SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS POLICY

 Ref: OP101 Page 1 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND 

ADULTS POLICY 

Please read this policy and ensure that you understand your role and 

responsibilities in relation to this. Please tick the box below to confirm that 

you have read and understood it. Any questions you may have, please ask 

your Line Manager in the first instance, and if you need further clarification 

email Learning & Development - education@stoswaldsuk.org. 

 

Ref: OP101 Page 2 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND ADULTS POLICY

OP101

Lead Director Director of Care Services

Lead Person (designation) Director of Care Services

Designated Administrator PA to Director of Care Services

Consultation Group Safeguarding Group

Approving Route Matrons, Social Workers, Director of Care 

Services, Director of Corporate Services

Review Period (maximum 3 years) 1 year

Date of initial creation August 2016

Version number 8

Approval Date (most recent) February 2023

Next Review Due February 2024

1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1. There can be numerous factors which can increase an individual’s 

vulnerability; those affected by harm, abuse or neglect can include, for 

example, children and adults with a learning disability or cognitive 

impairment, young people transitioning into adult services, those with a 

physical disability and those dependent upon others to meet their care 

needs. 

1.2. The unique needs of each individual and their carers or dependants must 

be considered in each situation. This is to ensure a proportional and 

empowering approach to safeguarding. 

1.3. St Oswald’s Hospice recognises that its first priority is to ensure the safety, 

well-being and protection of children, young adults and adults in our care 

and the importance to act appropriately to any suspicion or evidence of 

abuse or neglect, reporting concerns to Line Managers and St Oswald’s 

designated safeguarding leads. 

2. RELATED POLICIES AND DOCUMENTS 

 Adult Bereavement – OP054 

 Adverse Event – OP037

 Advocacy – OP105

 Appraisal – PO38

 Behaviour Management – CS018

 Bullying and Guidance – CS020

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 Chaperone – OP102

 Clinical Supervision – CLA032

 Consent – CS006

 Consent to Examination and treatment – OP032

 Criminal Records Policy Checks, Barring Lists employing/involving 

people with a criminal record – OP024

 Complaints – OP050 

 Disciplinary – PO03 

 Duty of Candour – OP103 

 Equality and Diversity – P031

 Freedom to Speak Up Policy

 Induction – P029 

 Information Governance – OP073 

 MCA & DOL’s Sign Posting – P031 

 Prevention of Bullying & Harassment of Patients, Children & Young 

Adults –OP066 

 Recruitment and Selection – P005

 Support for staff and volunteers – OP11

 Safe Caring – CS017 

 Volunteering – P022 

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/safeguarding-andabuse/safeguarding-information-professionals/newcastle-safeguarding-adultsboard 

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/care-and-support/children/keepingchildren-safe/newcastle-safeguarding-children

3. AIM 

3.1. The aim of this policy is to provide staff and volunteers with guidance on 

identifying individuals at risk, indicators of abuse, harm and neglect, and 

processes for preventing, responding to and reporting safeguarding 

cases. It clarifies the responsibility of Trustees, staff and volunteers and 

aims to ensure consistency of approach across the organisation. This 

policy and supporting procedures are aligned with the Newcastle 

Safeguarding Board Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), and 

the two Safeguarding Intercollegiate documents for Children (2019) and 

Adults (2018). 

3.2. St Oswald’s Hospice is committed to developing and maintaining quality 

standards and quality assurance, to ensure appropriate systems and 

processes are in place to embed a safeguarding culture through 

application of the following six principles identified in the Intercollegiate 

Guidance documents: 

1. Empowerment – Personalisation and the presumption of person-led 

decisions and informed consent. 

2. Prevention – It is better to take action before harm occurs. 

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3. Proportionality – Proportionate and least intrusive response 

appropriate to the risk presented. 

4. Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need. 

5. Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their 

communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, 

identifying and reporting neglect and abuse. 

6. Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering 

safeguarding. 

4. SCOPE

4.1. This policy applies to anyone working for or on behalf of St Oswald’s Hospice 

and the care and protection of children and vulnerable adults who are at 

risk of abuse or neglect; and as a result unable to protect themselves. 

4.2. Safeguarding is a broad subject yet many key principles and practice 

apply to both children and adults. Nonetheless, many supporting boards 

and legislation necessitate specific Standard Operating Procedures 

(SOP’s) to support best practice. Consequently, this policy will present 

generic information applicable to all service users and associated 

individuals followed by information specific to Safeguarding Children then 

Adult Safeguarding respectively. 

4.3. For the purpose of this policy, the term individual will be used to refer to 

any child or adult unless information is relevant to a specific group. This is 

not limited to individuals in our care but also a child of a patient, family 

member, and any stakeholder who has contact with St Oswald’s Hospice 

such as through retail and fund raising activities. 

4.4. The term child refers to any child or young person less than 18 years. It may 

also include an unborn child. 

4.5. The term Adult refers to a person aged 18 or over. 

4.6. St Oswald’s Hospice is located within Newcastle City Council boundaries 

and must therefore follow Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board and 

Newcastle Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures in all safeguarding 

matters. However, allegations of abuse about events that have happened 

in another area should be referred to that area’s Safeguarding Board; this 

is most often the individual’s home authority. 

4.7. Where concerns are raised about, visiting children or vulnerable adults not 

under the direct care of St Oswald’s Hospice, there remains a 

responsibility to raise these concerns with the relevant safeguarding 

board, i.e. where the individual lives. If information about their residence is 

not known, concerns should be raised with the Newcastle Safeguarding 

Team in the first instance who will signpost accordingly. 

5. DEFINITION OF TERMS

Ref: OP101 Page 5 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

5.1. The following definitions relate to Safeguarding of both Adults and 

Children. For additional definition of terms and more detailed 

information specific to Safeguarding Children, please see Appendix C1. 

5.2. Abuse, harm or neglect 

Abuse and neglect can take many forms. Professionals should not be 

restricted in their view of what constitutes abuse or neglect, and the 

circumstances of an individual case should always be considered. 

5.3. Abuse may be: 

 A single act or repeated acts. 

 An opportunistic act or a form of serial abusing where the perpetrator 

seeks out and “grooms” individuals. 

 An act of neglect or a failure to act. 

 Multiple in form (many situations involve more than one type of 

abuse); deliberate or the result of negligence or ignorance. 

 A crime. 

5.4. For the purposes of this policy, abuse is categorised as follows: 

5.4.1. Discriminatory 

Including forms of harassment, bullying, slurs, isolation, neglect, 

denial of access to services or similar treatment; because of race, 

gender and gender identity, age, disability, religion or because 

someone is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. This includes 

racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia or any hate crime. 

5.4.2. Domestic abuse 

Including an incident or a pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive 

or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse, by someone who is, or 

has been, an intimate partner or family member, regardless of gender 

or sexual orientation. This includes psychological/emotional, physical, 

sexual, financial abuse; so called ‘honour’ based violence, forced 

marriage or Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). 

5.4.3. Financial or material 

Including theft, fraud, internet defrauding, exploitation, coercion in 

relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in 

connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, 

or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. 

5.4.4. Modern slavery 

Encompasses slavery, human trafficking, and forced labour and 

domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever 

means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force 

individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. 

5.4.5. Neglect and acts of omission 

Including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure 

to access appropriate health, care and support or educational 

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services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, 

adequate nutrition and heating. 

5.4.6. Organisational (sometimes referred to as institutional) 

Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or 

specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or 

in relation to care provided in a person’s own home. This may range 

from one off incidents to on-going ill treatment. It can be through 

neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, 

policies, processes and practices within an organisation. 

5.4.7. Physical 

Including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, burning, misuse of 

medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions. 

5.4.8. Psychological (sometimes referred to as emotional) 

Including threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, 

humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, 

verbal abuse, cyberbullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified 

withdrawal of services or support networks. 

5.4.9. Sexual 

Including rape, indecent exposure, sexual assault, sexual acts, sexual 

harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or 

innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or 

witnessing sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was 

pressured into consenting. It also includes sexual exploitation which 

is exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where the person 

receives “something” (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, 

mobile phones, cigarettes, gifts, money) or perceived 

friendship/relationship as a result of them performing, and/or another 

or others performing sexual acts. 

5.4.10. Self-neglect 

Includes a person neglecting to care for their own personal hygiene, 

health or surroundings; or an inability to provide essential food, 

clothing, shelter or medical care necessary to maintain their physical 

and mental health, emotional wellbeing and general safety. It 

includes behaviour such as hoarding. 

5.4.11. Radicalisation 

Where an individual has been radicalised by others, which may lead 

to acts of crime or terrorism. 

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1. Board of Trustees and Directors 

The Board of Trustees, Chief Executive and Directors have responsibility 

and overall accountability for ensuring that the organisations contribution 

to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of service users at risk of 

abuse, harm and neglect is orchestrated effectively. 

