Outward is deeply committed to the protection and wellbeing of adults at risk. Our safeguarding policy ensures that all staff, including volunteers, are equipped to recognise, prevent, and respond to abuse in any form. We prioritise the safety of those we support by fostering a culture of vigilance and zero tolerance toward abuse. Our policy aligns with the Care Act 2014 and London Multi-Agency Adult Safeguarding Policy, emphasizing the importance of empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, and accountability. We work collaboratively with external agencies to ensure swift and effective action, aiming for the best outcomes for those affected.
Outward values the unique contributions that volunteers bring to the organisation, viewing them as essential in enhancing the lives of the people we support. Our Volunteer Policy ensures that volunteers are integrated into our services, contributing their time and skills to benefit individuals, the community, and the environment. We are committed to offering meaningful, voluntary opportunities that support personal development while ensuring volunteers are not seen as replacements for paid staff. By promoting diversity and inclusion, we aim to engage a broad range of volunteers who reflect the communities we serve.
Outward is committed to upholding the highest standards of security and confidentiality in managing personal data related to staff, people we support, and third parties. Our Data Protection Policy ensures that we collect, process, and store only necessary information, in full compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. We are transparent about how personal data is used, providing access to personal records while safeguarding privacy. All staff and service providers are expected to adhere to these standards, ensuring that breaches are prevented and Outward remains compliant with legal obligations.
The Subject Access Request Policy at Outward provides essential guidance for staff on recognising and responding to requests for personal data from individuals. Under the Data Protection Act 2018, individuals have the right to access their personal information and understand how it is being processed. Outward is vigilant in identifying requests, even when not explicitly stated, and required to direct such requests to the appropriate officer, ensuring compliance with data protection laws while maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of personal information.
Outward is committed to fostering a workplace and service environment that is free from discrimination, ensuring that all staff, volunteers, and those we support feel respected, valued, and empowered. This Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy outlines our foundational principles, which are further detailed in our EDI strategy, encompassing specific actions and monitoring procedures. Guided by our board, including our EDI champions, we aim to create a culture that reflects the rich diversity of our community while promoting equity in all organisational aspects. Our vision is to actively oppose discrimination, ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to high-quality services, thereby achieving positive outcomes for everyone involved. We expect all members of our community to uphold these principles and contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
Outward is committed to continuously monitoring and enhancing the quality of its care and support, as well as housing management services, in accordance with CQC regulations and other relevant regulatory requirements. This Quality Assurance Policy outlines our systematic approach to quality monitoring, which aims to understand service effectiveness, improve outcomes for those we support, and demonstrate our performance to stakeholders and regulators. By prioritising feedback from the people we support, tenants, and staff, we strive to create a culture of responsiveness and improvement. Our definition of quality encompasses all aspects that matter to those we serve, guiding us in reviewing and refining our services to ensure they meet the highest standards of care, safety, and effectiveness. Through regular evaluations, external accreditations, and data analysis, we aim to learn from our experiences and foster an environment where continuous improvement is at the forefront of our operations.
At Outward, our commitment to environmental sustainability is an integral part of our mission, driving us to meet present needs while ensuring that future generations can do the same. We recognise the vital role sustainability plays in our operations, particularly in providing care for the individuals we support and our tenants. Our approach to sustainability is proactive, compliance with environmental legislation, and the seamless integration of sustainability into all policies and service developments. We prioritise a balance between funding and sustainability, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility both within our organisation and among our network of charities. Through these efforts, we are committed to shaping a future where care for our environment is at the heart of everything we do.
Outward’s Whistleblowing Policy encourages staff to report suspected wrongdoing, known as making a “disclosure in the public interest.” This includes issues such as compromising health and safety, environmental harm, criminal activities, abuse of vulnerable individuals, or financial misconduct. All employees, volunteers, and agency workers are covered by this policy, which assures confidentiality and protection against victimisation or reprisal for those who raise concerns in good faith. This policy supports an open environment where employees can report legitimate concerns without fear of repercussions.