Our Commitment to Safeguarding
From Lerryn Udy (Head of Safeguarding) & Daniel Dray (Deputy Head of Safeguarding)
At SWAST, we are deeply committed to protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm. Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated team works in close partnership with local authorities, health and care professionals, and other agencies to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every individual we serve.
Thank you for visiting our page.
What We Do
The SWASFT safeguarding team plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable individuals by responding to concerns raised by staff and partner agencies, sharing information in line with statutory guidance, and supporting professionals with alerts and referrals.
The team actively participates in multi-agency meetings and works closely with all adult and children's safeguarding boards, contributing to serious case reviews and monitoring action plans within the Trust.
SWASFT also engages with Child Death Overview Panels (CDOPs) following unexpected child deaths and maintains strong links with safeguarding leads across other English ambulance services, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and bench marking through quarterly meetings.
Safeguarding Training
The Importance of Safeguarding Training at SWASFT
At South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), safeguarding is a core part of our commitment to patient care. All SWASFT staff receive safeguarding training, tailored to their specific roles and responsibilities. The level of training is determined by the amount of contact they have with children, young people, and vulnerable adults, in line with national safeguarding guidance such as the Intercollegiate Documents and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Why Safeguarding Training Matters
Ambulance crews are often the first professionals on scene in crisis situations. This places them in a unique position to observe signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation that may not be immediately apparent to others. Effective safeguarding training enables them to:
- Recognise early warning signs of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as neglect.
- Respond appropriately and sensitively to disclosures or concerns.
- Record and report safeguarding issues accurately and promptly.
- Work collaboratively with social care, police, healthcare providers, and other safeguarding partners.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
SWASFT staff are trained not only to identify safeguarding concerns but also to engage in multi-agency safeguarding processes.
Ongoing Professional Development
Safeguarding is not a one off training event. SWASFT ensures that staff receive regular updates and refresher training to reflect changes in legislation, emerging risks (such as online exploitation or modern slavery), and best practice in safeguarding.
What To Do If You Suspect and Abuse children
If you are worried that a child or adult is at risk of abuse or neglect, it's important to act quickly.
Please note: The SWASFT Safeguarding Team is not an emergency service and does not accept referrals from the public.
In an Emergency
Call 999 immediately if someone is in immediate danger or a crime is being committed.
If You're Unsure
Contact your local authority's safeguarding team for advice and to report concerns. Every local council has a dedicated team for child and adult safeguarding.
Why It Matters
Don't delay-early reporting can save lives. Even if you're unsure, it's better to speak up and let professionals assess the situation.
For more information and links to local safeguarding teams, please visit your local council's website or the NSPCC for guidance on reporting child abuse.
Adult & Children - Local Authority Safeguarding Contacts – South West England
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Local Authority |
Adults Safeguarding |
Children's Safeguarding |
Safeguarding Website |
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Dorset |
01305 221016 |
01305 228866 |
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Gloucestershire |
01452 426868 |
01452 426565 |
|
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North Somerset |
01275 888 801 |
01275 888 808 |
|
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Plymouth |
01752 668000 (Option 2) |
01752 668000 |
|
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Somerset |
0300 123 2224 |
0300 123 2224 |
|
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South Gloucestershire |
01454 868007 |
01454 866000 |
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Swindon |
01793 463555 |
01793 466903 |
|
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Torbay |
01803 219700 |
01803 208100 |
Torbay Safeguarding Adults Board |
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Wiltshire |
0300 456 0111 |
0300 456 0108 |
Wiltshire Safeguarding |
Safeguarding - Useful Links and Support Services
If you or someone you know is at risk of abuse, neglect, or harm, the following organisations can offer help, advice, and support. These services are available across the South West and nationally.
Emergency Support
In an emergency, always call 999.
For non-emergency police support, call 101.
Local and Regional Support (South West England)
FearFree
Supporting people of all ages and backgrounds across the South West who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, or stalking.
www.fearfree.org.uk
First Light
Offers support for people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence in Devon, Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Swindon, and Wiltshire.
www.firstlight.org.uk
National Support Services
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Galop
Support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing abuse or violence, including hate crime, domestic abuse, and sexual violence.
0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk
NSPCC
Support and advice for anyone concerned about a child's safety.
0808 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk
Childline
Free, confidential support for children and young people.
0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk
Veterans' Gateway
Support for veterans and their families, including mental health and safeguarding concerns.
0808 802 1212
www.veteransgateway.org.uk
SSAFA - The Armed Forces Charity
Practical, emotional, and financial support for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
www.ssafa.org.uk
For Safeguarding Professionals
If you're a social worker, police officer, or healthcare professional:
Police Officers - Link to Police Portal | SWAST Website
Other professionals/Services
Contact our Safeguarding Team:
swast.safeguarding@nhs.net
Available during normal working hours
Information Sharing Requests:
swast.information.governance@nhs.net