DUTY OF CARE POLICY

BUILDINGS AND TRUST – Duty of Care Policy

1. Introduction

Buildings and Trust is committed to upholding a strong duty of care towards our clients, employees, and the environment. This policy ensures that our operations in Building and Trust house clearances are conducted safely, ethically, and responsibly while complying with legal and industry standards.

2. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

As a professional house clearance firm, we recognise our duty to:

• Handle all property, belongings, and sensitive materials with respect and discretion.
• Adhere to relevant health and safety regulations, including [applicable laws in your region, e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (UK)].
• Dispose of waste responsibly in compliance with environmental laws and waste management regulations.
• Protect client confidentiality, especially when handling personal or legal documents during trust house clearances.

3. Responsibilities Towards Clients

We ensure that:

• Properties are cleared in a professional and timely manner.
• Valuables and important documents are identified and returned to the appropriate parties.
• Items suitable for donation or recycling are processed responsibly to minimise landfill waste.
• Any hazardous materials (e.g., asbestos, chemicals) are handled in accordance with legal requirements.

4. Responsibilities Towards Employees and Contractors

We are committed to:

• Providing a safe working environment with necessary training and protective equipment.
• Ensuring that staff are aware of their health and safety obligations.
• Enforcing policies against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe work practices.

5. Environmental Responsibility

We take active steps to:

• Reduce landfill waste by recycling, donating, and repurposing items whenever possible.
• Use eco-friendly disposal methods for hazardous materials.
• Comply with waste carrier licensing and environmental policies to prevent illegal dumping.

6. Safeguarding Vulnerable Individuals

During house clearances, we may come into contact with elderly or vulnerable individuals. We will:

• Ensure all staff are trained to engage with respect and empathy.
• Follow safeguarding procedures if concerns arise about an individual’s welfare.
• Cooperate with legal representatives, care workers, or executors to manage sensitive situations appropriately.

7. Complaints and Compliance

If a client or third party has concerns about our duty of care, they can submit a complaint through our complaints procedure. We will investigate all reports promptly and take corrective action as needed.

8. Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains up to date with legal standards and best practices. Feedback from clients, staff, and regulatory bodies will be considered to improve our duty of care commitments.