Safeguarding Adults in Wales: How to Recognise and Report an Adult at Risk
In Wales, an adult at risk is someone who has care and support needs, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and cannot protect themselves because of those needs. Anyone working with adults may be the first person to notice something is wrong.
Spotting the signs and reporting them promptly gives the local authority the chance to make enquiries and put protection in place. Staff do not need proof, and they should never try to investigate a concern themselves.
This guide explains the legal definition, the main types of abuse and neglect, the duty to report and the practical steps to take when you are worried about someone.
Please note: This article provides general information, not legal or case-specific advice. Follow your organisation's safeguarding policy, the Wales Safeguarding Procedures and the guidance that applies to your setting. The scenario is a fictional learning example.
Who is an adult at risk?
Section 126 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 defines an adult at risk as an adult who:
- is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect
- has needs for care and support, whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs
- as a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect, or the risk of it
All three parts apply. A person does not need to be receiving services to be an adult at risk, and they do not need a diagnosis.
Types of abuse and neglect
The 2014 Act describes abuse as physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse, and it can happen in any setting. Neglect is a failure to meet a person's basic physical, emotional, social or psychological needs which is likely to harm their well-being.
In practice, staff may come across:
- Physical abuse, such as hitting, rough handling or misuse of medication
- Sexual abuse, including any sexual activity the person has not consented to or could not consent to
- Psychological and emotional abuse, such as threats, humiliation, isolation or controlling behaviour
- Financial abuse, including theft, fraud, pressure over wills or misuse of benefits
- Neglect, including poor care, missed medication or lack of food, warmth or hygiene
- Domestic abuse and exploitation, where a partner, relative or others use the person for their own gain
Signs to look out for
No single sign proves abuse. Look for patterns, changes and explanations that do not fit:
- Unexplained bruises, injuries or marks in unusual places
- Weight loss, poor hygiene or a cold, unclean home
- Missing money, unpaid bills or new “friends” taking an interest in finances
- The person seems fearful, withdrawn or anxious around a particular person
- Someone always answers for them or will not let staff see them alone
- Repeated missed appointments or medication not being taken
- The person tells you something directly, even if they play it down
Our guide to signs of vulnerability in children and adults covers further warning signs.
The duty to report
Section 128 of the 2014 Act places a legal duty on a local authority's relevant partners, such as the police and health boards, to tell the local authority if they have reasonable cause to suspect a person is an adult at risk.
The Wales Safeguarding Procedures set the same expectation for all practitioners working with adults, including those in care homes, domiciliary care, supported living and the voluntary sector. Your organisation's safeguarding policy should follow them.
Once a report is made, the local authority must make enquiries to decide whether the person is an adult at risk and whether any action is needed. In some cases, an authorised officer can apply for an Adult Protection and Support Order to speak to the person in private, away from someone who may be preventing access.
You do not need to be certain, and you do not need evidence. “Reasonable cause to suspect” is the test.
What to do if you are worried about someone
1. Act on immediate danger
If the person is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, call 999 first.
2. Listen and reassure
If the person tells you something, listen calmly and take it seriously. Use their words and avoid leading questions. Do not promise to keep it secret.
3. Do not investigate
Do not confront the alleged abuser or start asking others questions. This can put the person at greater risk and affect any police investigation.
4. Tell your safeguarding lead straight away
Share your concern with your designated safeguarding person or manager the same day. If they are not available, or you think the concern is not being taken seriously, report it to the local authority yourself.
5. Report to the local authority
Reports go to the adult safeguarding team in the local authority where the person is. Most regional safeguarding boards have a standard reporting form.
6. Record what happened
Write down what you saw and heard, what the person said in their own words, the date and time, and who you told. Sign and date the record.
Regulated care services may also need to notify Care Inspectorate Wales of safeguarding concerns. Check your service's notification procedure.
Keeping the person at the centre
Safeguarding in Wales is built around the voice and control of the person. Wherever possible, talk to them about what you have noticed, what they want to happen and what will happen next.
Adults are assumed to have capacity to make their own decisions unless it is shown otherwise under the Mental Capacity Act 2005. A person with capacity may choose not to take action. However, you may still need to report where others could be at risk, a crime may have been committed, someone in a position of trust is involved, or the person may lack capacity about the decision.
Explain honestly why you need to share information. This helps keep trust even when the person would rather you did not.
Example: a domiciliary care visit
The situation: A care worker notices that an older man she supports has little food in the house for the third week running. He mentions that his nephew “looks after” his bank card now, and he seems anxious when she asks about it.
A useful response: “Thank you for telling me. I'm worried you might not have enough money for food, and I need to let my manager know so we can make sure you're OK.”
She does not contact the nephew. She records what she saw and what the man said, tells her manager before the end of her shift and the manager reports the concern to the local authority. The care worker continues her visits and notes any changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the person's consent to report?
You should seek it where it is safe to do so, but you can report without consent where others are at risk, a crime may have been committed or the person may lack capacity. Your safeguarding lead can help you decide.
What if I am not sure it is abuse?
Talk to your safeguarding lead. The test is reasonable cause to suspect, not proof. It is better to share a concern that turns out to be nothing than to miss one that matters.
Who investigates?
The local authority makes enquiries and decides what action is needed, working with the police and other agencies where appropriate. Staff should not carry out their own investigation.
What safeguarding training do staff need?
That depends on their role. Our guide to safeguarding training groups A to F in Wales explains which level applies.
Help your team act with confidence
Staff who understand what abuse and neglect look like, and know exactly what to do next, protect people sooner. Clear procedures also give staff the confidence to raise concerns without fear of getting it wrong.
SLC Training delivers Safeguarding Adults training for adult care and support services across South Wales. Contact SLC Training to discuss training for your service.