Safeguarding & Professional Concerns Policy- Revalidation Ready

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Revalidation Ready delivers services in a way that prioritises safety, upholds professional standards, and responds appropriately to any safeguarding or professional concerns disclosed during support sessions.

This policy is aligned with:

  • The Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (2018)
  • UK safeguarding legislation
  • Duty of candour and public protection principles

2. Scope of Service

Revalidation Ready provides:

  • Reflective discussion sessions
  • Confirmation (sign-off) services
  • Revalidation portfolio support

During these sessions, registrants may disclose information relating to:

  • Patient safety incidents
  • Safeguarding concerns
  • Professional conduct issues
  • Workplace practices

3. Professional Responsibility

All registrants using Revalidation Ready services remain accountable for:

  • Their own professional practice
  • Acting in accordance with the NMC Code
  • Raising concerns through appropriate channels

Revalidation Ready does not replace employer responsibility but does have a professional duty to act where safety concerns arise.

4. Identifying Safeguarding & Professional Concerns

Concerns may include (but are not limited to):

  • Abuse or neglect of a patient or vulnerable person
  • Failure to act on safeguarding concerns
  • Unsafe clinical practice
  • Serious incidents not reported appropriately
  • Breaches of professional standards

5. Response to Concerns Raised in Sessions

Where a safeguarding or serious professional concern is disclosed:

Step 1 – Exploration

The concern will be discussed to understand:

  • What happened
  • Whether it was reported
  • What actions were taken
  • Whether appropriate escalation occurred

Step 2 – Expectation to Report

If the concern has not been appropriately reported, the registrant will be:

  • Clearly advised of their professional duty to report
  • Directed to appropriate reporting channels (e.g. line manager, safeguarding lead)
  • Informed of their obligations under the NMC Code

Step 3 – Requirement for Action

The registrant will be required to:

  • Confirm that they will report the concern
  • Provide assurance that appropriate action will be taken

Step 4 – Documentation

Revalidation Ready will:

  • Document the concern discussed
  • Record advice given
  • Record the registrant’s stated intention to report

Step 5 – Follow-Up

Where appropriate, Revalidation Ready may:

  • Request confirmation that the concern has been reported
  • Follow up to ensure action has been taken

6. Escalation by Revalidation Ready

If a concern involves:

  • Risk of ongoing harm
  • Failure or refusal to report
  • Serious professional misconduct

Revalidation Ready reserves the right to escalate the concern.

This may include:

  • Informing appropriate safeguarding or regulatory bodies
  • Acting in line with legal and professional obligations

The registrant will be informed where possible that escalation is required.

7. Confidentiality and Its Limits

All sessions are confidential; however, confidentiality will be overridden where necessary to:

  • Protect patients or vulnerable individuals
  • Prevent harm
  • Comply with legal or regulatory duties

8. Professional Boundaries

Revalidation Ready operates as an independent professional support service and is not:

  • The registrant’s employer
  • Acting as a line manager
  • Responsible for workplace investigations

However, professional responsibility to uphold safety and standards remains.

9. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns will be:

  • Documented securely
  • Stored in line with data protection requirements
  • Retained only as necessary

10. Alignment with the NMC Code

This policy supports the following principles:

  • Prioritise people
  • Practise effectively
  • Preserve safety
  • Promote professionalism and trust