Safeguarding Adults

See: Identifying and Reporting Abuse and Neglect, which is part of the larger Care Act 2014 resource.

Adults

If you are concerned that an adult is in imminent danger from abuse or neglect, or that a criminal act has taken place you should contact the police by dialing 999.

Professionals and organisations

Staff working in care and/or health settings should complete the online alert form to raise an adult safeguarding concern. This includes voluntary, private and independent sector organisations.

See: Safeguarding Adults Referral Form.

Note: The online form should be completed as soon as possible and no more than 4 hours after the concern has been identified.

If you require advice prior to completing the form you can contact Social Care Direct.

Individuals and carers

Contact Social Care Direct to raise a safeguarding concern:

Tel: 01895 556633 (office hours) or 01895 250111 (out of hours).
E-mail: socialcaredirect@hillingdon.gov.uk

Children

If you are concerned that a child is in imminent danger from abuse or neglect, or that a criminal act has taken place you should contact the police by dialing 999.

To raise a safeguarding concern about a child, contact the Hillingdon Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):

Tel: 01895 556644 (office hours)
Tel: 01895 250111 (out of hours emergencies only)
E-mail: lbhmash@hillingdon.gov.uk

The London multi-agency adult safeguarding policy and procedures set out specifically how the Local Authority works with other organisations in the area, such as the police and the ICB to fulfil the requirements of the Care Act, including how they:

1. Prevent and protect adults at risk from abuse;
2. Empower and support adults to make their own choices;
3. Investigate actual (or suspected) abuse or neglect; and
4. Support adults who are at risk of, or experiencing abuse or neglect.

They set out a four stage process for handling safeguarding enquiries. The stages are:

• Stage 1: Concerns;
• Stage 2: Enquiry;
• Stage 3: Safeguarding Plan and Review;
• Stage 4: Closing the Enquiry.

All safeguarding processes, forms and guidance can be found in the local resource area. This includes the Adult Safeguarding Practice and Processes; a local document that sets out how the London multi-agency adult safeguarding policy and procedures are implemented in Hillingdon. It is vital that you have regard for this document and other available local resources in regards to:

1. Recognising abuse and neglect;
2. Reporting abuse and neglect;
3. Carrying out an Enquiry.