Safeguarding: the Personal Assistant's responsibilities
Personal Assistants (PAs) who have contact with vulnerable adults and children have a duty to report any safeguarding concerns, even if this breaks confidentiality with the person they are supporting. PAs have a duty to act promptly if they have any concern or suspicion that a child or adult who is vulnerable is being abused or is at risk of being abused, neglected or exploited.
PAs should –
- Be aware of local safeguarding contact details.
- Call the police and/or an ambulance where appropriate in situations where the abuse of the adult or child indicates an urgent need for medical treatment or where there is an immediate risk of harm.
- Keep a clear factual record of your concerns and any action taken.
What is Abuse?
Abuse and neglect can be a single or repeated act. It may be in the home or a public place. It could come from anyone, such as family, friends, caregivers, other professionals or a stranger. There are many forms of abuse, such as:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Controlling behaviour
- Financial abuse
- Neglect
- Discrimination
- Organisational abuse
- Self-neglect
If emergency help is needed, dial 999.
Royal Borough of Kingston
9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday on 020 8547 5005
Outside these hours and at the weekend, please call 020 8770 5000
8:00 am – 5:15 pm, Monday – Thursday, and Friday between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 0208 547 5008
Outside these hours and weekends, please call 020 8770 5000
London Borough of Richmond
Complete the online form here.
Or call 020 8891 7971, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Adult emergency duty team: 020 8744 2442, 5pm–8am weekdays and 24 hours at weekends and bank holidays.
8 am – 5.15 pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8 am – 5.00 pm on Friday 020 8547 5008
Outside these hours and weekends, please call 020 8770 5000
London Borough of Sutton
9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, 020 8770 6770
Outside working hours and weekends, please call 020 8770 5000
9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, 020 8770 6001
Out of hours and weekends, please call 020 8770 5000
Free Safeguarding Training for PAs
KCIL offers free Safeguarding training for PAs in Kingston, Richmond, Croydon, Sutton and Southwark. To sign up to find out when our next Safeguarding training date is and to find out about our other free PA training courses, visit PA Training with KCIL.
London Borough of Croydon
020 8726 6550
Outside working hours and weekends, please call the number above and ask for the Duty Social Worker
9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, 020 8255 2888
020 8726 6400, option 5; stay on the line for transfer to the emergency service.
Page updated 30/9/26
