The Care Quality Commission (CQC) defines safeguarding as:

Protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.^[1]

The Trust agrees with the CQC’s assertion that safeguarding is fundamental to high-quality health and social care.  Our safeguarding policies strive to protect and promote the welfare of children, young people and young adults.  Robust and effective practice is reliant upon a workforce which is knowledgeable, confident and equipped with the skills to deal with the fundamental process and procedures when concerns arise relating to patient safety. The Safeguarding Team is committed to embedding sound safeguarding systems, processes and practice for children, young people and adults, which are implemented across the Trust and has set key objectives to deliver a safe environment in which statutory functions and CQC requirements are met.  Provision of expert advice, support and guidance in relation to safeguarding matters is available Trust-wide in addition to safeguarding training which is tailored to individual roles and responsibilities, facilitating a workforce which is aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and obligations. In addition they are developing closer working relationships with partner agencies and safeguarding boards within the county to improve understanding and delivery of the Trust’s role in joint operation of policies and statutory obligations.  (CA 1989, CA 2004 sec 11).

We at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously. We work closely with other agencies within Dudley and the Black Country to ensure a seamless, co-ordinated approach to both adults and children in our care, and to the children of adults in our care.

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust is committed to preventing modern slavery, forced labour, servitude and human trafficking within its workforce, operations, and supply chains. The Trust adopts a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and expects the same high standards from suppliers’ contractors and partners.

The Trust complies with the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the National Health Service (Procurement, Slavery and Human Trafficking) Regulations 2025 and relevant NHS guidance to ensure transparency and responsible business practices . Governance oversight is provided by the Board of Directors, supported by Procurement, Workforce, Safeguarding and Governance functions.

Modern slavery risks are considered within recruitment practices, temporary staffing arrangements, international recruitment activity and the procurement of goods and services. The Trust undertakes proportionate through supplier assurance processes, use of NHS procurement frameworks, contractual requirements, and risk-based procurement reviews.

The Trust maintains safeguarding arrangements to identify and support individuals who may be vulnerable to exploitation or human trafficking and provides staff with training and awareness to support early identification and reporting of concerns. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns through established speaking up, safeguarding and workforce processes.