In a sector with high responsibility and caring for the vulnerable people of our community, it is important safeguarding policies are in place to protect everyone involved. Safeguarding means protecting everyone's health, wellbeing and human rights; enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It is an integral part of providing high-quality care.
Authorities such as CQC, HCPC and the police have a duty to protect everyone in need of care and support the highest level. All staff, whether they work in a hospital, a care home, in general practice, or in providing community care, and whether they are employed by a public sector, private, or not-for-profit organisation, have a responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk of abuse or neglect. It is also the role of the general public to report any incidents they see of inappropriate treatment.
If you think you or someone you know is being abused, or neglected you should tell someone you trust.
This could be a friend, a teacher, a family member, a social worker, a doctor or healthcare professional, a police officer or someone else that you trust. Ask them to help you report it.
Supporting people when concerns are raised about abuse or neglect can be very difficult and distressing for everyone involved. Deciding what’s the right thing to do can be stressful, particularly if the person you are concerned about is reluctant to accept support. If you are not sure what to do you can always seek advice.
When making a complaint or an allegation:
- Explain what happened - include any relevant dates and times, and the names of anyone involved and a description in as much detail as possible
- Include your name and contact details in case they need to contact you for more information or provide an update on the complaint/ allegation.
Complaints can be raised to:
- Social Services
- The Support Provider, if it is against one of their members of staff
- The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- If you are witness to a crime call 101 and if the person is in immediate danger call 999