General Considerations for Employees in Safeguarding Adults at Risk

• Remain calm, try not to over react;
• DO NOT be judgemental;
• DO NOT attempt to investigate the matter yourself;
• Be aware that the person's ability to recount their concern or allegation will depend on his or her age, culture, language and communication skills, and the level of any disability;
• It is OK to ask questions to help you clarify any concerns you may have (e.g. can you tell / explain describe what happened? when did it happen? where did it happen? etc) so that you are in a better position to inform Adult Social Care;
• Always keep an accurate record of your conversations and actions/decisions taken by you and others;
• DO NOT confront anyone who is alleged to be responsible for what has happened, and DO NOT tell them that allegations have been made about them;
• If there is a possibility that a criminal offence has been committed, DO NOT tamper with or move any potential evidence; DO NOT clean up;
• Give the Adult at Risk your contact details and those of the Adult Social Care; and a timescale for when and how you or the Adult Social Care will contact them again;
• Never leave an Adult at Risk to wait to hear from someone, e.g. a police officer or social worker, without any idea of timescale;
• Consult with your Adult Safeguarding Contact Officer about what you should do next.

In all events do not delay in contacting your Nominated Adult Safeguarding Contact Officer and / or Adult Social Care as the risk of harm to the Adult at Risk may be urgent.