How to Manage and Report Adult Safeguarding Concerns

All social care providers have a duty to maintain strong safeguarding practices. These protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect. This includes people at risk due to age, disability, illness, or mental health conditions. This article outlines the essential steps providers should follow to manage and report safeguarding concerns, in line with statutory responsibilities.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means promoting wellbeing and protecting the rights of vulnerable adults. Harm occurs when someone’s physical, emotional, sexual, financial, psychological, or social wellbeing is negatively affected. This may happen through the actions (abuse) or inactions (neglect) of others.

The Care Act 2014 sets out the legal framework for safeguarding adults in England. It highlights the importance of personalised care, early action, and strong teamwork between agencies. Similar legislation also applies in Scotland and Wales.

Recognising the Signs of Abuse or Neglect

Care staff often build close relationships with those they support. This means they are in a good position to notice early signs of harm. These might include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Sudden changes in behaviour
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Poor hygiene
• Malnutrition
• Fear or confusion around certain people

Less obvious signs — such as financial issues, loss of independence, or increasing isolation — should also cause concern.

What to Do When a Concern Arises

If a safeguarding concern is identified, action must be taken quickly. The person’s safety comes first. If they are in immediate danger, staff should remove them from harm. They should also seek medical attention or call emergency services if needed.

Staff must stay calm, listen carefully, and reassure the person that their concerns are taken seriously. A formal investigation will follow. This will be led by a designated safeguarding lead, who will ask necessary and appropriate questions.

The Importance of a Clear Safeguarding Policy

Every care organisation must have a clear safeguarding policy. This is not only a legal requirement but a vital part of providing safe, respectful, and person-centred care. The policy sets out how staff should identify, respond to, and report safeguarding concerns.

Without a clear policy, organisations risk delays, inconsistency, and harm to vulnerable people. A strong safeguarding policy provides:

• Clarity and Consistency: Everyone knows what to do and responds in the same way.
• Legal Compliance: Providers meet their legal duties under the Care Act 2014 and similar laws in Scotland and Wales.
• Protection for Everyone: The policy safeguards both vulnerable adults and staff. It offers clear procedures and reduces personal risk.
• Accountability: Policies promote openness and show a commitment to safety and respect.
• Guidance for Difficult Situations: It provides advice for sensitive cases, recordkeeping, preserving evidence, and working with other agencies.
• Reinforcement of Organisational Values: The policy reflects an organisation’s care values and ensures safety and dignity are priorities.

To be effective, safeguarding policies should:

• Be reviewed and updated regularly
• Be explained to all staff at induction and through ongoing training
• Be easily accessible
• Be supported by clear procedures for daily safeguarding activities

A safeguarding policy is the foundation of adult protection work. It ensures concerns are taken seriously, investigated properly, and handled in a way that keeps people safe while promoting openness and respect.

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Following the safeguarding policy, staff must report concerns quickly. They should inform both the service manager and the local adult safeguarding team. This team will assess the situation and decide on next steps before closing the referral.

The Care Act requires providers to tell the local authority if an adult is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect and cannot protect themselves. Referrals should include key details such as:

• What was observed
• The individual’s details
• Any immediate actions taken

Importance of Recordkeeping

Good recordkeeping is essential. Staff should record information promptly, clearly, and objectively. Records should include:

• Dates and times
• Names of those involved
• A factual account of what happened

Professional and accurate records may be needed for investigations or legal cases.

Creating a Safeguarding Culture

An open, positive culture is key to effective safeguarding. Providers should offer regular staff training and provide clear reporting channels. Staff must feel safe to raise concerns without fear of punishment.

Policies should be reviewed regularly. Providers should learn from experience and update their safeguarding practices often to keep them effective and relevant.

In Summary:
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Care providers must make sure all staff can spot concerns, act appropriately, and follow clear reporting procedures, supported by a strong safeguarding policy. In doing this, they protect vulnerable adults and promote their safety, dignity, and wellbeing.

For more information on How to Manage and Report Adult Safeguarding Concerns talk to W&P Compliance Centre