How do I raise and manage a safeguarding alert?

Safeguarding Alert Management

Safeguarding vulnerable adults is a critical responsibility. Care Pathway Pro provides comprehensive tools to ensure all safeguarding concerns are properly recorded, escalated, and managed.

When to Raise a Safeguarding Alert

You must raise a safeguarding alert if you suspect or witness:

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, inappropriate restraint
• Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Threats, humiliation, intimidation
• Sexual Abuse: Rape, sexual assault, inappropriate touching
• Financial Abuse: Theft, fraud, pressure regarding wills/property
• Neglect: Failure to provide care, food, warmth, medication
• Discriminatory Abuse: Abuse based on race, gender, disability, religion
• Organisational Abuse: Poor care standards, lack of person-centred care
• Domestic Abuse: From family members, friends, or other service users
• Self-Neglect: Refusing care, hoarding, not taking medication
• Modern Slavery: Exploitation, forced labour, human trafficking

Immediate Actions Before Raising an Alert

If Immediate Danger Exists:

1. Ensure the service user is safe and remove from danger if possible
2. Call 999 if medical attention or police are needed urgently
3. Inform the person in charge immediately (manager, senior on shift)
4. Only then proceed to document in the system

If No Immediate Danger:

1. Make observations but do not investigate
2. Listen to the service user if they’re disclosing abuse
3. Take photos of any visible injuries (with consent if possible)
4. Do not confront the alleged perpetrator
5. Do not discuss with other staff except those who need to know
6. Document in the system immediately

Raising a Safeguarding Alert in the System

Step 1: Access the Safeguarding Module

Log into Care Pathway Pro and go to Safeguarding → Raise New Alert (or click the alert icon on the service user’s record).

Step 2: Complete Initial Alert Information

Essential details (all fields marked with asterisk are required):

• Service User: Select from dropdown
• Date & Time of Incident: When the abuse occurred or was discovered
• Location: Where the incident occurred
• Type of Abuse: Select all that apply
• Severity Level: Critical, High, Medium, or Low

Step 3: Describe the Concern

In the “Description of Concern” text area, document:

• What you saw, heard, or were told (use exact words where possible)
• When it happened (date, time, duration)
• Where it happened and who was present
• What actions you took immediately
• The service user’s response and current condition
• Do not include your opinions or assumptions

Step 4: Identify Alleged Perpetrator

If known, select or enter the person’s details (staff member, another service user, family member/visitor, or external person). If unknown, select “Unknown” and add any descriptive details available.

Step 5: Add Witnesses

Select all staff who witnessed the incident or have relevant information. The system will automatically notify selected staff members to add their statements.

Step 6: Upload Evidence

Upload photos of injuries or damage (with consent), relevant documents, CCTV footage if available, and body maps showing injury locations.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Review all information for accuracy and completeness. Click “Submit Safeguarding Alert”. A unique reference number is generated and automatic notifications are sent to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Organisation Manager/Registered Manager, and Organisation Admin.

What Happens After Submission

Within 5 minutes of submission, email alerts are sent to all designated recipients, SMS alerts sent (if configured), and the alert appears on the Safeguarding Dashboard with “New” status.

Managing the Safeguarding Alert

Alert Statuses

• New: Just raised, awaiting DSL review
• Under Review: Being assessed by DSL/management
• Referred: Referred to external safeguarding team
• Investigating: Internal or external investigation underway
• Resolved: Investigation complete, actions implemented
• Closed: Alert closed (may be unfounded or inconclusive)

Best Practices

• Act quickly – raise alerts within 24 hours of the concern arising
• Document everything – record all conversations, observations, and actions
• Maintain confidentiality – only share information on a need-to-know basis
• Listen to the service user – their voice and wishes should be central
• Don’t investigate alone – investigations should be led by trained staff