Your non-negotiables
Keep your phone charged and with you.
Check in and check out on the portal.
Know your exit routes.
Trust your instincts.
Before you enter a home: the 10-second check
Ask yourself:
Is anyone unexpected here?
Do I feel safe?
Can I get out easily?
Do I have signal?
If the answer is no or you feel uneasy: don’t go in. Call on-call.
What to do if…
…you arrive and feel unsafe
Stay outside / return to your car.
Move to a safe place.
Call the on-call manager immediately.
Wait for instructions—do not enter.
…a client/family member blocks you leaving
Leave if you can.
If you feel at risk, call 999.
Once safe, call on-call.
Report it as a safeguarding concern.
…you have no phone signal inside
Tell on-call where you are before entering (if possible).
If signal is lost, step outside to update once safe.
If this happens repeatedly, report it so the placement risk can be reviewed.
…you forget to check out
Do it as soon as you remember and message on-call.
Missing check-outs trigger welfare escalation—we’d rather you tell us than worry.
…you’re too tired because nights are repeatedly disrupted
Tell your manager. Fatigue affects safe care. We will review the night plan and placement support.
Remember
You can refuse to enter or stay if risk is unreasonable.
Reporting concerns is professional, not “making a fuss”.
If in doubt: call on-call.