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6.2. Director of Care Services 

The Director of Care Services has delegated responsibility for ensuring 

that the health contribution to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of 

service users at risk of harm, abuse or neglect is directed effectively. 

Responsibility also includes ensuring staff and volunteers are given 

support and afforded protection, if necessary, under the Public Interest 

Disclosure Act (1998): they will be dealt with in a fair and equitable manner 

and they will be kept informed of any action that has been taken and its 

outcome. 

6.3. St Oswald’s Hospice’s Safeguarding Leads and Safeguarding group 

members 

St Oswald’s Hospice’s Safeguarding Leads provide advice and expertise to 

staff and volunteers and have a key role in promoting good practice 

through a variety of activities e.g. supporting learning and supervision, 

contributing to decisions made at strategy meetings and auditing of 

safeguarding processes. This may include giving advice to partner 

agencies. 

The roles and responsibilities of the named Lead(s) are to: 

 Guide staff and volunteers on what they should do and whom they 

should go to when they have concerns that a service user at risk may 

be experiencing, or has experienced, abuse or neglect. 

 Ensure that concerns are acted on, clearly recorded and referred to 

Community Health and Social Care Direct or to the allocated social 

worker/care manager where necessary. 

 Follow up any safeguarding referrals and ensure that issues have 

been addressed, and reviewed by St Oswald’s Hospice’s 

Safeguarding Group. 

 Manage and have oversight over individual complex cases involving 

allegations against an employee, volunteer, or student, paid or 

unpaid. 

 Consider any recommendations from the safeguarding process. 

 Reinforce the utmost need for confidentiality and ensure that staff 

and volunteers are adhering to good practice regarding 

confidentiality and security. This is because it is around the time that 

a person starts to challenge abuse that the risks of increasing 

intensity of abuse are greatest. 

 Help support staff and volunteers working directly with service users 

who have experienced abuse, or who are experiencing abuse which 

may include providing appropriate supervision. 

 Support the Director of Care Services, Director of People and Line 

Managers to give staff and volunteers support and afforded 

protection, if necessary, under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 

(1998): they will be dealt with in a fair and equitable manner and they 

kept informed of any action that has been taken and its outcome. 

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 The Safeguarding Group is responsible for: 

 Review and update of Safeguarding policy and Standard Operating 

Procedures (SOP’s). 

 Monitoring compliance of the safeguarding policy and SOP’s. 

 Holding regular case discussions. 

 Conducting critical event Root Cause Analysis. 

 Initiate Audits in relation to Safeguarding as required. 

 Ensuring that St Oswald’s Hospice adhere to national guidelines. 

 Analysis of complaints and other service user feedback related to 

Safeguarding. 

 Lead / participate in safeguarding supervision. 

 Sharing good practice both in preventative safeguarding and 

responses to safeguarding. 

 

Table 1 Named Safeguarding Leads for St Oswald’s Hospice 

Table 2 Safeguarding Group members 

Named Lead(s) Title Contact Information

Children and Young Adults Service (CYA)

Joss Thompson Matron - Children and Young Adults 0191 2850063 Ext. 

2013

Adult Service

Amanda Wait Social Worker 0191 2850063 Ext. 

2164 

Marisa 

Woodward 

Social Worker 0191 2850063 Ext. 

2163/2164

Elaine 

Armetage

Social Worker Day Services 0191 2850063 Ext. 

2070

Name Title

Angela Egdell Director of Care Services

Anne Tuck Matron Adult Inpatient Unit

Joss Thompson Matron - Children and Young Adults

Kath Clark Matron Day Services

Amanda Wait Social Worker

Marissa 

Woodward

Social Worker

Ref: OP101 Page 9 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

6.4. St Oswald’s Directors and Line Managers 

Implementation of the Safeguarding Policy and associated procedures 

e.g. Mental Capacity Act (MCA) or Deprivation of Liberty (DoLS) is the 

responsibility of Directors, Departmental Managers and Leaders. 

Line Mangers have a duty to ensure suspected or actual abuse is reported, 

using the reporting processes outlined in this policy. This must be in 

accordance with timescales set, or in special circumstances, e.g. when a 

service user who is not able to consent is being removed from the hospice 

by relatives, where the person at risk of abuse, harm or neglect is in 

immediate danger or is suspected of being abused. 

Line Managers have day-to-day responsibility for leading on safeguarding 

issues within their service. They are responsible for providing advice and 

support for staff and volunteers who have concerns about service users. 

This will be primarily individuals known to St Oswald’s Hospice but may 

also involve discussion with staff and volunteers from other hospice 

services on safeguarding issues. 

Should contact be made with other agencies regarding a potential 

safeguarding issue, this should be made with the knowledge of either the 

Matron or Sister of the service. If they are not available, they must be 

briefed immediately on their return to work. 

Matrons and Sisters will be part of multi-agency meetings to discuss 

safeguarding issues involving service users. Issues may be raised by St 

Oswald’s Hospice or by other agencies. These may be via formal 

safeguarding meetings or less formally. 

6.5. Medical staff, Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals (AHP’s) 

All Medical Staff, Registered Nurses, and AHP’s are professionally 

accountable for the standard of care they provide to patients via the 

General Medical Council (GMC), the Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC), 

the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Social Work England, 

which includes care delegated and subsequently provided by nonregistered staff. The relevant professional Codes of Conduct all place 

duties and responsibilities upon registrants in relation to safeguarding 

and are consistent with this policy. 

6.6. All staff and volunteers 

 Everybody who works with, or has contact with, service users, families and 

carers and other adults in their everyday work, including people who do 

not have a specific role in relation to safeguarding, have a duty to 

safeguard and promote the welfare of those in our care by: 

 Understanding their role and responsibility in safeguarding service 

users. 

Elaine Armetage Social Worker

Christine Allan Clinical Quality Lead

Andrew Hughes Consultant in Palliative Medicine

Jo Brown Consultant in Palliative Medicine

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 Attending training and maintaining competency in line with their role. 

 Being able to recognise, and know how to act upon evidence of 

suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm. 

 Reporting any concerns of actual or suspected abuse, harm or neglect 

they have to a more senior member of staff however trivial it may seem 

in a timely manner; this should be as soon as possible certainly on the 

same day. 

Business Intelligence Lead 

 The Business Intelligence Lead is responsible for monitoring and collating 

Safeguarding Activity data and compiling reports as requested for the 

Board of Trustees, Clinical Governance and Quality Committee, 

Commissioners and other internal groups as required. 

6.7. Learning and Development Department 

 The Learning and Development department is responsible for 

maintaining records of safeguarding training undertaken by St Oswald’s 

Hospice’s staff and volunteers and ensuring managers are aware of 

attendance figures. Safeguarding training is often undertaken via elearning and any face to face training is provided by an external agency, 

normally Newcastle Social Services. 

6.8. Human Resources Department 

 The HR Department are responsible for: 

 Ensuring that all new members of staff and volunteers are recruited in 

as safe a manner as possible. All staff and volunteers must provide 

two references and undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 

check at the level appropriate to their role with both children and 

vulnerable adults. 

 Assisting with Staff and volunteers support and afforded protection, if 

necessary, under the Public Interest Disclosure Act (1998): they will be 

dealt with in a fair and equitable manner and they will be kept 

informed of any action that has been taken and its outcome. 

 

7. PREVENTING ABUSE

7.1. Safeguard and promote welfare of both children and adults. 

The following principles underpin working with our service users, their 

family and carers in safeguarding and promoting their welfare by being: 

 Service user centred 

 Focused on outcomes for service users 

 Holistic in approach 

 

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 Ensuring equality of opportunity 

 Involving of service users and families as appropriate 

 Building on strengths as well as identifying difficulties 

 Multi-agency in approach 

 A continuing process not a discrete event 

 Providing and reviewing services 

 Informed by evidence 

 

7.2. St Oswald’s Hospice is committed to putting in place safeguards and 

measures to reduce the likelihood of abuse taking place within the service 

it offers and that all those involved within St Oswald’s Hospice will be 

treated with respect. 

7.3. St Oswald’s Hospice strives to ensure safe recruitment policies and 

practices for paid staff and volunteers. This includes Disclosure and 

Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff and volunteers, ensuring references 

are taken up and provision of adequate training on safeguarding adults. 

7.4. The organisation will work within the current legal framework for referring 

staff or volunteers to the DBS who have harmed or pose a risk to 

vulnerable adults and/or children. 

7.5. Information about safeguarding and the complaints policy will be 

available to service users and their carers/families. 

8. RESPONDING TO SITUATIONS WHERE PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED OR 

ARE EXPERIENCING ABUSE

8.1. St Oswald’s Hospice recognises that it has a duty to act on reports, or 

suspicions of abuse or neglect. It also acknowledges that taking action in 

cases of abuse is never easy. 

