Safeguarding Adults

1. Safeguarding Adults under the Care Act

Use the links below to access sections of the Care Act 2014 resource for information about the legal requirements of all safeguarding under the Act.

  1. Aims and Principles of all Adult Safeguarding;
  2. When Safeguarding Duties Apply;
  3. Identifying and Reporting Abuse and Neglect;
  4. The Response to a Concern about Abuse and Neglect.

2. Reporting Abuse and Neglect

Legal Requirements

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

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

Adults

Internal referrals should be made in line with local processes.

External referrals should be made using the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults online contact form.

If you are not able to use the online form referrals can be made via telephone 24 hours a day using 020 8770 6770 or e-mail using referralpoint@sutton.gov.uk.

For further information about reporting a concern visit the 'Help for adults being abused' page of the Sutton council website.

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.

Children

Internal referrals should be made in line with local processes.

External referrals should be made via the Children's First Contact Service online form.

If you are not able to use the online form referrals can be made via e-mail using CFCS@Sutton.gov.uk or via telephone:

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm: 020 8770 6001/6072
Evenings, weekends and bank holidays: 020 8770 5000

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.

3. Safeguarding Procedures, Processes and Forms

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Procedures

The London multi-agency safeguarding procedures should be your primary source of support and practice guidance when working in the safeguarding adult's arena.

They 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.

The London multi-agency policy and procedures 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.

See: London Multi-Agency Adult Safeguarding Policy & Procedures.

Local Processes, Forms and Guidance

All safeguarding processes, forms and guidance can be found in the Safeguarding section of the local resource area.

4. The Safeguarding Adults Board

In line with the Care Act 2014, Sutton has a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB).

See the Safeguarding Adults Board section of The Care Act 2014 and find out more about:

  1. The aim of Safeguarding Adults Boards;
  2. Their role and statutory duties;
  3. When boards must carry out a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR).

For further information, see the Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board website.