in accordance with UK law and best practice.

This Policy applies to:

  • healthcare professionals registered on the Platform
  • healthcare providers and employers
  • MAP Health Care staff and contractors
  • all users interacting with care environments via the Platform

2Legal and Regulatory Framework

This Policy is designed in accordance with applicable UK legislation and guidance, including:

  • Care Act 2014
  • Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
  • UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • NHS safeguarding policies and guidance
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.

3Safeguarding Principles

MAP Health Care applies the following core safeguarding principles:

3.1Protection

We prioritise the protection of individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

3.2Prevention

We take proactive measures to reduce safeguarding risks before they occur.

3.3Proportionality

Any safeguarding action taken is proportionate to the level of risk identified.

3.4Partnership

We work collaboratively with healthcare providers, regulators, and statutory authorities.

3.5Accountability

We maintain clear responsibility and accountability in all safeguarding decisions and actions.

4Scope of Safeguarding

Safeguarding applies to all individuals who may be considered vulnerable, including but not limited to:

  • adults receiving healthcare or social care services
  • elderly individuals
  • individuals with physical or mental disabilities
  • individuals with reduced capacity
  • patients in hospital or care environments
  • children (where applicable under placement settings)

5Types of Abuse

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

5.1Physical Abuse

Hitting, shaking, misuse of restraint, or causing physical harm.

5.2Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Threats, intimidation, humiliation, or isolation.

5.3Sexual Abuse

Any non-consensual sexual activity or exploitation.

5.4Financial or Material Abuse

Theft, fraud, or misuse of funds or property.

5.5Neglect

Failure to provide adequate care, supervision, or medical attention.

5.6Discriminatory Abuse

Abuse based on race, gender, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics.

5.7Organisational Abuse

Systemic poor care practices within healthcare settings.

6Safeguarding Responsibilities

6.1MAP Health Care LTD Responsibilities

We are responsible for:

  • ensuring all users meet compliance requirements
  • verifying identity and DBS status where applicable
  • providing a safe recruitment platform
  • monitoring safeguarding concerns raised through the Platform
  • escalating serious concerns to appropriate authorities

6.2Healthcare Provider Responsibilities

Healthcare providers are responsible for:

  • ensuring safe working environments
  • supervising healthcare staff appropriately
  • reporting safeguarding incidents
  • complying with statutory safeguarding duties
  • conducting appropriate local safeguarding procedures

6.3Healthcare Professional Responsibilities

All professionals using the Platform must:

  • act in accordance with safeguarding principles
  • report any safeguarding concerns immediately
  • comply with employer safeguarding policies
  • avoid any behaviour that may place individuals at risk

7Identifying Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may be identified through multiple channels, including:

  • reports from healthcare professionals
  • reports from healthcare providers or employers
  • direct observations during placements
  • concerns raised by patients or service users
  • automated platform flags or compliance alerts
  • audit or verification processes
  • third-party disclosures (e.g. regulators, DBS updates)

Users are expected to act immediately when they suspect that a safeguarding risk may exist, even if they are uncertain.

A “wait and see” approach is not acceptable where there is potential risk of harm.

8Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported without delay.

Reports can be made to MAP Health Care LTD via official communication channels.

A safeguarding report should include, where possible:

  • nature of the concern
  • date, time and location of the incident
  • individuals involved
  • any immediate risks identified
  • supporting evidence or observations
  • actions already taken (if any)

Reports should be factual, objective and avoid assumptions or speculation.

Where there is immediate danger to life or safety, emergency services must be contacted first before notifying MAP Health Care.

9Safeguarding Escalation Process

Once a safeguarding concern is received, MAP Health Care LTD follows a structured escalation process:

9.1Initial Assessment

We assess:

  • severity of the concern
  • immediacy of risk
  • credibility and completeness of information
  • individuals potentially affected

9.2Risk Classification

Concerns are classified as:

  • Low Risk: requires monitoring or clarification
  • Medium Risk: requires investigation and provider notification
  • High Risk: requires immediate escalation to safeguarding authorities

9.3Immediate Escalation

High-risk concerns may be escalated without delay to:

  • healthcare providers or employers
  • local authority safeguarding teams
  • NHS safeguarding departments
  • law enforcement agencies (where applicable)

9.4Interim Protective Actions

Where necessary, MAP Health Care may:

  • suspend user accounts immediately
  • restrict access to placements or shifts
  • remove individuals from active assignments
  • notify relevant providers
  • preserve evidence for investigation

These actions may be taken without prior notice where there is a risk of harm.

