Waverley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding our community so it is a safe place for all to live in. A safeguarding culture has been embedded with the aim to prevent abuse and neglect wherever possible, whilst promoting an approach that focuses on improving life for all concerned. The council's staff must report all incidents or concerns they have relating to the wellbeing of an individual.
Anyone can refer a safeguarding concern. If you are worried that someone is at risk of abuse, neglect or harm please report it.
Report a concern
Concerns for an adult
If you suspect any form of abuse or neglect for an Adult, please report it online to Surrey County Council.
Or call 0300 470 9100 or email ascmash@surreycc.gov.uk (available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday).
Concerns for a child
If you’re worried that a child or young person is at risk or is being abused, please contact your local children services team, link below.
Report child abuse - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Or Call 0300 470 9100 Or email cspa@surreycc.gov.uk (available 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday).
Safeguarding and crime
If you feel that there is some form of crime/criminality involved then you need to report this to the Police, either by calling 101 or via the online chat function on the Surrey Police website.
In an emergency call 999
Concerns about domestic abuse
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse in Waverley, the Southwest Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDA) is here to help. They provide free, confidential, and independent advice, as well as practical assistance, emotional support, and information tailored to your needs.
Services offered:
• One-to-One Support
• Peer and Group Support
• Specialist Assistance for Children and Young People
• Specific Advice for LGBTQ+ Individuals
Contact details for SWSDA:
• Phone: 01483 898884
• Email: swr@swsda.org.uk
• Availability: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Support outside office hours
For assistance beyond SWSDA’s operating hours, please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on
• Phone: 0800 2000 247
• Free 24-hour helpline
Immediate help
• In an emergency, always dial 999.
Domestic violence against women and children, help and support can be found from Refuge.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk)
The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247.
Private housing CCTV safeguarding enquiries
Any queries relating to Private CCTV overlooking your property, you will need to contact the Information Commissioners Officer (ICO), this is the governing body for domestic CCTV, please visit ICO CCTV systems. A local council will only get involved if the CCTV is on council owned buildings or on houses owned by the council.
Asylum safeguarding help
If you are in the United Kingdom and claiming Asylum, help can be found from Migrant Help.
Migrant Help (migranthelpuk.org)
Asylum Services Free asylum helpline (open 24/7/365): 0808 8010 503
Concerns about a Waverley tenant
Contact Waverley's Safeguarding Lead officer by email safeguarding@waverley.gov.uk
Additional information
Visit Surrey County Council's website for additional information on how to report a concern and what happens after this.
Visit the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board website, including their webpage on information for residents.
Visit the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership's website.
Read Waverley's Safeguarding Policy for Children and Adults at Risk on our website.
Accountability
The Leader and Chief Executive are responsible for discharging the council's safeguarding responsibilities under the Care Act 2014, The Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.
The Nominated Assistant Director (Assistant Director of Community Services) and Portfolio Holder (Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Safety) are responsible for co-ordinating, delivering and monitoring the council's safeguarding responsibilities.
Training
All staff receive training to ensure that the activities that they are involved in during the course of their work are carried out in accordance with Waverley's policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and child protection.
These policies and procedures are designed to ensure that all our services are safe, and that staff know how to recognise safeguarding concerns and how to report them.
Recruitment
Staff are appointed in line with the council's recruitment and selection policies. There are procedures to ensure that all necessary checks are carried out on individuals expected to work with children or vulnerable adults.