HCPC Safeguarding 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'Safeguarding Adults Review' (SAR)?
- A statutory review conducted when an adult at risk has died or been seriously harmed and abuse or neglect is suspected or known to be a factor (Correct answer)
- An annual audit of safeguarding referrals
- A review of a patient's social care needs
- A police investigation into care home standards
Correct answer: A statutory review conducted when an adult at risk has died or been seriously harmed and abuse or neglect is suspected or known to be a factor
SARs (under the Care Act 2014) are conducted by Safeguarding Adults Boards when a person with care and support needs dies or is seriously harmed and there are lessons to be learned about inter-agency safeguarding practice.
Question 2: What is 'coercive control' in the context of domestic abuse?
- A pattern of behaviour that strips an individual of their liberty and independence, using intimidation, isolation, and control rather than solely physical violence (Correct answer)
- Only physical violence within a relationship
- Financial exploitation in a care setting
- A safeguarding term for self-neglect
Correct answer: A pattern of behaviour that strips an individual of their liberty and independence, using intimidation, isolation, and control rather than solely physical violence
Coercive control was criminalised in England and Wales under the Serious Crime Act 2015. It describes non-physical abuse patterns that restrict freedom and create psychological dependency through control.
Question 3: What is a Section 42 inquiry under the Care Act 2014?
- A statutory duty on local authorities to inquire into the circumstances of an adult at risk of abuse or neglect (Correct answer)
- A police arrest power
- A court order for protective custody
- A hospital admission procedure for vulnerable adults
Correct answer: A statutory duty on local authorities to inquire into the circumstances of an adult at risk of abuse or neglect
Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities to make enquiries (or cause enquiries to be made) when they believe an adult in their area may be at risk of abuse or neglect.
Question 4: How should a healthcare professional respond if a patient discloses that they are experiencing modern slavery?
- Follow the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) — refer the patient as a potential victim of modern slavery; contact police and specialist support services (Correct answer)
- Treat it as confidential and take no further action
- Ask the patient to attend a police station themselves
- Only refer if physical injuries are present
Correct answer: Follow the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) — refer the patient as a potential victim of modern slavery; contact police and specialist support services
The National Referral Mechanism is the UK's framework for identifying, supporting, and referring victims of modern slavery. Healthcare professionals are 'first responders' and can make referrals directly.
Question 5: What is a 'Child Protection Plan' (CPP)?
- A plan put in place when a child is considered to be at risk of significant harm, outlining actions to protect the child and support the family (Correct answer)
- A general care plan for children with complex health needs
- A school's safeguarding policy
- An NHS referral pathway for children
Correct answer: A plan put in place when a child is considered to be at risk of significant harm, outlining actions to protect the child and support the family
A CPP is formulated following a child protection conference when a child is assessed as being at risk of significant harm. It identifies the risk, the responsible agencies, and specific actions to protect the child.
Question 6: Under HCPC standards, which safeguarding training level is expected of registered allied health professionals?
- Level 3 safeguarding training (equivalent to identifying and managing safeguarding risks, making referrals, contributing to child protection processes) (Correct answer)
- Level 1 only (awareness training)
- No specific level is required
- Only training mandated by employer
Correct answer: Level 3 safeguarding training (equivalent to identifying and managing safeguarding risks, making referrals, contributing to child protection processes)
HCPC-regulated AHPs are generally expected to achieve Level 3 safeguarding competence (as per Intercollegiate frameworks), enabling them to recognise, assess, and act on safeguarding concerns, including making referrals.
HCPC Safeguarding 2
What is a 'Safeguarding Adults Review' (SAR)?