8.2. 8.1 The “alerter“ 

An "alerter" is anyone who suspects that an individual is being or has been 

abused, harmed or neglected. They must report concerns IMMEDIATELY 

to the appropriate Line Manager or any other senior manager in their 

absence. 

8.3. Action required to ensure immediate safety if staff or volunteers 

witness abuse, or abuse has just taken place is to: 

 Call an ambulance if required (999). 

 If a possible crime has been committed contact the police directly (999 

if urgent, 101 if non-urgent). Advice can be sought from the 

Safeguarding Board 

 Preserve evidence. 

 Keep yourself safe recognising others at risk for example children or 

adult dependants. “Think Family” is a key message from Newcastle 

Safeguarding Adult Board (NSAB) and Newcastle Children’s 

Safeguarding Board. 

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 Inform your Line Manager or a St Oswald’s Hospice’s Designated 

Safeguarding Lead. 

 If the safeguarding concern or incident is related to a service user, 

record clear, accurate and factual details of what happened on 

SystmOne ensuring that the information is confidential and strictly 

limited to a ‘need to know basis’ (See section 11 for further guidance). 

 Complete an Adverse Event Form. 

8.4. Appropriate response when a member of the care team directly 

receive an allegation: 

 Reassure the person concerned. 

 Listen to what they are saying. 

 Record what you have been told/witnessed as soon as possible. 

 Remain calm and do not show shock or disbelief. 

 Tell them that the information will be treated seriously. 

 Do not start to investigate or ask detailed or probing questions. 

 Do not promise to keep it a secret. 

8.5. When a member of the care team/alerter has potential safeguarding 

concerns they should take additional actions as follows: 

8.5.1. Discuss within your own service - Discuss the concerns with the 

Line Manager, a member of the Clinical Team, Sister or St Oswald’s 

Hospice’s Safeguarding Lead. In situations where they cannot be 

contacted and immediate action is obviously required, the Nurse in 

Charge/Care Co-ordinator should contact the Service user’s Social 

Worker or the Duty Social Worker or Emergency Duty Team for that 

area. Up to date contact details are available on the relevant web 

pages. 

8.5.2. Action required by the Line manager/Safeguarding Lead(s) – The 

Line Manager or alerter must, on being informed of a potential 

safeguarding incident in working hours, discuss the concern with a 

Safeguarding Lead. Out of hours, discussion should take place with 

the Line Manager and relevant out of hour’s social services, senior 

management or police if indicated. 

8.5.3. Seek consent to give information – Service users deemed to be 

‘competent’, should be talked to and their consent sought to the 

sharing of relevant information. Where practicable, concerns should 

be discussed with the service user and their family and agreement 

sought for a referral unless this may, place the service user at risk of 

further 'significant harm' or compromise the safety of any other 

person. 

8.5.4. Explain to the service user (according to age and level of 

understanding) – If the service user can understand the significance 

and consequences of raising a concern, they should be asked for their 

view. Whilst the service user’s view should be respected and 

considered, it remains the responsibility of the staff member as the 

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professional to take whatever action is required to ensure the safety 

of that person and any other. 

8.5.5. Where consent is not given – Further advice should be taken from 

the appropriate agency and if consent is refused and a referral is still 

considered appropriate, that referral must be made. Record all 

discussions and their outcomes with reasons behind the decisions 

made. 

8.5.6. Making a referral to Social Services – If after discussion there 

continues to be concerns about the welfare of a service user, an initial 

verbal referral should be made to Social Services. Should you be 

unable to speak to the service user’s own social worker then there will 

be a duty officer available in each area to discuss your concern. This 

must be followed up with a written referral within 48 hours using the 

guidance in Appendix C5 and A1.

The appropriate safeguarding team needs to be advised of any alert 

raised using the Safeguarding Children Referral Form (Appendix C6) 

or Safeguarding Adults Initial Enquiry Form (Appendix A1) which 

should be completed during the current shift and emailed securely to 

the relevant safeguarding team. 

The Safeguarding Team are available to respond to concerns during office 

hours (08.30-16.30). If an immediate out of hour’s response is required, the 

Duty Social Worker must be contacted via the Newcastle City Council 

Social Work Emergency Duty Team (or Emergency Duty Team in the 

service user’s area of residence. 

8.6. St Oswald’s Hospice’s Safeguarding Lead(s) will liaise with Local 

Authority Services regarding decision making in respect of the 

Safeguarding Alert to assess how the situation is to be managed by an 

initial strategy meeting, ‘no further action’ or other procedures. 

8.7. Where needed, staff and volunteers will share relevant information, 

participate in safeguarding meetings and be required to undertake 

actions and meet timescales agreed within the safeguarding meeting. 

8.8. Staff and volunteers may be required to write a report to contribute to the 

safeguarding process. Guidance is available from the Safeguarding Leads. 

The report must be approved by the Director of Care Services, or in their 

absence a nominated deputy, prior to submission. The findings will be 

shared within on a need to know basis and any recommendations acted 

upon 

8.9. All situations of abuse or alleged abuse will be discussed with a Line 

Manager and the Safeguarding Lead(s). If anyone feels unable to raise 

their concern with their Line Manager or Safeguarding Lead (s) then 

concerns can be raised directly with Community Health and Social Care 

Direct/Local Authority Children’s Social Care.

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8.10. If it is appropriate and there is consent from the service user, or there is a 

good reason to override consent, such as risk to others, a referral will be 

made to Community Health and Social Care Direct team. If the individual 

experiencing abuse does not have mental capacity to consent to a 

referral, a best interest decision will be made on their behalf. 

8.11. The line manager and/or Safeguarding Lead should refer to the Newcastle 

Safeguarding Board multi-agency policy and procedures and take advice 

from Community Health and Social Care Direct and/or other advice giving 

organisations such as the Police. (See useful contacts, Appendix C4 and 

A2).

9. SERVICE USER AND FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

9.1. The Care Act (2014) recommends ‘making safeguarding personal’ 

therefore where possible gaining consent for referrals; listening to and 

recording the views of service users and those involved in their care is 

important. 

9.2. Service users and carer/s should be involved where appropriate in 

safeguarding procedures, their views considered and they may be invited 

to meetings as part of the investigation process. 

9.3. It is best practice for staff and volunteers to discuss their concerns with 

the service user/ and or their family/carer if safe to do so, ensuring 

adequate provision is made to meet communication and advocacy needs 

and to request permission to refer the concerns via the Safeguarding 

Process. 

9.4. Should the service user refuse intervention and is deemed to have 

capacity, the alerter or line manager must document this discussion on 

the Adverse Event Form and seek further advice from the Safeguarding 

Lead(s). 

9.5. Should the service user be assessed as “not having capacity” to make this 

decision at this particular time then a documented capacity assessment 

should be completed in line with the requirements of the Mental Capacity 

Act (2005) and a best interest decision made by the staff member(s) on 

behalf of the service user. 

9.6. Where safe to do so, staff and volunteers should discuss with the service 

user and their family/carer their views and desired outcomes of 

safeguarding procedures and document within the clinical record, 

safeguarding referral and Adverse Event Form. 

9.7. Service users and/or family/carers may need support from St Oswald’s 

Hospice. This may be ongoing during the safeguarding process. Staff and 

volunteers will need to undertake actions and timescales as agreed in 

safeguarding meetings in partnership with the investigation team. 

Ref: OP101 Page 15 of 49 Version 8 

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10. ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINST A MEMBER OF STAFF OR VOLUNTEER 

10.1. In the event that an allegation of abuse is made against a St Oswald's 

Hospice’s staff member or volunteer, action must be taken immediately 

and St Oswald's Hospice will cooperate fully with any investigation. 

10.2. Risk assessment 

The safety of the individual(s) concerned is paramount. A dynamic risk 

assessment must be undertaken immediately to assess the level of risk to 

all service users posed by the alleged perpetrator. This will include 

whether it is safe for them to continue in their role, or any other role, 

within the service whilst the investigation is undertaken. 

10.3. Whom to inform 

 The person who has acquired disclosure of allegation or witnessed 

abuse (Alerter) must inform their Line Manager immediately. This 

relates to any hospice services such as retail, door to door collections, 

fundraising events. 

 The Line Manager must inform the Director of Care Services, Human 

Resources and St Oswald’s Hospice’s Safeguarding Lead of the 

allegations made. 

 The Line Manager will ensure that the staff member/volunteer is 

supported and may following the risk assessment be removed from 

duty and suspended, without prejudice whilst an investigation is 

undertaken. 

 Where a member of staff/volunteer is thought to have committed a 

criminal offence, the Police will be informed and if a crime has been 

witnessed, they must be contacted immediately. 

The Line Manager/ Director of Care Services and/or named Safeguarding Lead 

will then contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Newcastle 

through their Emergency Duty Team / Community Health and Social Care Direct 

to discuss the best course of action. 

 The Care Quality Commission must also be informed of any confirmed 

abuse or allegations of abuse via the relevant notification form. (Link to 

notification guidance).

