We are providers and have been invited to a safeguarding meeting in two weeks time. We have not been told who has made an accusation against us or what the nature of that is.
We feel we have a right to go to the meeting with full knowledge so that we can ensure we have adequate information with us.
What are our rights?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Hello,

Thank you for your question.

I am very disappointed to hear that you have been invited to a safeguarding meeting and that you haven’t been informed of why the meeting has been called.

All responsible providers will want any safeguarding concerns to be dealt with as quickly as possible.

The Department of Health issued Statutory Guidance to support implementation of part 1 of the Care Act 2014 (which came into effect in April 2015) to local authorities in October 2014. This guidance can  be accessed via the link below.

The part about safeguarding is from page 191 to 224 of the guidance. I think you will find it helpful.

Providers are recognised in the Statutory Guidance as partners.

I would expect a local council to be open about the complaint and I believe that is what the Statutory Guidance expects too.

If you have asked the Council in writing to tell you what the meeting is about and they have refused to tell you then I would advise you to speak to a solicitor.

If you are a member of a trade association you may be able to speak to their legal helpline.

You are of course correct, you have rights too.

Best wishes.

Sheila

Department of Health, ‘Care and Support Statutory Guidance’ – https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/315993/Care-Act-Guidance.pdf