If the adult needs immediate assistance or there is a crime being committed, the person witnessing or responding to the event or circumstance must contact the emergency services on 999.  

Where there are concerns, staff should try to gather as much information as possible about the situation or event, without putting themselves or the resident at risk.  

Staff members should not disturb or move articles that could be used in evidence, and should secure the scene, for example, by locking the door to a room (unless there is a resident inside). 

The identifying member of staff should inform their line manager as soon as possible and agree on the immediate and longer-term actions that need to take place. You will be supported to make a safeguarding referral. 

Staff members also have the option of discussing a referral with the Adult’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for expert advice - [email protected] 020 7974 4000 (option 1).