 St Oswald’s Hospice has a Freedom to Speak Up policy and staff and 

volunteers will be supported to use this policy. 

10.4. Support throughout the investigation 

St Oswald's Hospice will liaise with the service user/carer/ family, Social 

Worker and Local Authority to ensure mechanisms are in place to support 

those involved through the investigation. Any support given to the service 

Ref: OP101 Page 16 of 49 Version 8 

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user should take into consideration their emotional, cognitive and 

communication needs.

If the allegation of abuse perpetrated by a member of staff or volunteers is 

upheld, St Oswald’s Hospice’s Disciplinary policy will be implemented, 

which may lead to dismissal from the Organisation, or other action taken 

such as the implementation of supportive measures to improve 

performance through supervisory arrangements. 

Such arrangements will be formalised and include a Performance 

improvement Plan (PIP). 

If the allegation is not upheld and there is no further action, no record will 

be placed on the staff / volunteer member’s file and the matter will be 

closed. 

11. RECORD KEEPING 

11.1. The Data Protection Act (2018) and General Data Protection Regulations 

(GDPR) (2016) apply to all organisations in the UK and are the 

underpinning legal basis for information sharing. 

11.2. Information for Safeguarding purposes can be lawfully shared without 

consent where a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of neglect, sexual, 

physical, mental or emotional abuse. The Data Protection Act does stress 

that consent should be sought if possible. However, if in circumstances 

where consent cannot be given, or the data holder cannot be reasonably 

expected to obtain it, then the information will be shared. A cause for 

concern document may be completed by either the individual raing the 

concern or the line manager/safeguarding lead to allow momitoring of 

the concern raised. 

11.3. In order to monitor safeguarding concerns, a log of events is maintained 

within the Safeguarding Log group on Teams. 

11.4. Accurate reporting of concerns will enable statutory agencies to take the 

necessary action to maximise protection. All information must be factual, 

contemporaneous and current and all records should be clear, accurate, 

signed, timed and dated. Any information disclosed by a service user, 

carer or family member must be recorded verbatim. Information should 

be shared with service users and families as appropriate. The sharing and 

analysing of information is central to safeguarding and all agencies 

should have clear recording data protection policies. All information will 

be required at future case conferences and in addition to information 

from other agencies may be used proactively to reach decisions about 

safeguarding children and adults. 

11.5. All decisions in respect of safeguarding service users, including decisions 

to share information should be accurately recorded with the reasons for 

the decisions and/or sharing of information clearly recorded via Systm 

One or within the Childrens paper notes. 

Ref: OP101 Page 17 of 49 Version 8 

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12. ASSOCIATED PROCEDURES

12.1. PREVENT 

PREVENT is part of UK Government CONTEST Strategy which aims to stop 

people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Health agencies have 

been identified as key strategic partners to support and protect people 

who might be susceptible to radicalisation. 

The overarching principle of PREVENT is to improve health and wellbeing 

through the delivery of services, while safeguarding individuals who are at 

risk. For more information click on the following link: 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uplo

ads/attachment_data/file/97976/prevent-strategy-review.pdf

 

Any staff or volunteers who have concerns in relation to those (service 

users, staff or volunteers) who they think may be becoming radicalised or 

being involved in violent extremism should discuss this with their line 

manager and safeguarding lead(s). They must follow the process for 

raising an alert when someone is considered a victim of or, potentially 

susceptible to, becoming radicalised into terrorist activity. 

12.2. Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements/Meetings (MAPPA) 

These statutory multi-agency meetings develop plans to reduce the risks 

posed to the public or specific individuals from sexual or violent offenders. 

Information is shared with the Organisation’s safeguarding leads by police 

in relation to individuals who pose a risk to patients or staff. This is shared 

with relevant staff and volunteers on a need to know basis. Staff and 

volunteers have a duty to share relevant information when requested to 

aid the development of safety plans to protect those at risk from the 

offender. 

 

12.3. Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) 

MARAC is an intervention that combines risk assessment and a multiagency approach to help very high-risk victims of domestic abuse. 

Evidence suggests that this reduces repeat incidents even among those 

most at risk. Staff and volunteers have a duty to share relevant 

information when requested to aid the development of safety plans. 

Further information can be found at http://www.safelives.org.uk/ 

 

12.4. Serious Incidents (SI) 

Some safeguarding concerns may be raised by incidents reported via the 

Adverse Events process and as such may be subject to a SI investigation. 

Ref: OP101 Page 18 of 49 Version 8 

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SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO CHILDREN 

12.5. Child protection and safeguarding is a key part of the work of the Children 

and Young Adults Service given the vulnerability of the group of 

children/young people cared for. Awareness of, and the ability to respond 

appropriately to, safeguarding /child protection issues is essential as is 

close working relationships, with safeguarding being a shared 

responsibility for all agencies. 

12.6. Procedures and guidance is based on Working Together to Safeguard 

Children (2018). Practice Guidance is also in the document “What to do if 

you are worried that a child is being abused?” Information sharing – 

advice for practitioners (2015). See Appendix C2. 

12.7. The Local Authority Social Services Department has a legal duty to 

investigate if there are reasons to suspect a child is suffering, or is likely to 

suffer, significant harm. In carrying out this responsibility, Social Services 

staff rely on referrals and information from other professions and 

members of the public, who may not be accustomed to dealing with child 

protection. 

12.8. Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children is defined for the 

purposes of this policy as: 

 Protecting children from maltreatment. 

 Preventing impairment of children’s health or development. 

 Ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with 

the provision of safe and effective care. 

All children using the Service have their own social worker, or a worker 

designated by the local authority under the direction of a social worker, 

usually within the Children with Disabilities Team. St Oswald’s Hospice 

has a contract with seven Local Authorities and must comply with the 

requirements of the contract as described in Appendix C3. 

All children have reached the service following a joint health assessment 

and social care assessment that has identified the need for a Residential 

Short Break Service. 

All children using the service are seen as children ‘in need’ under Section 

17 Children Act (1989) or subject to a care order (section 20) and are 

subject to a six monthly review in their care package and regular 

placement visits by the child’s social worker or designated worker from 

their local authority. 

To comply with the individual areas Safeguarding Policies and Procedures 

please refer to a web link through the areas local safeguarding children’s 

board, which can be found on the internet. 

 

Ref: OP101 Page 19 of 49 Version 8 

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12.9. Children with Disabilities 

Children who are disabled includes any child with significant problems 

of communication, comprehension, vision, hearing or physical 

functioning. 

Disabled children require a greater awareness of their vulnerability, 

individuality, and particular needs. The disabled child’s dependency on 

multiple carers, and associated difficulties in communicating their 

worries or concerns, requires professionals to be able to “think the 

unthinkable” (that they could be more vulnerable to abuse from their 

carers) in order to protect them. 

The inability of some children to undertake many aspects of personal 

care themselves creates dependency and potential vulnerability. The 

boundaries of what is acceptable within personal care can become 

blurred, for both the child and the carer. Because of their dependence 

on carers, the child may have a problem in recognising what is abuse 

and may have particular difficulty in expressing this to others. The 

child may have little privacy, a poor body image or low self-esteem. 

12.10. Vulnerability 

Children are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation and may 

be unable to articulate their fears or anxiety about inappropriate 

treatment and/or abuse, because their method of communication may 

not be shared by people outside their immediate care circle, and they 

may have difficulty in gaining access to people with whom they can 

communicate. 

Children may express their abuse in play and behaviour. Some 

children may be unable to express themselves in play but the child’s 

behaviour and changes in it may be the major indication of abuse. 

Abuse of some children with learning disabilities may be difficult to 

recognise unless there are physical signs on examination. 

Neglect of any child’s basic caring needs, e.g. washing, brushing teeth, 

hair care, changing clothes, nappies, can cause distress but in a 

disabled child may be particularly distressed in that the child may be 

very dependent on carers to fulfil those needs and also may be unable 

to express the discomfort. This makes them potentially vulnerable to 

neglect, which could be considered abusive, taken alongside other 

factors, which are causing concern. 

13. SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO ADULTS 

13.1. Every person has the right to live free from abuse and neglect. This right is 

underpinned by the duty on public agencies under the Human Rights Act 

(1998) to intervene proportionately to protect the rights of the citizens. The 

Care Act (2014) outlines the statutory responsibilities of agencies to 

respond to concerns in relation to abuse, harm and neglect when there 

are concerns for those adults at risk. This policy reflects the legislative 

requirements as defined within the Care Act (2014). 

Ref: OP101 Page 20 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

13.2. Newcastle’s Safeguarding Adult Board Process 

St Oswald’s Hospice follows a clearly defined five stage multi-agency 

process for managing allegations or witnessed abuse of Adults service 

users provided by the Newcastle’s Safeguarding Adult Board to guide staff 

(Appendix A2). 

