People in Positions of Trust

The Care Act statutory guidance requires Safeguarding Adults Boards to establish and agree a framework and process to respond to allegations against anyone who works (either paid or unpaid) with adults with care and support needs. A ‘Person in Position of Trust’ (PiPoT) is an employee, volunteer or student (paid or unpaid) who works with individuals with care and support needs.

How and when to make a referral

Partner organisations should complete a referral if they are made aware of information that may affect the suitability of a professional, volunteer or student to work with adults with care and support needs.

A referral should be made if a person in a position of trust is alleged to have:

• behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed an adult or child
• possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, an adult or child
• behaved towards an adult or child in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to adults with care and support needs