Safeguarding is at the forefront of everything Kedleston Group does and protecting the safety and well-being of the vulnerable children and young people entrusted to our care is our absolute priority at all times. Our organisation takes a sector-leading approach, led by our Safeguarding Lead Kimberley Taylor.
 
Kimberley sets the positive tone for safeguarding culture across Kedleston – backed by robust policies and procedures. Kimberley’s drive to protect young people (she comes from an operational care background) sees her using her experience of working “on the ground” to help create a multi-layered approach to safeguarding. And fundamentally, the approach places children firmly at its centre – making sure they are given the opportunity to speak, that they are listened to and their words acted on. In Kimberley’s words: “We want every child to feel safe at all times”.
 
Kimberley began her career in care as a Support Worker. She worked her way to Registered Manager (where her home was graded Outstanding under her leadership)  before taking up her Safeguarding role. Using that foundation, she uses her experience to approach safeguarding with a focus on honesty, openness and transparency. She believes that when a child raises a concern professionals should say – and do at Kedleston – “We believe you, and we will act on what you say.”  
 
With a growing number of schools and homes (17 – and with two new homes set to open later this year) Kimberley ensures safeguarding gives a really clear view of what’s happening both at local level and corporately. It’s her focus on visibility that means quick action can be taken and safeguarding is embedded at every level.
 
Safeguarding and its importance is critical at every stage from induction onwards. Kimberley and her team focus on what will directly benefit and protect each and every child – whether that is specialist training on exploitation, County Lines, drugs and alcohol or inclusion – or continually raising awareness of safeguarding at every level, encouraging questions and challenge. 

Interested in speaking to the team about referrals and placements? 
[email protected] or 0800 024 6985