Matrons, Line Managers and/or St Oswald’s Hospice’s Designated Adult 

Safeguarding Lead (s) will have an understanding of the multi-agency 

safeguarding adults’ process so they can explain it to the person concerned and 

offer all relevant support to the person and process. This could be practical 

support e.g. providing a venue, or information and reports and emotional 

support. 

 

13.2.1. Stage One - Initial enquiry and making a safeguarding adults 

referral 

All safeguarding adult referrals should be made by telephone initially 

to the Community Health and Social Care Direct Team, Monday to 

Friday 8.00am until 5.00 pm. You should ask to make a safeguarding 

adults referral. 

Phone: 0191 278 8377 Fax: 0191 278 8312 

Note that it is not necessary to refer a safeguarding adults concern 

out of hours unless the individual or others have urgent social care 

needs. 

The telephone call should be followed up in writing to the 

Community Health and Social Care Direct team outlining concerns 

using a Safeguarding Adults Initial Enquiry Form (formerly the SAMA1 

form). This form can be found in Appendix A1 and at 

http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-socialcare/report-suspected-adult-abuse . 

A Safeguarding Adults Manager (a Team Manager from Adult Social 

Care) will then decide what enquiries need to be undertaken. 

Feedback will be given to the person who made the safeguarding 

adults referral. 

13.2.2. Stage 2 – Further information gathering 

If the concern relates to a significant risk of, or actual, harm, the 

concern will progress to Stage two where further information will be 

gathered. This may include considering the information needs for the 

person that could enable them to decide what to do about their 

experience, enable them to recover from their experience and enable 

them to seek justice. 

Ref: OP101 Page 21 of 49 Version 8 

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13.2.3. Stage 3- Strategy and Investigation 

Discussions and meetings will take place between the NSAB and 

relevant people involved with the investigation to determine levels of 

risk that will then determine a proportionate and clear response and 

strategy. 

13.2.4. Stage 4 - Protection Plan and Review 

This involves formal monitoring and review of Safeguarding Adults 

strategy and Action plan. 

13.2.5. Stage 5-Safeguarding Adult enquiry ends 

There is safeguarding plan in place to manage the identified risks. 

14. SUPPORT FOR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

14.1. Support for staff and volunteers dealing with safeguarding issues are 

provided both formally and informally. Most staff support is via informal 1-

1 or group support. Issues are discussed with the team within hand over 

or weekly Review and Planning meetings and more formally at regular 

debriefings or reflective practice sessions. Should additional support be 

required then this can be provided via 1-1 confidential support in-house or 

if necessary, a referral can be made to an external counsellor. Volunteers 

can access support from the Clinical Staff on duty in the unit, a Sister or 

Matron or Safeguarding Lead. 

15. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT 

15.1. Society is changing with staff and volunteers needing to be aware of 

differing and emerging forms of abuse such as social media, modern 

slavery, human trafficking and recognition that young people are 

vulnerable to abuse in a range of social contexts. 

15.2. St Oswald’s Hospice works in collaboration with the Newcastle 

Safeguarding Children’s Board (NSCB) and the Newcastle Safeguarding 

Adults Board (NSAB) who provide training in line with intercollegiate 

documents for both adults (2018) and Children (2019). These documents 

set out indicative minimum training requirements and are not intended 

to replace contractual arrangements between commissioners and 

providers or NHS organisations and their employees (See links to the 

documents below). St Oswald’s Hospice is committed to ensuring that all 

staff and volunteers are effectively trained and expects them to be trained 

in child and adult safeguarding at a minimum of Level 1. 

15.3. The guidance also includes Safeguarding competencies, which are a 

combination of skills, knowledge, attitudes and values that are required for 

safe and effective practice. 

Safeguarding Children & Young People - Roles and Competencies for 

Health Care Staff 

Ref: OP101 Page 22 of 49 Version 8 

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https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/safeguardingpolicy.pdf#page=12

 Adult Safeguarding - Roles and Competencies for Health Care Staff 

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/safeguardingpolicy.pdf#page=12

15.4. Trustees, Staff and Volunteers 

It is the responsibility of all Trustees, Staff and Volunteers to attend 

safeguarding training mandatory to their role within the stated 

timeframes as required by St Oswald’s Hospice. 

All new trustees, staff and volunteers will be made aware of the need for 

vigilance and the issues covered in this policy at induction. 

Table 2 Intercollegiate Safeguarding Training and Competency Framework 

for people working in Health care 

Competence level Required by Role

Level 1 All staff and volunteers working in Health Care.

Level 2 All staff who have regular contact with patients, their families or 

carers, or the public. 

Level 3 All registered health and social care staff working with adults who 

engage in assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating the 

needs of adults where there are safeguarding concerns (as 

appropriate to role). 

Level 4 Specialist roles – named professionals.

Level 5 Specialist roles – designated professionals.

Board 

Level 

Chief executive officers, trust and health board executive and nonexecutive directors/ members, commissioning body directors. This 

includes boards of private, independent health care and voluntary 

sector as well as statutory providers. 

NB. It is expected that Level 3 

competencies will be met within 12 

months of induction 

LEVEL OF TRAINING 

1 2 3 4 5 Board

INDUCTION 30 Minutes within six 

weeks of commencing 

post

√ √ √ √ √ √

REFRESHER 

TRAINING 

HOURS 

Duration over a threeyear period: 

2 hours

4 hours

√

√

√ 

+Board 

Specific

Ref: OP101 Page 23 of 49 Version 8 

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8 hours

24 hours

√

√ √

16. REFERENCES 

 Adult Safeguarding - Roles and Competencies for Health Care Staff 

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/safeguardingpolicy.pdf#page=12

Department of Health. (2010) Clinical Governance and Adult Safeguarding: An 

Integrated Process. 

https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130123201227/http://www.dh.gov.uk

/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_1

12361

Department of Health (2011) Safeguarding Adults: The Role of Health Service 

Managers & their Boards 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/att

achment_data/file/215713/dh_125035.pdf 

Human Rights Act (1998) London. HMSO 

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents

Mental Capacity Act (2005) London. HMSO 

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents 

 

The Care Act (2014) 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents/enacted 

 

Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board Interagency Policy and Procedures 

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/care-and-support/adults/reportsuspected-adult-abuse-and-neglect/safeguarding-adults 

 

Newcastle City Council Safeguarding Adults 

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/search-results?keyword=safeguarding%20adults 

 

Safeguarding Children & Young People - Roles and Competencies for Health Care 

Staff 

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/safeguardingpolicy.pdf#page=12 

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/att

achment_data/file/779401/Working_Together_to_Safeguard-Children.pdf 

Ref: OP101 Page 24 of 49 Version 8 

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17. COMPLIANCE MONITORING 

17.1. St Oswald’s Hospice’s Safeguarding Group will monitor this policy and 

associated procedures in relation to effectiveness of its associated 

responsibilities and duties, ensuring that it reflects current requirements. 

17.2. Compliance will be monitored through reported Safeguarding Activity, 

Adverse Events, Complaints, Compliments, Audit and Case Reviews. 

Ref: OP101 Page 25 of 49 Version 8 

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Review History 

Version 

Number

Date of Approval Reason for changes

1 June 2016 Combination of Vulnerable Adults Policy and 

Children’s Safeguarding Policies and clear 

indication of following Newcastle 

safeguarding procedures

2 December 2017 Annual review – no changes

3 October 2018 Annual Review - minor changes

4 October 2019 Annual Review – contact changes

5 February 2020 Change of job titles and reference to SOP.

6 September 2020 Incorporating intercollegiate guidance and 

review of roles and responsibilities, 

Safeguarding Leads.

7 February 2022 Annual Review - minor changes

8 Februaray 2023 Annual review, minor updates

Ref: OP101 Page 26 of 49 Version 8 

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Appendix 1 Cause for concern form 

Cause for Concern Form 

Empowerment Prevention Proportionality Protection Partnership 

Accountability 

 

CHILD/ADULTS 

NAME 

DATE CONCERN 

RAISED 

 COMPLETED BY 

CONCERN(S) AND IMMEDIATE ACTIONS 

if immediate concern refer to Local authority designated officer national-lado-network.co.uk and document

Ref: OP101 Page 27 of 49 Version 8 

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EMAIL THIS 

FORM TO 

SAFEGUARDING 

LEAD 

 

DATE LINE 

MANAGER 

RECEIVED AND 

ACTIONED 

 

INFORM 

PARENTS OR 

CARES 

 Yes / No 

Explanation 

CONTACT DUTY 

SOCIAL 

WORKER 

 

INFORM 

COMMUNITY 

NURSING TEAM 

 

SAFEGUARDING 

LEAD TO NOTIFY 

ST OSWALDS 

SAFEGUARDING 

GROUP 

 

OUTCOME 

 

Ref: OP101 Page 28 of 49 Version 8 

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Appendix C1 

Definition of Terms for Safeguarding Children 

Children in Need of Protection 

Some children are in need because they are suffering or likely to suffer 

‘significant harm’. Where local authorities believe a child is suffering, or likely 

to suffer significant harm they have a duty to make enquiries to decide whether 

they should take action to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child. 