10Investigation of Safeguarding Concerns

MAP Health Care LTD may conduct internal reviews or cooperate with external investigations.

Investigation steps may include:

  • reviewing account activity and logs
  • examining communication records (where lawful)
  • verifying documentation and credentials
  • liaising with healthcare providers
  • requesting additional information from users
  • preserving digital evidence

Investigations are conducted in a fair, proportionate and confidential manner.

However, confidentiality may be overridden where disclosure is required for safeguarding or legal reasons.

11Whistleblowing Protection

MAP Health Care LTD fully supports whistleblowing in relation to safeguarding concerns.

Users who report concerns in good faith are protected from:

  • unfair treatment
  • retaliation or discrimination
  • account penalties related solely to reporting

All whistleblowing reports are treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

Anonymous reporting may be permitted where appropriate, although providing contact details may assist investigations.

12Information Sharing

Safeguarding concerns may require the sharing of personal data with relevant parties.

MAP Health Care may share information with:

  • healthcare providers and employers
  • local authority safeguarding teams
  • NHS safeguarding units
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  • police or law enforcement agencies
  • regulatory bodies

Information sharing will always be:

  • lawful
  • necessary
  • proportionate
  • limited to relevant data only

Where possible, individuals will be informed unless doing so would increase risk or compromise an investigation.

13Preventative Safeguarding Measures

MAP Health Care LTD implements preventative safeguards to reduce the risk of harm before placements occur.

These measures include:

13.1Identity Verification

All users must undergo identity verification processes, which may include:

  • government-issued ID checks
  • address verification
  • digital identity validation
  • cross-checking of submitted information

13.2DBS and Background Checks

Where required for placement, users must provide valid DBS certification.

We may:

  • verify DBS certificates with issuing bodies
  • reject expired or invalid DBS documentation
  • restrict access to roles requiring enhanced clearance
  • maintain compliance records for audit purposes

13.3Right to Work Verification

Users must provide valid Right to Work documentation before engaging in paid placements.

Failure to provide valid documentation may result in:

  • restricted access to shifts
  • suspension of account
  • removal from the Platform

13.4Qualification and Training Validation

We may verify:

  • professional registrations
  • clinical qualifications
  • mandatory healthcare training completion
  • ongoing compliance requirements

14Zero Tolerance Policy

MAP Health Care LTD operates a strict zero-tolerance approach to safeguarding breaches.

We will not tolerate:

  • abuse of any kind
  • neglect or failure to act in safeguarding situations
  • exploitation of vulnerable individuals
  • concealment of safeguarding concerns
  • deliberate misconduct in healthcare settings

Any confirmed serious safeguarding breach may result in:

  • immediate account suspension
  • permanent removal from the Platform
  • reporting to regulatory bodies
  • referral to law enforcement where appropriate

15Record Keeping and Safeguarding Logs

MAP Health Care LTD maintains secure records of all safeguarding-related activity.

This includes:

  • reported safeguarding concerns
  • escalation decisions
  • investigation outcomes
  • communication with external authorities
  • account restrictions or enforcement actions

All records are:

  • securely stored
  • access-controlled
  • retained in accordance with legal requirements
  • used solely for safeguarding and compliance purposes

These records support auditability and regulatory compliance.

16Training and Awareness

MAP Health Care LTD expects all users to maintain awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.

We may provide or require:

  • safeguarding guidance materials
  • onboarding compliance instructions
  • policy acknowledgment during registration
  • periodic updates on safeguarding obligations

Healthcare professionals are also expected to comply with the safeguarding training requirements of their employing healthcare providers.

17Policy Review and Updates

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with:

  • UK legislation
  • NHS safeguarding guidance
  • regulatory updates
  • operational requirements of the Platform

We may update this Policy at any time.

The latest version will always be available on the MAP Health Care Platform.

Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of any updated version.

18Contact and Escalation

For safeguarding concerns or urgent reporting, users should contact:

MAP HEALTH CARE LTD

Company Number: 09723243

Registered Office:

Unit 36, Kingswood House, South Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8JF, United Kingdom

Email: info@maphealthcare.co.uk

Designated Safeguarding / Data Protection Contact: Marius Popescu

19Final Statement

MAP Health Care LTD is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all individuals who may be affected by its services.

We recognise our responsibility to act quickly, appropriately and transparently in response to safeguarding concerns.

This Policy ensures that safeguarding is embedded into all aspects of our recruitment and workforce management platform.

By using the MAP Health Care Platform, you acknowledge and agree to comply with this Safeguarding Policy.