Make a safeguarding referral (care providers only)

How to complete a non-urgent safeguarding referral, what information is needed, and what happens after submission under Section 42 of the Care Act.

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Make a safeguarding referral (providers only)

If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
This online form is for non‑urgent safeguarding concerns from registered care providers.
It may take up to 24 hours for the Safeguarding Team to receive and review your referral.

For urgent concerns, contact the Adult Safeguarding Referral Line:

Who should use this form

  • Registered providers of care services only.
  • This form is not for members of the public.

Why you should complete a referral

Safeguarding adults is everyone’s responsibility.
If you know or suspect that an adult is being abused or neglected, you must complete this form.

Try to get the adult’s consent where possible.
There are times you must report without consent. See Section 42: Adult Safeguarding Enquiry Procedures (2.47) for details.

Under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014, the Local Authority must consider enquiries if an adult:

  • has care and support needs
  • is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect
  • is unable to protect themselves because of those needs

Not all situations will meet these requirements. If they do not, you should signpost the person to the most appropriate service.
Take immediate steps to keep the adult safe while we decide whether we have a duty to make enquiries.

What you need to complete the form

Please provide as much detail as you can. The form will ask for:

  • Your contact details (email and an alternative phone number)
  • Where the abuse happened (if outside Staffordshire, contact that local authority)
  • Details of the adult at risk (care needs, support, and why they cannot protect themselves)
  • Date of the incident (if known)
  • Type of abuse (check guidance in the form)
  • Whether this is a one-off or part of a pattern, and what you’ve done to prevent harm
  • Details of the source of risk (if reporting multiple people, call the referral line)
  • Any supporting documents (upload evidence to help us assess the situation)

What happens after you submit the form

Your referral will be reviewed by the Staffordshire Adult Safeguarding Team (SAST). We will:

  • assess the level of risk and set a priority
  • work within the Multi‑Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) to check information with partner agencies
  • contact you or the adult at risk if we need more detail
  • decide whether the situation meets Section 42 enquiry requirements

If it does not meet Section 42, we will give advice and guidance on where to get support.
We will tell you the outcome as soon as possible.