Bessie Johnson
Operations Manager and Safeguarding Lead
First point of contact for all safeguarding concerns, incident escalations, and commissioner liaison on safeguarding matters.
Safeguarding and compliance
Safeguarding and compliance framework
A comprehensive framework aligned with Welsh regulatory standards and the expectations of local authority commissioners.
Our safeguarding team Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy structure
Named accountability, not boilerplate
Safeguarding is a named responsibility at TIFA Recruits. Commissioners get a real person to call, not a generic hotline. Our designated leads are available 24/7 via the emergency line.
Single-DSL model
TIFA Recruits operates a single-DSL structure for our current scale, with Bessie acting as sole point of accountability. A Deputy DSL will be appointed as the operation grows. Out-of-hours coverage runs through the 24/7 emergency line, which routes safeguarding calls to the on-call senior manager who escalates to Bessie directly.
Section 1
Safer recruitment procedures
All workforce recruitment adheres to safer recruitment principles as set out in Welsh Government guidance and best practice frameworks.
Enhanced DBS checks
Every worker undergoes an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before deployment. Mandatory, non-negotiable.
- ✓ Enhanced DBS with barred list checks (children and adults)
- ✓ DBS Update Service registration verified where applicable
- ✓ Renewal tracking via digital platform with automated alerts
- ✓ Copies retained securely in compliance with GDPR
Reference verification
Minimum two professional references obtained and verified for every worker prior to deployment.
- ✓ Direct contact with referees via telephone for verification
- ✓ References must cover recent relevant employment history
- ✓ Gaps in employment history explored and documented
- ✓ Concerns or discrepancies result in further investigation
Right-to-work verification
All workers provide documented evidence of their right to work in the UK in line with Home Office requirements.
- ✓ Original documents sighted and verified before employment
- ✓ Copies retained in compliance with Home Office guidance
- ✓ Follow-up checks for time-limited work permissions
Qualification verification
Declared qualifications relevant to care work are verified before workers are deployed.
- ✓ Original certificates or digital verification obtained
- ✓ QCF/NVQ qualifications verified with awarding bodies
- ✓ Professional registrations validated where applicable
Section 2
Training standards and competency framework
All workers complete mandatory training before deployment and participate in ongoing professional development aligned with Social Care Wales and CIW expectations.
Mandatory pre-deployment training
| Training module | Level | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Safeguarding adults and children | Level 2+ | Annual |
| First aid at work | Level 3 | 3-yearly |
| Medication administration | Level 2 | Annual |
| Manual handling | Level 2 | Annual |
| Fire safety awareness | Level 1 | Annual |
| Infection prevention and control | Level 2 | Annual |
| Health and safety in care settings | Level 2 | Annual |
| Mental Capacity Act and DoLS | Awareness | Annual |
| GDPR and information governance | Awareness | Annual |
| Food hygiene | Level 2 | 3-yearly |
| Trauma-informed practice | Specialist | Ongoing |
| Mental health awareness | Level 2 | Biennial |
Training delivery
- Accredited providers and registered trainers
- Certificates verified before operational deployment
- Digital training records accessible for audit
- Renewal dates tracked with advance notifications
Competency assessment
- Practical competency observed in live care settings
- Shadowing and supervised practice before solo deployment
- Competency sign-off required from operational managers
- Ongoing spot-checks and performance reviews
Continuous development
- Access to additional training opportunities
- Career progression pathways
- Reflective practice sessions
- Professional registration support
Section 3
Ongoing supervision and performance monitoring
Compliance does not end at recruitment. All workers are subject to continuous supervision, performance monitoring, and professional development aligned with Social Care Wales requirements.
Regular supervision
- ✓ Monthly one-to-one supervision sessions
- ✓ Performance review and objective setting
- ✓ Wellbeing and support discussions
- ✓ Training and development planning
Performance monitoring
- ✓ Shift feedback from service managers
- ✓ Incident and concern tracking
- ✓ Attendance and punctuality records
- ✓ Competency observations and spot-checks
Section 4
Incident reporting and safeguarding escalation
Clear, structured processes ensure that safeguarding concerns, incidents, and near-misses are reported, investigated, and escalated appropriately.
- 1
Immediate action
Worker identifies concern and takes immediate action to protect the individual.
- 2
Notify manager
Designated safeguarding lead notified immediately (24/7 availability).
- 3
Record and report
Incident logged on digital system with full details and timeline.
- 4
External referral
Referral to local authority safeguarding team where thresholds are met.
- 5
Investigation
Internal investigation coordinated with external safeguarding processes.
- 6
Learning and action
Lessons learned, actions implemented, and commissioners notified.
Named safeguarding lead, 24/7
Concerns escalate to Bessie Johnson, our Designated Safeguarding Lead. We operate a single-DSL structure at our current scale; out-of-hours, the emergency line routes safeguarding calls to the on-call senior manager who escalates to Bessie directly. Both routes are available at any time.
01792 949842 Section 5
Alignment with Welsh safeguarding frameworks
Our safeguarding and compliance framework is designed around the legislative, regulatory, and procedural requirements specific to Wales.
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014
Our safeguarding procedures align with duties under Part 7 of the Act regarding safeguarding children and adults at risk.
Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016
Workforce governance meets the expectations of CIW regulatory standards for staffing and safeguarding.
All Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019
Incident reporting and escalation pathways follow the All Wales procedures for consistency with local authority processes.
Welsh regulatory standards
Our compliance framework is designed to meet inspection expectations for staffing agencies supporting regulated services.
Social Care Wales registration
We support workers to achieve and maintain Social Care Wales registration where required for their roles.
Need to verify our compliance?
We're happy to share our compliance documentation, policies, and training records with commissioners and partners.
Contact us