What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the action we take to promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, protecting them from harm, abuse, and neglect. It means creating safe environments where everyone can thrive, and knowing how to respond appropriately when concerns arise. Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding, it's a shared responsibility across communities, organizations, and individuals.
Who needs it the most?
- Children and young people - who may lack the ability to protect themselves.
- Elderly adults - particularly those who are frail or dependent.
- People with disabilities - who may need extra support and protection.
- Those experiencing abuse or neglect - physically, emotionally, or financially.
- People in care or institutional settings - such as hospitals, care homes, or residential schools.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Understanding behaviors and situations that may signal a concern
Unexplained Injuries or Physical Changes
Bruises, burns, or injuries that don't match the explanation given. Also includes sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, or neglected appearance.
Learn MoreSignificant Changes in Behaviour or Mood
Sudden withdrawal, anxiety, depression, aggression, or fearfulness—especially around certain people. This includes becoming unusually quiet or showing distress.
Learn MoreFear of Specific People or Places
Reluctance to go home or be with certain individuals. Expressing fear about specific situations or avoiding people without clear reason.
Learn MoreSigns of Neglect
Lacking adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision. May appear consistently hungry, dirty, or inappropriately dressed for conditions.
Learn MoreSocial Isolation or Control
Being prevented from seeing friends, family, or accessing support. Includes being monitored, controlled, or cut off from their usual networks.
Learn MoreSelf-Harm or Concerning Coping Behaviours
Evidence of self-harming (cutting, burning), expressing suicidal thoughts, or sudden substance misuse as a way of coping with trauma.
Learn MoreTake action
If you have a safeguarding concern, follow these steps
Recognise and Respond Immediately
If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services (999) right away. Don't wait—your quick action could save a life. If the situation isn't an emergency but you're concerned, trust your instincts and take the next steps.
Listen and Observe (Don't Investigate)
If someone shares a concern, listen carefully without judgment and take them seriously. Avoid asking leading questions or investigating yourself, leave that to trained professionals. Make notes of what you've seen or heard, including dates and times.
Report Your Concern
Contact the appropriate safeguarding authority or use the reporting form on this page. You don't need proof—if you're concerned, report it. Professionals will assess the situation and determine what action is needed.
Keep Information Confidential
Share concerns only with the appropriate authorities or designated safeguarding leads. Don't discuss the matter with others or on social media, as this could compromise investigations and the safety of those involved.
Follow Up If Needed
If you've reported a concern and don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, or if the situation worsens, follow up with the relevant authority. Your persistence could make a critical difference.
Look After Yourself
Dealing with safeguarding concerns can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from appropriate channels if you need to talk through your experience—your wellbeing matters too.
Report a concern or get in touch
Privacy and anonymity
We take your privacy seriously. Share as much or as little information as you feel comfortable with. If you prefer, you may leave your name and phone number blank and we will process your message anonymously.
Avoid including highly sensitive details that could put you or others at risk. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Need Help Now?
24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Police or Ambulance: Call 999
Samaritans:116 123 (free and confidential)