Timescales
The adult safeguarding procedures do not set definitive timescales, however, target timescales are indicated in the table below. (N.B. these are not performance measures).
Agreed timescales should be case specific and reflect the ethos of Making Safeguarding Personal. It is important that timely action is taken whilst respecting the principle that the views of the adult at risk are paramount. It is the responsibility of all agencies to proactively monitor concerns to ensure that drift does not prevent timely action and place people at further risk.
| Indicative Timescales | ||
| Stage One | Concerns | Immediate action in cases of emergency, within one working day in other cases |
| Stage Two (Enquiries) | Initial visit / conversation | 48 hours - if not already taken place |
| Planning meetings | Within 5 working days | |
| Enquiry actions | Target time within 20 working days | |
| Agreeing outcome | Within 5 working days of enquiry report | |
| Stage Three (Safeguarding Plan and Review) | Safeguarding plan | Within 5 working days of enquiry report |
| Review | No more than 3 months, but dependent upon risk | |
| Stage Four | Closing the enquiry | Actions immediately following decision to close where possible. Other actions within 5 working days |
Divergence from any target timescales may be justified where:
- Adherence to the agreed timescales would jeopardise achieving the outcome that the adult at risk wants;
- It would not be in the best interests of the adult at risk;
- Significant changes in risk are identified that need to be addressed;
- Supported decision making may require an appropriate resource not immediately available;
- The person's physical, mental and/or emotional wellbeing may be temporarily compromised.
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