Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of everyone who represents or works on behalf of the Council.
Safeguarding is not just an issue for social workers or other professionals.
It is important that we are all aware of our duty to protect those in our communities who may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
Your responsibility as a member of staff:
- Be alert to signs of abuse or neglect
- Report concerns immediately – don't investigate yourself
- Record factual information clearly and securely
- Completion of mandated Safeguarding training
- Promote safeguarding practice in your everyday work
- Be aware of who your Department's Designated Safeguarding Officer is
- If in doubt, report it. Don't feel judged for raising a concern
How to report a concern
- The Police should be contacted (999) without delay immediately if a child or adult is in immediate danger.
- Any member of staff or Councilors who have concerns about the safety of a child or adult should contact the following immediately:
Referrals Team on 01766 772577
Choose option 1 = Children
Choose option 2 = Adults
For any concerns regarding the safety of a child or adult outside normal office hours, after 5:00pm Monday to Friday and on weekends and Bank Holidays, contact: Social Services Out of Hours Team on 01248 353551
3. Any member of staff who is unsure whether there is a child or adult safeguarding issue should discuss it with the Department's Designated Safeguarding Person or their line manager.If they are not available, then the matter should be referred immediately to the Teams specified above.