3. Capacity, sharing information and referral

Capacity first

Assume the adult has capacity for this decision. Support them to decide (quiet room, simple language, extra time). An unwise decision is not lack of capacity. If they lack capacity to decide about sharing or about treatment, a best-interests process applies — as in the Legal and Ethical series — and safeguarding still matters.

When you can share without consent

Seek consent to share where it is safe. You may still share without consent if the person lacks capacity and sharing is in their best interests, or if there is a vital public-interest or legal duty (for example others are at risk, a serious crime, or a child is also involved). Share the minimum necessary, to the right people, and record your reasoning.

The local route

Use your designated safeguarding lead and the local authority adult safeguarding / MASH-equivalent contact. If the adult is in immediate danger, call the police. If a health or care provider is implicated, CQC (or your nation’s regulator) may also need to know — usually via the lead, not via a public post.

Professional curiosity

Ask yourself: am I seeing the patient, or only the person who brought them? If something feels wrong, say so to the lead the same day. You do not need a perfect legal label before you pick up the phone.

Series close

Module 1: children and young people. Module 2: adults at risk. Together they are 2 hours of verifiable CPD for a GDC highly recommended topic. Check that your practice has named leads, up-to-date local numbers, and that every clinician knows where the procedure lives.

Always follow current Care Act / adult support guidance in your nation, GDC Standards, and your written safeguarding procedure.