The volunteer should record
- Date and time of the
- Date and time of the incident
- Exactly what the adult at risk said (using their own words)
- Who was involved
- The impact of the abuse on the adult
- What steps have been taken to protect the adult
- Name and signature of the person making the record
Remember
Adults have the right to make decisions about their life for themselves – even if the professionals in their lives disagree.
Do be observant to check that the adult Is not being coerced or controlled by the abuser. This is not the same as making a free choice.
This is protected by the Mental Capacity Act (2005)
You still have
- a Duty of Care
- To Continue to engage with the adult
- To Continue to offer support
- To Be observant
Information should be shared with consent or if there is:
- Risk to children/other adults at risk
- Organisational abuse
- Abuse perpetrated by an employee
- Abuse happened on property owned or operated by an organisation providing care
- Relevant to criminal investigation
- Serious harm or threat to life
Or, if the adult lacks capacity to decide and it is determined to be in their best interest
Reporting
- Follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedure
- Discuss your concerns with your manager or safeguarding lead within 24 hours.
- If no one is available within your organisation, refer your concern to the MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub).
The MASH is responsible for deciding what happens to concerns raised with the local authority. This decision will reflect the desired outcomes of the adult at risk and will take one of three routes:
- No further action required by LA- information and advice provided
- Formal Safeguarding Enquiry, carried out by the organisation
- Formal Safeguarding Enquiry lead by LA or designated partners
Information about MASH triage and assessment criteria can be found in the Multi Agency Safeguarding Procedures, available here:
Referral Form
If you telephone you must follow up within a completed form within 24 hours.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Adults Safeguarding Referral Form, available at:
https://www.safeguardingcambspeterborough.org.uk/adults-board/reporting-a-concern/
Reporting Concerns to the Local Authority
Cambridgeshire County Council
Telephone: 0345 045 5202
Email: referral.centre-adults@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Peterborough City Council
Telephone: 01733 747474
Email: adultsocialcare@peterborough.gov.uk
Protect the Person
- If the adult is in danger of repeated significant harm or has just been the victim of a serious crime – call the police 999
- If the adult needs urgent medical attention, call 999
SAB Multi-Agency
Procedures:
