BaNES Safeguarding

Safeguarding adults and children

Everyone has the human right to live a life that is free from abuse and neglect. Safeguarding means protecting vulnerable adults and children who are at risk and need support, and is fundamental to ensuring high quality health and social care.

Safeguarding adults

Safeguarding means protecting vulnerable adults and children who are at risk and need support, and is fundamental to ensuring high quality health and social care.

Who is a vulnerable adult?

Abuse can affect anyone, but a vulnerable adult, broadly speaking, is someone who is over 18 years old who has, or may need, help with their everyday lives and who, because of those needs, is unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. This can include:

• disabled people who have physical or sensory impairments
  • people who have learning difficulties
  • people who experience mental ill health
  • older people
  • people who live in care homes
  • people with acquired brain damage
  • people who misuse substances

What is abuse?

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights. It may consist of a single act or repeated acts. It can be physical, verbal or psychological, it may be an act or omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot consent. Abuse can occur in any relationship.

How to Report suspected abuse

Concerned about an adult

0300 247 0201 Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

01454 615165 ‐ Out of hours and at weekends

Concerned about a child

01225 396312 or 01225 396313 Monday – Friday 9am-5pm

01454 615165 – Out of hours and at weekends

The Local Authority Designated Officer for managing allegations or safeguarding concerns against staff can be contacted on 01225 396810 Monday – Friday in office hours.

If you think someone is in immediate danger, dial emergency services on 999.

For more information

Safeguarding vulnerable adults is everybody’s business. If you are worried about someone or suspect abuse it is important to tell someone. Doing nothing is not an option.

The NHS has an app with useful information, click here for the link

How does Bath & North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) safeguard vulnerable adults?

The CCG, Bath & North East Somerset Council, the police and other local NHS organisations all work in partnership, and share responsibility to minimise and manage the risk to adults who may be vulnerable.

Bath & North East Somerset Council co-ordinates this work and acts on any cases of suspected abuse to ensure that the situation is appropriately investigated and actions are taken.

Bath & North East Somerset CCG is also a member of the Bath & North East Somerset Local Safeguarding Adults Board which works on promoting good practice and training in organisations which look after adults at risk.

If you have concerns about the safety of a child or young person visit the Child safeguarding page.

Support and information is available if you are experiencing domestic violence – visit the domestic violence page for more details.

If you think someone may be being drawn in to terrorism visit the PREVENT page.