How to Identify Safeguarding Concerns

Recognizing safeguarding concerns is essential for protecting individuals from harm. Signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation can be physical, emotional, or behavioral and may vary depending on the person's age or situation. Common indicators include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, withdrawal from social interactions, fearfulness, or a sudden decline in health or hygiene.

It’s also important to look for signs of financial abuse, such as unusual bank activity or unpaid bills, and indicators of neglect, like poor living conditions or unmet medical needs. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t seem right, it’s worth taking action. Early identification and reporting can make a crucial difference in preventing harm and ensuring individuals receive the support they need.

female guardian with children in park

Steps to Take in a Safeguarding Situation

Safeguarding is about protecting individuals, particularly vulnerable people, from abuse, harm and neglect. In any safeguarding situation, it is crucial to act quickly and appropriately to ensure the safety of those at risk. Here are the essential steps to take:

  1. Identify the Safeguarding Concern
    • Recognize potential signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Concerns can arise from observations, disclosures, or changes in behavior.
    • If the individual shares their experience with you, listen carefully and take it seriously.
  2. Ensure Immediate Safety
    • If there is an immediate risk to the person’s safety or well-being, contact emergency services right away (999 or the local emergency number).
    • Take steps to protect the individual from further harm, if it is safe to do so, while waiting for assistance.
  3. Follow Your Organization’s Safeguarding Procedures
    • Every organization should have a safeguarding policy that outlines the steps for reporting concerns. Follow these procedures, which usually involve informing a designated safeguarding officer (DSO) or lead.
    • Provide all the details you have, including what you observed, what was disclosed, and any immediate actions taken.
    • Keep information confidential and only share it with those involved in handling the concern.
  4. Contact Local Authorities or Safeguarding Services
    • If you do not have an organizational procedure to follow, or if the concern is outside the organization’s remit, contact local safeguarding services directly. This might include social services, child protection teams, or adult safeguarding boards.
    • Provide a detailed account of your concerns, including the individual’s name, age, address, and the nature of the concern.
    • If you’re unsure where to report, consult local safeguarding guidance or a safeguarding helpline.
  5. Make a Written Record
    • Document the concern as soon as possible, including dates, times, the nature of the concern, and any actions taken.
    • If there was a disclosure, record the individual’s exact words without editing or interpreting what they said.
    • Keep the record factual, objective, and secure. Your report may be used as part of a formal investigation.
  6. Follow Up and Stay Informed
    • After reporting, stay in contact with the safeguarding lead or the relevant authority to ensure the concern is being addressed.
    • Avoid conducting your own investigation; leave this to the professionals involved.
    • Be available to provide any further information if needed.
  7. Protect Your Own Well-being
    • Reporting a safeguarding concern can be emotionally challenging. Seek support if you feel distressed or overwhelmed.
    • If possible, access supervision or counseling services provided by your organization.
  8. Maintain Confidentiality Throughout
    • Do not share details of the concern with anyone not involved in the safeguarding process.
    • Respect the individual’s privacy while fulfilling your duty to report and protect them.
  9. Review Safeguarding Procedures Regularly
    • After a safeguarding concern has been addressed, the organization should review the procedures followed during the incident.
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the response, including any challenges or delays in the reporting process.
    • Gather feedback from staff involved to identify areas for improvement and update the safeguarding policy accordingly.
    • Ensure that all staff are informed of any changes in procedures and provide additional training if necessary.
    • Regular reviews of safeguarding policies help to maintain best practices and ensure that the organization is prepared to respond effectively to future concerns.
Female guardian with children in the park Steps to take in safeguarding situations Steps to take in safeguarding situations