Child Protection 

Child Protection is one element of safeguarding and promoting welfare. This 

refers to the activity which is undertaken to protect specific children who are 

suffering or are at risk of suffering ‘significant harm’ from their parents, carers 

or significant others known to them or have responsibility for their care. 

Significant Harm 

The concept of significant harm is the threshold that justifies compulsory 

intervention into family life in the best interests of the child and gives local 

authorities a duty to make enquires as to whether to take action (Section 47 

Children Act 1989) to safeguard or promote the welfare of a child who is 

suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm. The Act also gives powers to the 

police to take emergency action to protect a child from significant harm. 

Significant harm or its likelihood must be established in court before a Care or 

Supervision Order can be made on a child. To grant an order the court must be 

satisfied that: 

 The child is suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm; and 

 The harm or likelihood of harm is attributable to a lack of adequate 

parental care or control (S.31 1989 Children Act) 

Under s31(9) of the Children Act 1989 as amended by the Adoption and 

Children Act 2002: 

'harm' means ill-treatment or the impairment of health or development, 

including, for example, impairment suffered from seeing or hearing the 

ill-treatment of another; 

'development' means physical, intellectual, emotional, social or 

behavioural development; 'health' means physical or mental health; and

'ill-treatment' includes sexual abuse and forms of ill treatment which are 

not physical. 

Under S31 (10) of the Act: 

 Where the question of whether harm suffered by a child is significant 

on 

 the child's health and development, his/her health or development 

shall be 

 compared with that which could reasonably be expected of a similar 

child.

Ref: OP101 Page 29 of 49 Version 8 

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There are no absolute criteria on which to rely when judging what constitutes 

significant harm. To understand and identify significant harm, it is necessary to 

consider: 

 The nature of harm, in terms of maltreatment or failure to provide adequate 

care. 

 The impact on the child’s health and development. 

 The child’s development within the context of his/her family and wider 

environment. 

 Any special needs, such as a medical condition, communication 

impairment or disability that may affect the child’s development and care 

within the family. 

 The capacity of parents to meet adequately the child’s needs. 

 The wider and environmental family context. 

 The child’s reactions, perceptions, wishes and feelings according to age and 

understanding. 

Child Abuse and Neglect 

‘Child abuse and neglect’ is a generic term encompassing all ill treatment of 

children including serious physical and sexual assaults as well as cases where 

the standard of care does not adequately support the child’s health or 

development. Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. 

Somebody may abuse a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to prevent harm. 

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2013) defines safeguarding and 

promoting welfare of children as: 

 protecting children from maltreatment 

 preventing impairment of children’s health and development 

 ensuring that children are growing up in circumstances consistent with 

the provision of safe and effective care 

 taking action to enable all children to have the best life chances 

These categories can overlap and an abused child does frequently suffer more 

than one type of abuse. 

Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may 

abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. 

Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community 

setting; by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may also 

be abused by an adult or adults of another child or children. 

Ref: OP101 Page 30 of 49 Version 8 

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Physical abuse 

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or 

scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. 

Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the 

symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child. 

Emotional Abuse 

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as 

to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional 

development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or 

unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another 

person. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations 

being imposed on children/young person. These may include interactions that 

are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and 

limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in 

normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of 

another. It may involve serious bullying causing children frequently to feel 

frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some 

level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, 

though it may occur alone. 

Sexual Abuse 

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual 

activities, including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is 

happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including penetrative 

(e.g. rape, buggery or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts. They may include noncontact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production 

of, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging 

children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways. 

Neglect 

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or 

psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s 

health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy because of 

maternal substance abuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent 

or carer failing to: 

 Provide adequate food or clothing. 

 Provide shelter including exclusion from home or abandonment. 

 Protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger. 

 Ensure adequate supervision including the use of inadequate caretakers. 

 Ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. 

 Respond to a child’s basic emotional needs. 

Parental Responsibility 

A person with parental responsibility for a child’s has rights and obligations for 

that child. Parental responsibility is defined as “all the rights, duties, powers, 

responsibilities and authority, which by law a parent of a child has in relation to 

the child and his property” (Section 3(1) 1989 Children Act). 

Ref: OP101 Page 31 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Parental responsibility is acquired by: 

 the mother at birth; 

 the father if he is married to the mother, at the point of the birth or 

subsequent marriage; 

 the civil partner of the child’s birth mother; 

 the father, if not married, by formal written agreement with the mother or 

through a court order. A court can grant a father parental responsibility 

despite the mother’s objections; 

 the father if he was registered as the child’s father and if the registration 

took place after 1st December 2003 (amended by the 2005 Adoption and 

Children Act); 

 adoptive parents at adoption 

 a third party, e.g. grandparents, relatives, foster carers as a result of a 

Residence Order (prior to the Adoption and Children Act 2005); 

 a Local Authority where a Care Order or Interim Care Order is granted by 

the court; 

 family or friend with a special guardianship order and parental 

responsibility that is shared by carer and parents. 

Whilst a parent who does not have parental responsibility does not have the 

same rights and responsibilities as a parent with parental responsibility, there 

may still be occasions when he should be involved in the child protection 

process. When in doubt, legal advice should be sought from the Local 

Authority solicitor. 

When the Local Authority under Section 20 of the 1989 Children Act 

accommodates a child, the Local Authority holds no parental responsibility for 

that child. The person who held parental responsibility prior to the child being 

accommodated retains parental responsibility. 

When a child is ‘in the care’ of the Local Authority by virtue of a Care Order, 

including an Interim Care Order then parental responsibility is shared 

between the Local Authority and the person(s) who held parental 

responsibility immediately before the Order was made. 

If a discussion about significant harm has not taken place with the family, they 

will subsequently be informed about who has made the referral unless there 

are exceptional circumstances. Professional referrers cannot remain 

anonymous. 

Ref: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguardingchildren-and-young-people/safeguarding-children-and-youngpeople

Ref: Core standards for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of 

children and young people in Newcastle – Section 11 Children’s Act 

2004.

Ref: OP101 Page 32 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

 

 Appendix C2 

Flow Charts 1 to 5 taken from ‘What to do if you are worried that a child is 

being abused?’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-to-doif-youre-worried-a-child-is-being-abused--2)

SOP 1 - Referral

Practitioner should discuss in the first instance possible with the Children and Young Adults 

Service Manager (CYASM) or Sister. If they are unavailable, discuss with child’s Social 

Worker or Duty Social Worker or the emergency team for the child’s area. 

Still has a concern No longer has a concern 

If available, CYASM or Sister refer to 

social care or Practitioner if initial 

discussion with social worker confirms 

the need for a referral. Follow up in 

writing within 48 hours 

Social Worker and manager 

acknowledge receipt of referral and 

decide on course of action within one 

working day 

No further safeguarding action, 

although may need to act to ensure 

services provided 

Feedback to referrers on next course 

of action 

No further social care involvement at this 

stage, although other action may be 

necessary e.g. an onward referral to other 

services 

Initial Assessment required 

Concerns about child’s 

immediate safety 

See flow chart 3 on 

emergency action 

See flow chart 2 on 

initial assessment 

Practitioner has a concern about a child’s welfare

Ref: OP101 Page 33 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

SOP 2 – What happens following initial assessment? 

INTITAL ASSESSMENT COMPLETED WITHIN 7 WORKDING DAYS 

FROM REFERRAL TO LA CHILDREN’S SOCIAL CARE 

No LA children’s social care support 

required, but other action may be 

necessary, e.g. onward referral 

No actual or likely 

significant harm 

Actual or likely significant 

harm 

Social worker discusses with child, family 

and colleagues to decide on next steps

Strategy discussion, involving LA 

children’s social care, police and 

relevant agencies, to decide 

whether to initiate a s47 enquiry

Further decisions made about service 

provision 

Decide what services are 

required 

Social worker co-ordinates 

provision of appropriate services, 

and records decisions 

Review opportunities for child and 

when appropriate close the case 

See flow chart 4

Feedback to 

referrer 

Child in need 

Concerns arise about child’s 

safety 

In-depth assessment required Social worker leads core 

assessment; other professionals 

contribute 

Ref: OP101 Page 34 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

SOP 3 – Urgent action to safeguard children 

DECISION MADE THAT EMERGENCY ACTION MAY BE NECESSARY TO 

SAFEGUARD A CHILD

Immediate strategy discussion between LA children’s social care, police and other 

agencies as appropriate 

Relevant agency seeks legal advice and outcome recorded 

Immediate strategy discussion makes decisions about: 

 Immediate safeguarding action

Relevant agency sees child and records outcomes 

No emergency action taken Appropriate emergency action 

taken 

See flow chart 2 See flow chart 4

With family and other professionals, agree plan for ensuring 

child’s future safety and welfare and record decisions

Strategy discussion and 

s47 enquiries initiated 

Child in need 

Ref: OP101 Page 35 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

SOP 4 – What happens after the strategy discussion? 

