The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017

Safeguarding policies and procedures

27.—(1) The service provider must have policies and procedures in place—

(a) for the prevention of abuse, neglect and improper treatment, and

(b) for responding to any allegation or evidence of abuse, neglect or improper treatment.

(2) In this regulation, such policies and procedures are referred to as safeguarding policies and procedures.

(3) The service provider must ensure that their safeguarding policies and procedures are operated effectively.

(4) In particular, where there is an allegation or evidence of abuse, neglect or improper treatment, the service provider must—

(a) act in accordance with their safeguarding policies and procedures,

(b) take immediate action to ensure the safety of all individuals for whom care and support is provided,

(c) make appropriate referrals to other agencies, and

(d) keep a record of any evidence or the substance of any allegation, any action taken and any referrals made.

(5) Where the service includes the provision of accommodation for children, the service provider must have the following policies and procedures in place—

(a) a policy on the prevention of bullying;

(b) procedures for dealing with an allegation of bullying;

(c) the procedure to be followed when any child for whom accommodation is provided is absent without permission.