Safeguarding
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk who live in our community. Our safeguarding responsibility belongs to everyone who works for, or represents, our council. We always aim to prevent abuse and neglect where possible.
The council recognises the key role it plays within the borough, working alongside other agencies, to ensure the wellbeing of children and young people. We will actively encourage and support local public services and partner agencies to do the same.
The council's staff and other individuals/organisations delivering services on behalf of the council will report all incidents or concerns they have relating to the wellbeing of an individual.
Members of the public may have concerns that children or adults they know may be at risk of suffering abuse or neglect. As a concerned member of the public, you can report your concerns in the strictest of confidence:
If your concern is about a child under 18
Contact Hertfordshire County Council Children's Social Care Team on 0300 123 4043 (including out of hours).
If the child is in danger and needs immediate protection you should call the Police on 999.
If your concern is about an adult at risk
Contact Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services Team on 0300 123 4042.
If the adult at risk is in danger and needs immediate protection you should call the Police on 999.
An adult at risk is a person of 18 years or more who may be in need of community care services, because of mental, physical or learning disability, age or illness, and who is, or may be unable to take care of himself or herself, against significant harm or exploitation.
If you wish to log a safeguarding concern using a council service, you can contact the lead Safeguarding Officer, Kerry Clare on 01707 357 659 or email safeguarding@welhat.gov.uk
For further information:
Safeguarding Adult Policy January 2018 [429KB]
Safeguarding Children Policy January 2018 [506KB]
Guide to Identifying Signs of Abuse [108KB]
Hertfordshire County Council Adult Services
Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adult Board
Hertfordshire County Council Children Services
Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board