STRATEGY DISCUSSION MAKES DECISIONS ABOUT WHETHER TO INITIATE S47 

ENQUIRIES AND DECISIONS ARE RECORDED

No Further LA children’s social 

care involvement at this stage, 

but other services may be 

required

Decision to commence core 

assessment under s17 of 

Children Act 1989 

Decision to initiate s47 enquiries Police investigate possible crime 

Social worker leads core assessment under s47 of Children Act 1989 and other 

professionals contribute

With family and other 

professionals, agree plan for 

ensuring child’s future safety and 

welfare and record decisions

Agree whether child protection conference 

necessary and record decision 

Concerns about harm not substantiated 

but child is a child in need 

Concerns substantiated but child at 

continuing risk of harm 

YES NO 

Concerns substantiated, child 

at continuing risk of harm Social worker leads completion of 

core assessment 

Social work manager convenes child 

protection conference within 15 working days 

of last strategy discussion 

With family and other 

professionals, agree plan for 

ensuring child’s future safety and 

welfare and record decisions

Decisions made and recorded at Safeguarding conference

Child at continuing risk of 

significant harm 

Further decisions made about completion of 

core assessment and service provision 

according to agreed plan 

Child not at continuing risk of 

significant harm 

Child is subject of safeguarding plan; 

outline child protection plan prepared; 

core group established - see flow chart 5 

Ref: OP101 Page 36 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Flow Chart 5 – What happens after the child protection conference, 

including the review process? 

 

CHILD IS THE SUBJECT OF A SAFEGUARDING PLAN 

Core group meets within 10 

working days of child protection 

conference 

Core group members commission 

further specialist assessments as 

necessary 

Key worker leads on core 

assessment to be completed within 

35 working days of commencement 

Safeguarding plan developed by key worker, together with core 

group members, and implemented 

Core group members provide/commission the necessary 

interventions for child and/or family members 

First safeguarding review conference is held within 3 months of 

initial conference 

Review conference held 

No further concerns about harm 

Child no longer the subject of child 

protection plan and reasons recorded 

Child remains subject of a child 

protection plan, which is revised and 

implemented 

Some remaining concerns about 

harm

Further decisions made about 

continued service provision 

Review conference held within 6 

months if initial safeguarding review 

conference 

Ref: OP101 Page 37 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Appendix C3 

Safeguarding Children: Complying with the requirements of the Contract 

St Oswald’s responsibilities as a provider service are described in clause five of 

the Children’s Service Contract as follows: 

Child protection 

The Provider shall have in place policies and procedures in line with the Council’s 

Local Safeguarding Board Procedures and will follow these procedures in the 

event of an allegation of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or neglect. The 

Council and the Provider undertake to respond immediately, take any necessary 

action and offer appropriate support. 

The Provider shall ensure that they obtain a copy of the most up to date Area Child 

Protection Committee Procedures, and Local Safeguarding Board Procedures for 

each Council and that these are accessible to all Staff. (See appendix C4 for web 

links) 

The Provider shall maintain links with the Council’s Safeguarding Co-ordinator to 

seek advice about local procedures and practice. 

Staff of the Provider must know what action to take if they observe or have 

reported to them possible evidence of abuse. 

Whom to contact? 

Should there be a concern about a child, then the local authority Pathway 

Coordinator for the area the child lives should be contacted and informed. 

For specific advice about local procedures and practice that the Pathway 

Coordinators are unable to assist with, contact the Safeguarding lead for that area. 

Safeguarding leads in each area 

The contact information for pathway co-ordinators and safeguarding leads for 

the seven areas can be found in the contact information folder in the Care Team 

Office and online via the area Safeguarding web pages (see appendix C4) as 

these can change on a frequent basis. 

Ref: OP101 Page 38 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Appendix C4 

Local Children’s Safeguarding Board and Procedures All areas 

http://www.durham-lscb.gov.uk/index.shtml 

 

www.gatesheadcyptrust.co.uk 

Or 

http://www.gatesheadcyptrust.co.uk/partnership/lscb/index.htm 

www.newcastle.gov.uk/lscb 

http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/browse.shtml?p_subjectCategory=1127 

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=3808 

 

http://southtynesidescb.proceduresonline.com/index.htm 

http://www.sunderlandchildrenstrust.org.uk/profs-safeguardboard.asp 

 

Ref: OP101 Page 39 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Appendix C5 

Referral Information 

 

Practice Guidance 

Referrals should be made with the maximum available information and 

include, where possible, (but the absence of information must not delay 

referral): see Appendix 6. 

 Full names, dates of birth and gender of the children/young person and 

any siblings. 

 Family address. 

 Full names, dates of birth and addresses of the child’s parents. 

 Identity of those with parental responsibility. 

 Names and dates of birth of all household members. 

 Ethnicity, first language and religion of children and parents/carers. 

 Any need for an interpreter, signer or other communication aid. 

 Any special needs of children and their parent/s/carers. 

 Any significant/important recent or historical events/incidents in the child 

or family's life. 

 Cause for concern including details of any disclosed allegations, their 

sources, timing and location. 

 Child’s current location and emotional and physical condition. 

 Referrer's relationship and knowledge of child and parents/carers. 

 Known current or previous agencies/professionals. 

 Information regarding parental knowledge of, and agreement to, the 

referral. 

 Full details of the reason for the referral 

 Confirmation of the referral in writing within 48 hours. 

Ref: OP101 Page 40 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Appendix C6 

St Oswald’s Children and Young Adults Service Tel: 0191 2850063 

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN REFERRAL FORM 

 To be completed within 48 hours of initial referral 

Child’s Names (s) ………………………………… DOB ………….. Male/Female 

Address: …………………………………………………………… Ethnicity: ……………………… 

…………………………………………………………… 

…………………………………………………………… 

please write overleaf if parent’s different from 

child’s 

First Language: ……………… 

Religion ….…………………… 

Full Name(s), contact details, DOB of parents/carers 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

………………………………………………………………….................................................. 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Parental responsibility………………………………………………………………………….

Siblings Names/Gender/DOB: 

………………………………………………………………………….………………………………. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

Names/DOB/Ethnicity/First Language/Gender of any other household members 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

............................................................................................................................................ 

Any need for an interpreter or signer or other communication 

aid.……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

Any special needs of children and their parent/carer(s) 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 

Ref: OP101 Page 41 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Any significant/important recent or historical events/incidents in the child’s or 

family life? A chronology of significant events form should be attached, if 

available 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

............................................................................................................................................ 

............................................................................................................................................ 

Cause for concern including details of any disclosures allegations, their sources, 

timing and location: …………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 

............................................................................................................................................ 

............................................................................................................................................ 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

Child’s current location and emotional and physical condition: 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………...… 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 

Referrer’s details, relationship and knowledge of child and parent/carer(s) 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Known current or previous agencies/professionals involved 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Information regarding parental knowledge of, and agreement to, the referral 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Full details of the reason for the referral: 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 

Form completed by signature:…………………………………(To be recorded on log) 

PRINT NAME………………………………………. DATE……………………………….. 

Ref: OP101 Page 42 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Appendix A1 

Safeguarding Adults Initial Enquiry Form 

(formerly the SAMA1 form) 

This form is to be used to notify Adult Social Care of suspected or actual instances 

of abuse or neglect and is the start of a Safeguarding Adults (Section 42) Enquiry 

under the Care Act. Details of how and who to send this form to are available on 

page 4. Please attach further pages if necessary. 

This form should be completed as fully as possible in order that robust decisions 

can be made about the progression, or otherwise, of the Safeguarding Adults 

Enquiry. 

Person 

completing the 

form:

Role of Person:

Date of referral to 

Adult Social Care:

Organisation:

Phone number: Type of service:

Details of incident/suspected/actual abuse or neglect

Date of alleged 

incident:

Who reported the 

alert/concern?

Time of alleged

incident:

Date of report:

Where did the incident occur? 

Details of the adult at risk

Name: Date of Birth:

Telephone: Ethnicity:

Address:

What is the adult’s primary reason for needing care and support? (please tick)

Physical support: Sensory support: Support with 

memory and 

cognition:

Learning disability 

support:

Asperger’s syndrome 

support:

Autism support:

Mental health 

support: 

Social support (includes 

support for 

carers/substance misusers):

No support 

reason: 

Other health 

condition:

Please 

specify:

Any other details 

about the adult at 

risk:

Ref: OP101 Page 43 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Details of the alleged perpetrator (where relevant)

Name: Relationship to victim:

Date of birth: Ethnicity:

Address: Telephone:

If the alleged perpetrator is a 

staff/volunteer, provide details (e.g. 

employer, job role, work address):

Are they an adult with care and support needs? Yes No

Details of care and support needs (if 

applicable): 

Any other details about the alleged 

perpetrator(s): 

Description of the alleged incident/harm

Please give a detailed description of the incident (including times), all people 

involved, witnesses and any other comments you feel are relevant. If the concern 

relates to physical abuse please provide a body map.

