Orbit has achieved accreditation from Leaders in Safeguarding for the fourth time, in recognition of the strength of its safeguarding culture and the commitment of its colleagues to keeping customers safe.

The national accreditation, which scrutinises safeguarding practice across sectors including housing, education, health and social care, confirms that Orbit continues to meet rigorous standards and demonstrate ongoing commitment to protecting people at risk.

The award follows a thorough, independent audit against the Leaders in Safeguarding Standards, reviewing Orbit’s safeguarding culture, governance, training, record keeping and partnership working.

Auditors confirmed that safeguarding sits at the heart of Orbit’s customer experience, enabling it to make it easier for customers to find the help that matters most and connect them with the support they need to help manage life’s challenges.

Dan McCormack, Director of Neighbourhoods and Communities at Orbit, said:

“Safeguarding is not the responsibility of one team. It runs through everything we do, from the colleague who answers the phone to the surveyor who visits a customer’s home. Achieving accreditation for the fourth time shows that our approach is consistent, well understood and trusted by the people who depend on it. We’re proud of every colleague who contributes to keeping our customers safe in their homes and communities, and we will keep listening, learning and improving.”

Accreditors recognised Orbit’s clear network of Designated Safeguarding Leads, Safeguarding and Domestic Abuse Forum, senior oversight and “if in doubt, report” approach in ensuring safeguarding referrals are managed consistently and effectively, with each one logged, tracked and reviewed by senior safeguarding colleagues. They also acknowledge the contribution of colleagues across Orbit, from frontline teams noticing when something is wrong, to its dedicated safeguarding and Better Days team who support customers, and People team for ensuring customer facing roles have the knowledge they need.

Leaders in Safeguarding said:

“Achieving Leaders in Safeguarding accreditation for a fourth time is a significant accomplishment and reflects the strength and maturity of Orbit’s safeguarding culture. Throughout the audit, we found clear leadership, effective governance and a strong commitment from colleagues across the organisation to recognising concerns, reporting them promptly and ensuring customers receive the right support. Orbit has not only maintained high safeguarding standards but has demonstrated a genuine commitment to continued learning and improvement.”

Together, this whole organisation approach is what continues to set Orbit apart, and one it will keep building on as it looks ahead to the next two years of accreditation.