Writing Safeguarding Referrals

Core Skills Training   •   Duration: 0.5 day
Suitable for: Lead Officers & Managers

Poor referrals put people at risk. A well-written safeguarding referral can be the difference between a timely, effective response from statutory services and a missed opportunity to protect a vulnerable person. This practical, skills-focused half day is designed for managers and safeguarding leads who are responsible for writing or overseeing referrals to the Local Authority and aims to build confidence, accuracy and effectiveness. 

What You’ll Learn

  • Critically analyse referral examples, distinguishing strong practice from common weaknesses 

  • Write a clear, factual, and evidence-based safeguarding referral that meets statutory expectations 

  • Navigate the referral requirements of different Local Authorities with confidence 

  • Describe best practice for working with external agencies, including how and when to challenge, how to follow up effectively, and when to escalate to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or Safeguarding Adults Board 

Course Content

  • Reviewing real-world referral scenarios and identifying what works, and what doesn't 

  • Practising writing safeguarding referrals and report forms 

  • Understanding common errors at management level and how to address them 

  • Building effective working relationships with statutory agencies  


What to expect:

Facilitated discussion, case studies, practical writing exercise, reflection.