Effective safeguarding arrangements in every local area must be underpinned by two key principles: 

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each professional and organisation must play its full part.
• A child-centred approach: for services to be effective they must be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.
• This is the founding principle of safeguarding children, it can involve building a picture over time with the reporting and recording of concerns, even if you think them minor, it could be the key to securing safety for a vulnerable child.
• It asserts that everybody has a role to play in protecting children from harm and keeping them safe. Sharing information, can provide the evidence required with is crucial to make the decisions necessary that retain children’s safety. 

Good practice when working with children

When working with children it is important to follow the good practice as outlined below: 

• adults should not behave in a manner which would lead any reasonable person to question their suitability to work with children, or act as a role model.
• adults ideally, must not work on their own with children. If a situation occurs when this arises, due to sickness or an emergency, always inform colleagues parents/carers to ensure that someone can be present or nearby or open a door.
• generally, it is inappropriate to offer lifts to a child or young person however there may be occasions where the child or young person requires transport in an emergency or where not to do so may place a child at risk. If circumstances permit, the appropriate adult or line manager should be informed before the lift is provided.  
• the event must always be recorded and reported to a senior manager and appropriate adult.  
• physical contact is discouraged and should only take place only when it is necessary and in a safe and open environment i.e. one easily observed by others.  
• always report any accidents/incidents or situations where a child becomes distressed or angry to a senior colleague.
• place a child at increased risk of significant harm.
• place an adult at risk of serious harm.
• prejudice the prevention or detection of a serious crime.
• lead to unjustified delay in making enquiries about allegations of Significant Harm   

It is important that concerns are reported as soon as they can be if it is believed or suspected that: 

• A child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm or
• A child’s health or development may be impaired without the provision of services or   
• With the agreement of the person with parental responsibility, a child would be likely to benefit from family support services. 

 Please ensure that any electronic messages they have sent have been received and are being acted upon.

If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person, please contact the Surrey Children's Single Point of Access (SPA).  The Children's Single Point of Access is the umbrella term used to describe the front door to Surrey County Council services for children. Parents, carers, and practitioners can phone in to access support, information, and advice for families and those who work with children in Surrey.

Who to contact

Telephone:

• 0300 470 9100
• 01483 517898 (out of hours hosted by the emergency duty team)

Email: cspa@surreycc.gov.uk

Website: Children’s Services, Surrey County Council website

Online from: Children’s Services, Surrey County Council website report an issue

The Council has a legal duty to work collaboratively with all to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults at risk and treat them with dignity and respect: and how we do this is to work in conjunction with Surrey Multi-agency adult protection procedures, for further information please refer to Surrey County Council’s website.

Who is an adult at risk? 

The term adult at risk refers to anyone aged 18 and over who: 

• is or may need Community Care Services by reason of mental or other disability, age, or illness; and
• is or may be unable to take care of himself or herself, and/or:
• is unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. 

Whether or not a person is vulnerable in these cases will depend upon surrounding circumstances, environment and each case must be judged on its own merits. 

To help prevent abuse occurring and false allegations arising, the following basic guidelines will help safeguard both the adult at risk and members of staff.  

You must: 

• treat all service users with dignity and respect.
• provide an example of good conduct you wish others to follow.
• challenge unacceptable behaviour - e.g. bullying and report all allegations/suspicions of abuse.
• be identifiable and always wear a name badge. 

You must not: 

• have unwarranted contact with an adult at risk.
• make any comments, which may have a sexual connotation.  . 

Who to contact

Telephone:

• 0300 200 1005
• 01483 517898 (out of hours hosted by the emergency duty team)

Email: edt.ssd@surreycc.gov.uk

Online Form: Surrey County Council Adult Social Care Referral Form 

Website: Surrey County Council Adult Social Care 

In an emergency safeguarding situation for children or vulnerable adults call 999 to report.