Legal & safeguarding
Safeguarding: raising a concern about care
What to do if you are worried that someone receiving care is not safe or well treated.
4 min read
If someone is in immediate danger
Call 999. Safeguarding processes do not replace emergency services.
Raising a safeguarding concern
Contact the adult safeguarding team at the local council. You do not need proof and you can raise a concern about a service you do not use yourself. The council must look into it.
Complaints and the regulator
Ask the provider for its complaints procedure and put the complaint in writing. You can also share information with the Care Quality Commission, and escalate an unresolved complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Official sources
- NHS — Safeguarding adults
- Care Quality Commission — find and check a care service
- Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
Guidance only — it isn't financial or legal advice, and rules and figures change. Always check the official source or speak to an adviser.