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You are not expected to investigate concerns or determine whether abuse has occurred. Your role is to notice concerns, respond calmly, and take appropriate action to keep someone safe.

Safeguarding applies to both children and adults who may be at risk of harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. Everybody in the community has a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns when they are seen, as reporting a small thing, can help create a bigger picture that can save lives. Most people are not aware of how easy and simple it is to raise a safeguarding concern. 

Recognise

Safeguarding concerns are not always obvious. Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it is important not to ignore it.

You might notice:

  • A child or adult appearing frightened, withdrawn or unusually anxious.
  • Someone saying they feel unsafe, threatened or controlled.
  • Visible injuries that do not match the explanation given.
  • Signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing for the weather, or appearing malnourished.
  • A person being closely monitored, spoken for, or prevented from answering questions.
  • Indicators of exploitation, such as fear of going home, sudden unexplained gifts, or references to older “friends.”
  • Extreme distress, panic or fear around certain individuals.
  • Avoiding eye contact or conversation out of fear that there will be a consequence 
  • Not having access to their own money

You do not need proof to raise a concern. Noticing and reporting appropriately can prevent harm.

Respond

If someone shares a concern or you believe they may be at risk, your response matters.

Remain calm and reassuring

Stay composed and speak gently. If someone discloses something concerning, thank them for telling you. Reassure them that they have done the right thing by speaking up.

Listen carefully

Allow them to speak in their own words. Do not interrupt or interrogate. Avoid asking leading questions. Keep your questions open and simple, such as “Can you tell me what happened?”

Be honest about next steps

Do not promise to keep secrets. If someone is at risk, you may need to share information to keep them safe. You can say, “I may need to pass this on to people who can help keep you safe.”

Avoid

  • Do not investigate or try to gather detailed evidence.
  • Do not confront an alleged perpetrator.
  • Do not dismiss concerns or minimise what has been shared.
  • Do not delay reporting because you are unsure.

Support

In the moment, focus on safety and reassurance.

  • Offer a safe and private space if appropriate.
  • Stay with the person if they are distressed and it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid making promises about outcomes.
  • Reassure them that support is available and that they are not alone.

Your role is to stabilise the situation until appropriate services can take over.

Signposting and reporting

If there is immediate danger or risk of serious harm, call 999.

For non-emergency police concerns, contact 101.

Concerns about a child or young person

If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person, make a referral via the form through Bedford Borough Council’s Children’s Services Safeguarding Reporting System.

You can also:

Concerns about an adult

If you are concerned about an adult at risk of abuse or neglect, make a referral via the online form through Bedford Borough Council’s Adult Safeguarding Reporting System.

You can also:

Tel: 01234 276222
Email: adult.protection@bedford.gov.uk

If you are unsure whether a situation meets the threshold for referral, it is still appropriate to seek advice from Bedford Borough’s safeguarding teams. Acting early can prevent harm.

You may also signpost individuals to:

Safe Spaces are not a replacement for statutory safeguarding services. They are an additional layer of vigilance and care within the community.

If you are worried about someone, it is always better to report a concern than to do nothing.