News & Insights

The 5 Most Common Incidents in Supported Accommodation

Doug Walsh

6/11/2025

Risk Control

Running supported accommodation for care leavers (16–17) involves real risks, not just financial ones, but also those to safeguarding, reputation, and the continuity of care. At Quality Care Group, we see five recurring types of incidents, and it’s vital that providers have the right insurance in place before they occur.

1. Safeguarding Allegations

Sadly, allegations of abuse or misconduct can happen. Providers need Abuse & Molestation cover with sufficient limits and clear notification provisions. This type of cover is crucial for managing legal defence costs and any potential damages.

2. Property Damage

Damage caused by tenants, or emergencies such as fire or flood can disrupt placements. Property & Contents cover, along with Business Interruption coverage, is critical to ensure you can repair damages and maintain income while your service is affected.

3. Staff Injuries or Negligence

From agency staff to volunteers, providers must be confident in their Employers’ Liability and Professional Indemnity cover. These policies protect against claims from staff who are injured at work or from third parties who suffer a loss due to a staff member's negligence.

4. Reputational Impact or Public Incident

Negative media attention following an incident can damage your reputation and affect future contract renewals. A key advantage of working with specialist insurers is their ability to provide support for crisis communications and continuity planning, helping you manage the fallout effectively.

Insider Tip: When choosing your cover, don’t just check for the existence of a policy. Review the limits, claim triggers, and exclusions carefully. For example, will your policy still cover an allegation that involves a volunteer?

Emerging Risks: Cyber Threats in Supported Accommodation

While the incidents above are established operational risks, we are also seeing cyber threats emerge as a growing danger. Any business using the internet, whether for case management, email, or holding young people’s personal data is at risk of a cyber-attack or data breach. A single ransomware incident or accidental data leak could lead to regulatory investigations, reputational damage, and service disruption.

Specialist Cyber Insurance can provide financial protection, legal support, and crisis management services to help you recover quickly and minimise the impact of a cyber incident.

For more information, call us today on 01273 424904 or complete this form.

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