Reporting abuse
Whoever you are, if you see, hear or know something that concerns you and suspect a person is being harmed or abused, you must report what you know. 'The worst thing you can do is nothing'.
policies, procedures and documentationTo report abuse you can do any of the following:
- Call 999 and seek police or urgent medical help if you need to. Remember to say that a “vulnerable adult is involved ”
- Call Social Care Direct on 0845 850 5010 - contact point for all safeguarding referrals. A Social Care Direct officer will listen carefully to what you say, give advice and take a safeguarding referral if necessary, even when the caller wishes to remain anonymous. The Social Care Direct officer will take prompt action if the adult is in immediate danger
- If you are a patient or visitor to a hospital or other health setting, you should immediately report your concerns to a member of staff.
You may also report your concerns to:
If you are an employee, student on placement or a volunteer:
- You must report your concerns to the designated person or post holder (usually a manager).
- If you know or suspect that another worker or volunteer has harmed an adult or failed to provide proper care and support you must report this. You can also use your agency's speaking out or whistle blowing procedures.
Suspected or alleged abuse or neglect in services provided by NHS Services or Private Care Organisations
Health services such as Primary, Acute and Mental Health Trusts, care homes and domiciliary care agencies and organisations who provide supported living must have their own procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse. These should be compatible with the inter agency policy and procedures. Each agency should have a designated post holder who will determine whether a safeguarding referral to Social Care Direct is necessary.
For further details please see our policies, procedures and documentation.