How to Raise and Report a Safeguarding Concern in Care Settings

Introduction

Knowing how to raise and report a safeguarding concern is a critical skill for all staff in health and social care. Immediate and correct action can protect vulnerable adults and children from harm. In emergency situations, always call 999 first, then notify your manager or the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and record what happened. Guidance from Working Together 2023 makes clear that every practitioner must understand how to refer concerns to children’s social care or the police where necessary.

Step 1 -Recognise and Record

Accurate recording is essential. Note the facts: what you observed or heard, the date and time, and who was present. Use the person’s own words if they disclosed information. Do not investigate the situation yourself or promise confidentiality. Keep all evidence safe. The CQC Regulation 13 requires providers to have systems in place to protect people from abuse and improper treatment, including robust reporting procedures.

Step 2 -Report Internally

Immediately inform your DSL or line manager and follow your organisation’s safeguarding policy. Timely reporting ensures concerns are managed quickly and appropriately, reducing the risk of further harm.

Step 3A -Adults (Care Act 2014)

When raising concerns for adults, apply the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal. Involve the person, consider their wishes, and seek consent to share information when safe. You can share without consent if others are at risk, a crime may have been committed, or the person lacks capacity and sharing is in their vital interests. Local authorities will decide if the concern meets Section 42 enquiry criteria: an adult with care and support needs, experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and unable to protect themselves. Always follow your local adult safeguarding process.

Step 3B – Children (Working Together 2023)

If you believe a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, make a referral to your local authority children’s social care (MASH) immediately, or the police if necessary. While the DSL usually makes referrals, any practitioner may do so. Share only what is necessary, accurate, relevant, and timely. Clear documentation ensures accountability and safety.I

Information Sharing

UK guidance from the DfE (2024) Seven Golden Rules emphasises that safeguarding a person takes priority over privacy when failure to share may cause harm. You do not need consent to share if there is a safeguarding risk. Always share proportionately, record your decisions, and follow UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 standards.

What Inspectors Expect

Regulators such as the CQC will expect:

• Clear safeguarding policies aligned with the Care Act 2014 and Working Together 2023

• Staff who can explain how to raise and report a safeguarding concern

• Accurate, timely records of concerns, referrals, and any follow-up actions

• Evidence of learning and improvement following incidents under Regulation 13