Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy statement

The Scottish Shutter Company (trading name of Rocknowe Interiors Limited) is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Our installation team regularly works in customers' homes, and we take our responsibility to protect those we encounter during our work seriously.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and anyone working on behalf of The Scottish Shutter Company who may come into contact with children or vulnerable adults during the course of their work. This includes installation visits, survey appointments, and Design Studio visits.

3. Our approach

While we are not a care provider or children's service, we recognise that our team enters private homes where children and vulnerable adults may be present. We take the following approach:

• All team members are expected to behave professionally and respectfully at all times when in a customer's home.
• Our installers always carry company identification and wear branded workwear, so customers can verify who is in their home.
• We never ask to be left alone with children. If a parent or guardian needs to leave the room, we will pause work if children are present in the immediate work area.
• We respect the privacy and dignity of all individuals in the household.

4. Recognising and reporting concerns

If any member of our team has concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or vulnerable adult encountered during their work, they should:

• Not attempt to investigate the situation themselves.
• Report their concerns as soon as possible to David Browne or David D'Ambrosio.
• Record what they observed factually, including dates, times, and descriptions of what they saw or heard.

The company will then assess whether the concerns should be referred to the appropriate local authority social work department, Police Scotland, or other relevant agency. We will cooperate fully with any safeguarding investigation.

We will support any team member who makes a safeguarding report, including ensuring they are not required to return to a property where they have concerns, unless they are comfortable doing so.

5. Safe working practices

To protect both our team and the people in the homes where we work:

• Installation work is carried out by teams of two wherever possible. Where an installer works alone, the lone working procedures set out in our Health & Safety Policy apply.
• Work areas are kept tidy and tools are secured to prevent injury to household members, particularly children.
• Power tools are never left unattended during breaks.
• We advise customers in advance of any noise, dust, or disruption that may affect vulnerable household members, so arrangements can be made.

6. Background checks

We consider the need for Disclosure Scotland PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) membership for roles that involve regular unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. Background checks are carried out where appropriate as part of our recruitment process.

7. Training

All employees who visit customers' homes receive safeguarding awareness as part of their induction. This includes recognising signs of abuse or neglect, understanding reporting procedures, and knowing how to behave appropriately in a customer's home.

8. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns are treated in strict confidence. Information is shared only with those who need to know in order to protect the individual at risk, or with external agencies as required by law.

9. Review

This policy is reviewed annually each April to ensure it remains effective and reflects current best practice and legislation.

Signed: David Browne
Date: April 2026