Introduction

The word safeguarding means ‘protecting a citizen’s health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect’ NHS UK. ‘Safeguarding’ under Sec.42 of the Care invites a formal response and also to act to keep someone safe and ensure that their needs are met.

Safeguarding needing an official response is referred to as one beginning with a capital letter ‘S’. In this regard, if a Local Authority has been informed about a person under care or support has been abused or at risk of neglect then it becomes a formal Safeguarding issue. Once the criteria have been met an official enquiry may ensue. Safeguarding with a small ‘s’ is used for generalised response in keeping a person safe and meeting his or her needs. People with physical and mental health challenges present most of the time complex cases and are vulnerable to harm, neglect or abuse. Indeed they may not be experiencing abuse or neglect but coordinated efforts of all agencies are needed to keep them safe at all times and maybe that Sec. 42 enquiry will not be required.

When a formal safeguarding response is needed

As much as possible gaining the person’s permission will be helpful in making a referral to the relevant Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team.

Reading – tel. no 01189 376 550 or email Safeguarding adults@reading.gov.uk
West Berkshire – tel. no 01635 519056 or email Safeguarding safeguardingadults@westbanks.gov.uk
Wokingham – tel. no 0118 974 6371 or email Safeguarding adultssafeguardinghub@wokingham.gov.uk

In the case of failing to gain the person’s permission, the local authority may still be able to act if the person is at risk of abuse or neglect. Consulting with the Safeguarding teams above is necessary for further advice.

People who need support but they are not experiencing abuse or neglect

Contact their GP or call 999 if urgent. Find out if the person has a social worker or any other professional involved with them and arrange a meeting if possible. Seek the person’s permission and request Care Act Assessment for support and refer to the contacts below;

Reading – tel. no 0118 937 3747 or via online form at Reading Referral
West Berkshire – tel. no 01635 503050 or email Safeguarding adultcare@westberks.gov.uk
Wokingham – Health and Social Care Hub 0300 1234

Intention to involve local authority to review a small ‘s’ safeguarding issue

Contact the Local Authority for advice and support with the issue. Seek explanation of any decision they may have taken.

Ask for the decision to be reviewed if not satisfied with the decision taken. Present any new or more detailed information you may have to assist the local authority consider the risks to the person.