Safeguarding awards success

The Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board (TSAB) nominated Thirteen for the National Safeguarding Adults Board Excellence Awards under the Innovation Champion category, as part of a review of our approach to safeguarding.

Thirteen was also nominated by TSAB in the Prevention Champion, Partnership Champion and Protection Champion categories.

The interactive safeguarding training was created to support colleagues in identifying and recording safeguarding concerns. It was also rolled out to board members and our involved customers.

Following the news about the award, John Rafferty, safeguarding and inclusion business partner for Thirteen, said: “We’re delighted to receive this national safeguarding award, which is testament to the continued hard work of our colleagues in developing their skills and supporting vulnerable customers in our communities.

“This kind of training is so important, as no matter our role, we all have our part to play in safeguarding our customers.

“Thank you to the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board for their fantastic feedback and award nomination.”

As part of the training, learning experiences were set up in some of Thirteen’s empty properties, with scenarios about self-neglect and domestic abuse to help colleagues identify signs that they might see when visiting people’s homes.

Linda Minns, director of governance at Thirteen, said: “This award, as well as the brilliant feedback about the interactive safeguarding training, highlights the ongoing dedication of the team in supporting colleagues to identify and report safeguarding concerns, as well as minimise the risks in Thirteen’s communities.

“To be recognised in this way is an amazing achievement and I am so proud of the team.”

Feedback from colleagues about the training included: “This course really brought safeguarding to life for me, with great hints and tips on what to look for during a home visit – I will use the learning throughout my practice.

“The training was brilliant, as it was interactive and true to life of situations often encountered.”

In the recent safeguarding review by TSAB, Thirteen also received a green audit rating. A green audit rating is achieved when an organisation demonstrates consistent good practice in their approach to safeguarding.

The report said: “Thirteen continues to show its proactive way of working and thinking in relation to its duties around safeguarding adults.

“The evaluation group commended the interactive safeguarding training which the organisation has delivered to its staff and kindly extended the invite to multi-agency partners over this last year.”