01
1. Check immediate safety
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger, seriously injured or needs urgent police or medical help. Move to a safer place only where this can be done without increasing risk.
Advice And Resources
Report the concern - you do not need to prove it first
If something feels unsafe, record what you saw or heard and use the appropriate route. Do not delay urgent help while trying to gather complete evidence.
For
People receiving care, families, staff, professionals and the public
You'll learn
Know what to do without feeling responsible for investigating the concern.
Sections
7 covered
Call
0115 681 2514
02
2. Listen and do not promise secrecy
If someone tells you about abuse, listen calmly, take them seriously and avoid leading questions. Explain that the information may need to be shared to help keep people safe.
03
3. Record what you know
Write the person’s own words where possible, what you observed, dates, times, people present and any immediate action. Separate fact from opinion.
04
4. Report promptly
Use the local safeguarding route, police, emergency service, relevant professional or MoreLoved Care safeguarding contact as appropriate. Staff must follow internal policy immediately.
05
5. Do not investigate yourself
Do not confront the alleged person, search private devices, interview witnesses repeatedly or remove evidence unless necessary for immediate safety. These actions may increase risk or affect an investigation.
06
6. Share proportionately
Provide relevant information to people who need to act. Avoid discussing the matter widely, on social media or through insecure messages.
07
7. Follow up
Keep the reference and note who received the concern. If risk remains or no action appears to have been taken, escalate through another appropriate safeguarding or regulatory route.
Answers
Frequently asked questions.
What if I am not sure it is abuse?+
Report the concern and the facts you have. The safeguarding process decides what further enquiry is needed.
What if the person asks me not to tell anyone?+
Take their wishes seriously, but explain that you may need to share information where safety, a child, another person or a serious crime is involved.
Can poor care be safeguarding?+
Yes. Neglect, organisational abuse, repeated missed care, unsafe medication or a failure to act may raise safeguarding concerns.
Can I report a concern about MoreLoved Care staff?+
Yes. Use the safeguarding route and external authorities where appropriate. The person named should not control the response.
Can I use the web form in an emergency?+
No. Call 999 or the urgent safeguarding route.
Next step