What is a safeguarding concern? You should

1 Raising a safeguarding Concern What is a safeguarding concern? You should not: A safeguarding concern is when you see, or have interview' the person;. been told about, something that makes you think a promise the person that you'll keep what they person with care and support needs may be at risk tell you confidential; explain who you will tell of, or is experiencing, abuse or neglect. and why It might also be where it is believed a person might What if the person lacks capacity to be experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect consent to raising a safeguarding but might have just support needs, a carer). concern? What should I do if I become aware of a When you raise a safeguarding concern you need safeguarding concern?

2 To check with the adult at risk if they give consent for you to do so. Sometimes it is necessary to raise If you have a safeguarding concern or someone a safeguarding concern even if it is contrary to the discloses a concern to you, you should : wishes of the person. You should consider: Can you safeguard the situation in the short Does the person understand what has term or is additional support or input required? happened to them as in relation to the If the person requires emergency health care or safeguarding incident? there is an incident which requires an immediate Have they been assessed and do they lack police response, contact 999 mental capacity to consent? If you believe a crime has been committed but Is it in the person's best interests?

3 There is no immediate danger, contact the police Does the person already have an advocate? on 101 and share details of your concern Is the person subject to coercion or undue Consider if it is safe and possible to discuss influence, to the extent that they are unable to your concern with the person who is affected give consent? Consider what immediate steps are needed to Is it in the person's or another's vital interests (to protect the person. This includes whether you prevent serious harm or distress or life decide to refer the matter to the police threatening situations)? Speak with the person in a private and safe Is it in the public interest? there is also a place risk to others, a member of staff or volunteer is Establish the basic facts avoiding asking the involved, or the abuse has occurred on property same questions more than once owned or managed by an organisation with a Ask them what: responsibility to provide care They want to happen to help keep them safe There is a duty of care for provider organisations They would like you to do and for those working with adults .

4 If there are Listen to what the person is saying grounds to override a person's consent to share Seek their consent to raise a safeguarding information you should : concern where possible Explain what they are Explain how they will be involved and kept Make a best interest decision about the risks, informed and protection needed if the person is unable to Provide information and advice on keeping safe provide informed consent and the safeguarding process Keep a record of any conversations about what Where possible, agree what actions can be taken you have been told or discussed by them or you to help them protect themselves and resolve the situation. If further actions or the Crime Reference Number given when enquiries are needed to resolve the situation, or reported, and if you have a police contact name you need to discuss the situation or actions you and contact details plan to take, contact the North Yorkshire County Details of any other services involved in the Council Customer Service Centre on 01609 support of this person that you are aware of 780780.

5 Outside of office hours you should contact Detail any known risks to the person and other the Emergency Duty Team on 01609 780780. adults or children Record your own details and contact details in Early engagement with the police is vital to support full; if you are not the safeguarding lead, details a criminal investigation ; the non-emergency of who may be contacted regarding the concern contact number for the police is 101. When you seek consent from the person or What should I do next? their representative, where possible, you must ask them: Having found out more information and in what they want to happen, consultation with the person, if you believe the risk establish whether they feel safe, and of abuse or neglect remains and further enquiries if they know how to keep themselves safe are needed, you should complete a safeguarding Any outcomes identified must be realistic and adults Concern form available from the link below: achievable Raising a safeguarding Concern From Here are some examples of the types of outcomes people might identify.

6 Good practice tip I want the abuse to stop and to feel safe Use this as a checklist for completion of the I want to be involved in what happens next safeguarding adults Concern Form: I want the police to take further action Record the date when the concern is being I don't want that carer to support me raised anymore I want to prevent this from happening to Include all of the person's basic details as directed anyone else I don't want any action taken Describe any communication needs, I love my partner I just want them to stop interpreter needed Provide details of family, a friend or advocate hitting me who can support with communication To submit the completed safeguarding concern Consider does the person have cognitive form, please follow instructions as directed on: impairment or a learning disability; can the person communicate with Makaton, flash cards etc.

7 safeguarding -vulnerable- adults Have you sought and gained the consent of the If you do not have access to the internet please person to formally raise this safeguarding contact the Customer Service Centre on 01609. concern? 780780. Does the person have the mental capacity to understand what has happened to them? Provide details of the person or organisation For more information: believed to be abusing or neglecting the Visit the North Yorkshire safeguarding adults person(s). Board website for more information, including: Provide a detailed and clear account of the safeguarding concern, including: Multi-Agency Policies and Procedures The date and time of the incident to which Practice Guidance the concerns relate Keeping safe information Where it happened One Minute Guides and more If the situation is ongoing please say so Record in as much detail as possible what happened To receive the latest information, updates, and Whether the incident was witnessed or not, safeguarding news you can also follow the NY- who was present/involved, the seriousness of SAB by twitter at.

8 Injuries sustained, immediate action taken and any measures in place to reduce risks or prevent it happening again. If the police have been informed, please recor