Safeguarding Referrals: Guide for Care Homes 2026
Step by step guide to making safeguarding referrals in care homes. When to report, types of abuse, common mistakes, and CQC requirements.
Statixs Compliance Team
Statixs
Your Job Is to Report, Not Investigate
If you suspect abuse, tell your local authority. Let them investigate.
You only need a concern. Not proof.
Types of Abuse
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical | Hitting, pushing, rough handling |
| Sexual | Any sexual activity without consent |
| Psychological | Verbal abuse, humiliation, threats |
| Financial | Theft, fraud, misusing money |
| Neglect | Failure to provide food, care, medication |
| Discriminatory | Abuse based on race, gender, disability |
| Organisational | Poor care practices, rigid routines |
| Self neglect | Person neglecting their own health or safety |
| Modern slavery | Human trafficking, forced labour |
| Domestic abuse | Abuse by family members or partners |
When to Refer
You must refer when:
- You witness abuse or neglect
- Someone tells you about abuse
- You see signs that suggest abuse
Not sure? Report it anyway.
Better to refer and be wrong than miss real abuse.
How to Make a Referral
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Make safe | If immediate danger, call 999 |
| 2. Record | Write what happened, when, who was involved |
| 3. Call | Contact local authority safeguarding team |
| 4. Complete form | Submit written referral |
| 5. Notify | Tell CQC and your registered manager |
| 6. Document | Keep detailed records |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Is Wrong |
|---|---|
| Investigating first | Not your job |
| Assuming it cannot be true | Abuse happens in trusted relationships |
| Waiting for proof | You only need a concern |
| Promising confidentiality | Safety comes first |
FAQs
Who can make a safeguarding referral?
Anyone can make a safeguarding referral. Care home staff have a duty to report concerns. You do not need permission from management to contact the local authority.
How quickly must you make a safeguarding referral?
Immediately if someone is in danger. Otherwise within 24 hours of becoming aware of the concern. Do not delay to gather more information.
What happens after you make a referral?
The local authority decides whether to investigate. They may contact you for more information. You should continue to keep the person safe and document any concerns.
Do you need to tell CQC about safeguarding incidents?
Yes. CQC must be notified of safeguarding incidents using the notification form. This is separate from the local authority referral.
What All Staff Must Know
- What abuse looks like
- How to spot the signs
- Who to report to
- That they will be protected for reporting
Train everyone annually. Including kitchen, domestic, and maintenance staff.
Track Safeguarding Properly
Statixs includes:
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Quick incident reporting | ✓ |
| Safeguarding tracking | ✓ |
| CQC notification reminders | ✓ |
| Training management | ✓ |
| Complete audit trail | ✓ |
From £3 per user per month. All features included.
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Related: CQC Fundamental Standards | DoLS Explained | CQC Inspection Checklist
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