What is abuse and how to report it

Reporting abuse involving a Person in a Position of Trust

The Care and Support Statutory Guidance requires Safeguarding Adults Boards establish a framework and process to respond to allegations against Persons in a Position of Trust. This is sometimes referred to as PiPoT.

A person in a position of trust is someone over the age of 18 who works with adults who have care and support needs as identified in the Care Act 2014. It applies regardless of whether the person is working in a paid or voluntary capacity.

A Person in a Position of Trust could be a health or social care worker, police officer, probation officer, a member of staff in a care home or a charity in a paid or unpaid role. Basically, anyone of any position no matter how senior who works in a role where they have contact with adults with care and support needs.

All allegations against a Person in a Position of Trust must be taken seriously and dealt with fairly in a way that protects both the adult at risk and the Person in a Position of Trust.

Examples of concerns include when that person has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed an adult
• committed a criminal offence against or related to an adult
• behaved towards an adult in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to adults with care and support needs

If you’re concerned about a professional or volunteer working with at-risk adults, report it to us as you would a safeguarding concern.

If you are a member of the public and concerned about an adult at risk, please make a referral using our online form.

Make a referral

You can also use the link at the top of the page, or call the Adult Safeguarding Team on 01204 33700

In an emergency, always call 999.