Type of abuse (tick all that apply):

Physical Sexual Psychological/emotional

Financial/material Neglect/omission Discriminatory

Organisational/insti

tutional

Self-neglect Domestic abuse/violence

Modern slavery Radicalisation/extre

mism

Other

If other, please specify:

Is the victim at risk of further abuse/neglect? 

(please tick)

Yes No Unkno

wn

What has been done to ensure the immediate safety of the alleged victim(s) and 

others? Completing and submitting this form does not constitute management of 

immediate risks. 

Ref: OP101 Page 44 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Were the Police called? Yes No

Please provide the outcome of the Police action and Police log number (if 

available):

If the incident relates to domestic abuse/violence, has 

the MARAC Checklist (CAADA-DASH) been completed?

Yes No

If yes, has a referral to MARAC been considered?

Please provide details, including discussions with your 

agency’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for MARAC:

Yes No

Please provide details of other agencies involved that will be able to help with the 

safeguarding adults enquiry:

Are you aware that there have there been any previous referrals 

made in relation to this adult at risk or alleged perpetrator?

Yes No

If yes, please provide details (e.g. dates, type of abuse, action taken):

Are there any risks to others (other adults, 

children)?

Yes No Unkno

wn

Please provide details (also include who this information has been shared with –

e.g. Police, Children’s Social Care, and MAPPA). If there are risks to children you 

must notify Children’s Social Care. 

Involvement of the adult(s) at risk

The following section is crucial to determining the next steps in the safeguarding 

adult’s enquiry and every attempt should be made to complete it as fully as possible.

Has the adult(s) at risk given consent for this 

referral?

Yes No Not 

sought

If no, please confirm why you have not sought consent or are overriding consent 

(please tick):

Public interest (risks to 

others)

Risk of serious harm Suspected serious 

crime 

Adult at risk lacks 

mental capacity to 

provide consent (best 

interest decision made)

Ability to consent is 

affected by threatening 

or coercive behaviour 

Seeking consent would 

increase risks to the 

adult or others 

Other, please provide details below:

Ref: OP101 Page 45 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Do you think the adult at risk has mental capacity in relation to 

making decisions about their safety?

Ye

s

No

If no, has a mental capacity assessment been undertaken? Ye

s

No

Do you think the adult at risk would have substantial difficulty in 

participating in the safeguarding adult’s process?

Ye

s

No

If yes, is there a suitable person who could represent 

them? (e.g. family member, friend, advocate)

Ye

s

No Unkno

wn

Please provide the name and contact details of this suitable person:

Has the adult at risk’s family been informed of the concerns 

(where the adult has consented to this)?

Ye

s

No

If you think the adult at risk may need support to participate in the safeguarding 

adults process, please provide details of what support may be required:

What does the person (or their representative) want to happen in response to the 

concern? 

For example, what does the person want to happen? 

Signed

:

Date:

Printe

d:

Time:

What happens next?

The local authority will use the information in this form to make an assessment of the 

level of harm and vulnerability of the adult at risk. Further information may be needed 

from you and other organisations involved. This assessment, alongside the desired 

outcomes of the adult at risk (or their representative) will determine whether the 

Safeguarding Adults Enquiry continues. The initial decision to progress, or not, is made 

by a manager in the local authority. Feedback will be provided to the person who 

completed this form, unless specified otherwise. It is your responsibility to challenge 

decisions that you disagree with. Please contact the local authority manager with 

your concerns. If you remain unhappy with the decision that has been made, please 

escalate your concerns to the Safeguarding Adults Unit, 0191 278 8156. 

This document contains personal and sensitive information when completed and 

should be stored securely according to your own organisation’s procedures. It is 

your responsibility to ensure that this is done.

Ref: OP101 Page 46 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Information about how this document should be sent safely and securely 

Once completed, this document contains personal and sensitive information. 

Sending the information to Adult Social Care 

 The form should either be sent to Community Health and Social Care Direct or 

to the adult at risk’s allocated Social Worker if you are aware that they have 

one. If you do not know, please send the form to Community Health and Social 

Care Direct. It is the responsibility of the person sending the form to ensure it 

has arrived with Adult Social Care. 

 It is best practice to telephone prior to sending the form, this is particularly 

important if you are faxing the form (see below). 

Community Health and Social Care Direct: 0191 278 8377 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm)

 It is not necessary to contact or to send the form to the Out of Hours Service. 

However, the Out of Hours Service can provide help with urgent social care if 

that is required (0191 278 7878). The form can be sent on the next working day 

following the concern.

 It is intended that you complete the form electronically and then either send it 

via email or print a copy and fax or post it. If you handwrite the form, please 

make sure that your handwriting is legible. Prior to printing a copy off you may 

wish to increase the box sizes or add further sheets if you are completing it by 

hand. 

Options for sending the Safeguarding Adults Initial Enquiry Form 

 Email. The completed form should only be sent by email if secure email 

addresses are used by both sender and receiver (.pnn.police.uk, 

.cjsm.gov.uk, .gsi.gov.uk, .nhs.net,) or the email is encrypted (contact your IT 

support about email encryption). The subject field of the email address should 

clearly be marked OFFICIAL. Where there are no secure email addresses or 

encryption, this document should not be sent electronically. 

Community Health and Social Care Direct email: 

scdadmin@newcastle.gov.uk

 Fax. The procedure for sending information securely by fax is as follows: 

1. The sender needs to check the fax number they are sending the form to. 

2. Ensure the recipient is waiting at the fax machine for the fax. 

3. Fax covering note should be used and needs to be marked “OFFICIAL”. 

4. Send the fax 

5. The recipient then needs to confirm receipt with the sender. 

Community Health and Social Care Direct Fax: 0191 278 8312 

 Post. The documents should be sent via recorded delivery in external post. 

Documents should be double enveloped. On the outer envelope it should 

clearly state “To be opened by named addressee only”. There should be a 

return address on the outer envelope. The inner envelope should be 

marked “OFFICIAL”. Do not use internal post. 

Ref: OP101 Page 47 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Community Health and Social Care Direct Address: 

2nd Floor, Westgate College Complex, Westgate Road, NE4 9LU 

 Delivery in person. The form can be hand delivered. You should obtain a 

signature from the intended recipient to confirm delivery. 

You can contact Community Health and Social Care Direct (0191 278 8377) 

if you need help or advice in relation to completing or sending this form. 

Ref: OP101 Page 48 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Appendix A2 

________________________________________________________________________ 

Adult Safeguarding Contacts 

1. Community Health and Social Care Direct

Phone: 0191 278 8377

Fax: 0191 278 8312

Available: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm

Out of Hours Service: 0191 278 7878 (for emergency social care needs)

2. Safeguarding Adults Unit Phone: 0191 278 8156

Available: Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4.00pm

Please note that this is an advice service ONLY. All referrals should be raised with 

Community Health and Social Care Direct. 

3. Northumbria Police - Phone: 101

Ask for Local Area Police Station or Protecting Vulnerable Persons (PVP) Team.

4. NSPCC 24 hour helpline - Phone: 08088005000 or online 

They offer support for adults who are worried about a child, advice for parents 

and carers, consultations with professionals who encounter abused children 

or children at risk of abuse, information about child protection and the NSPCC. 

 

Ref: OP101 Page 49 of 49 Version 8 

Approved: February 2023 Next Review Due: February 2024 

 

Appendix A3

Overview of NSAB Multi-agency Safeguarding Adults’ Process 

Suggested timescales 

Stage 1 Initial Enquiry

(Referral to Local Authority) 

Stage 2 Further Information 

Gathering 

(Local authority gathers more 

Stage 3 Strategy and 

Investigation 

(Discussion/meeting with 

investigation by relevant 

Stage 4 Protection Plan and 

Review 

(Formal monitoring and 

review of Safeguarding Adults Stage 5 Safeguarding Adults Enquiry Ends. Safeguarding Adults Plan in place. 

ASAP within two

working days

Two working days 

One month 

3-6 months

Safeguarding adults’ enquiries are:

 Driven by the desired outcomes of the adult or their representative; 

 Multi-agency; 

 Proportionate to the level of presenting harm/risk. 

The Safeguarding Adults Enquiry can end at any stage, when it is felt that risks have been 

managed, and the desired outcomes of the adult (or their representative) have been met, as far 

as they possibly can be. 

At every stage of the Safeguarding Adults Enquiry, risks will be assessed and a Safeguarding 

Adults Plan agreed. 

One working day 

(for LA decision)