People in Positions of Trust (PiPoT)

Under the provisions of the Care Act 2014 Care and Support Statutory Guidance (Statutory Guidance) Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board is required to have a Framework for how allegations involving People in Positions of Trust (PiPoT) who work or volunteer with ‘adults at risk’ should be notified and responded to.

Whilst the focus of statutory safeguarding adults work is linked to adults at risk, there are also occasions when incidents are reported that do not directly involve an adult at risk, but indicate, nevertheless, that a risk may be posed to one (or more) by a person in a position of trust.

Scope

Examples of such concerns could include allegations that relate to a person who works with adults at risk who has:

Behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed an adult or a child. Example: A son is accused of abusing his elderly mother who also works as a domiciliary care worker with adults at risk.

Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, an adult or a child. Example: where a woman is convicted of grievous bodily harm and works in a residential home for people living with learning disabilities.

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. Example: A woman who works in one authority with women who suffer domestic abuse, and lives in another authority, but is subject to child protection procedures involving her own children due to domestic abuse.

This framework is not a substitute for, but may be used in conjunction with other formal processes for example Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) or Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) etc.

What is not included: The following are excluded from this Framework:

If an allegation is made that is directly linked to the actions of a professional or volunteer in relation to alleged abuse or neglect of an adult at risk, and this amounts to an Adult Safeguarding Concern. This should be dealt with by following the Lewisham Adult Safeguarding Pathway. The PiPoT framework should never replace the safeguarding adults’ process but can run concurrently with it. The outcome of a safeguarding referral may result in some of the same actions outlined in this Framework; but it would be for the police (if a crime is reported) to take appropriate steps linked to regulated professions to notify the relevant bodies, and or, for the local authority led Safeguarding Enquiry to determine these.

Harmful behaviour and making referrals to DBS

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Briefing

Responsibilities When There are Potential Risks to Children

When a person’s conduct towards an adult may impact on their suitability to work with, or continue to also work with children, this must be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where that person works. Where concerns have been identified about their practice and they are a parent / carer for children, then consideration should be given to whether a referral to children’s safeguarding is required.

There will be occasions when the allegation spans across both Adult’s (PiPoT) and Children’s (LADO) processes. In such circumstances, it should be agreed which process will take the lead, with a commitment to appropriate and proportionate information sharing. There is an option to escalate this decision to the LADO / Lead Officer, if required.

See here for more information: Lewisham Safeguarding Children Partnership - Allegations Against Professionals (Local Authority Designated Officer) 

Concerned About a Person in a Position of Trust?

A Person in a Position of Trust (PiPoT) is someone who works or volunteers with adults who have care and support needs.

If you have concerns about the conduct, behaviour or suitability of an employee, volunteer or professional, use the information below to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Ask Yourself:

• Does the concern indicate that an adult with care and support needs may be at risk of harm?
• Does the concern relate to behaviour inside or outside of work?
• Does the person's behaviour suggest they may pose a risk to adults with care and support needs?
• Does the concern involve children or young people?

What Should I Do Next?

PiPoT or Safeguarding Concern?

Understanding the Difference

Remember

The PiPoT Framework should never replace Adult Safeguarding Procedures. In some cases, both processes will run alongside one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Person in a Position of Trust?

A person who works or volunteers with adults who have care and support needs and who is expected to uphold professional standards and responsibilities.

Does PiPoT only apply to behaviour at work?

No. Concerns may arise from conduct outside of the workplace if that behaviour indicates a potential risk to adults with care and support needs.

Can PiPoT concerns involve children?

Yes. Concerns about someone's behaviour towards children may indicate wider safeguarding risks. In these circumstances, consideration should be given to contacting the LADO.

Who can raise a PiPoT concern?

Employers, professionals, volunteers, safeguarding practitioners, regulatory bodies, family members or members of the public may all identify concerns requiring consideration under the PiPoT Framework.

Can safeguarding and PiPoT processes run at the same time?

Yes. The PiPoT process can run alongside safeguarding enquiries, criminal investigations, disciplinary procedures and other risk management processes.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Behaviour Outside Work

The Situation

A domiciliary care worker is accused of physically abusing an elderly relative who has care and support needs.

Why This Matters

Although the alleged behaviour occurred outside work, it raises concerns about the individual's suitability to work with adults at risk.

Learning Point

Behaviour in a person's private life may still indicate a safeguarding risk and should be considered under the PiPoT Framework.

Case Study 2: Criminal Conviction

The Situation

A support worker is convicted of a violent offence unrelated to their employment.

Why This Matters

The offence may indicate increased risk and requires consideration of how this impacts the person's role and responsibilities.

Learning Point

Employers should assess whether the behaviour affects the individual's suitability to continue working with adults who have care and support needs.

Case Study 3: Concerns Involving Children

The Situation

A professional working with adults at risk becomes subject to child protection procedures concerning their own children.

Why This Matters

The concerns may indicate broader safeguarding risks.

Learning Point

Information sharing between adults' and children's safeguarding processes is essential.

PiPoT Decision Tree

Use this decision tree to help you work through the Framework guidance.

Download the Decision Tree

Key Practice Messages

1. PiPoT is about risk

The focus is not punishment but understanding and managing potential risk.

2. Concerns may arise outside work

Personal conduct may be relevant when assessing suitability to work with adults at risk.

3. Safeguarding always comes first

Where an adult is at risk of abuse or neglect, safeguarding procedures must be followed.

4. Information sharing is essential

Effective safeguarding relies on timely and proportionate information sharing.

5. Professional curiosity matters

Do not dismiss concerns simply because they occur outside the workplace.