Safeguarding concerns are among the most serious matters a care provider will encounter. When a safeguarding concern is raised within your service, you are expected to investigate it thoroughly, promptly, and independently. But in some circumstances, an internal investigation isn't appropriate or sufficient. A conflict of interest may exist, or the person who would normally lead the investigation may themselves be connected to the concern.

This is particularly common in services where the Registered Manager is the same person as the Nominated Individual. In these situations, there is no senior figure within the organisation who is sufficiently independent to conduct the investigation. Our impartial safeguarding investigation service provides the independent oversight that these situations demand, ensuring the investigation is credible, compliant, and safe.

When You Need This Service

Situations where an independent safeguarding investigation is necessary or advisable.

Registered Manager = Nominated Individual

Where the Registered Manager and Nominated Individual are the same person, there is no independent senior figure within the organisation to investigate safeguarding concerns. An external investigator is essential.

Conflict of Interest

Where the person who would normally investigate has a personal or professional relationship with the person subject to the concern, or where they themselves may be implicated.

Regulator or Commissioner Request

Where CQC, Ofsted, or a local authority safeguarding team has requested an independent investigation as part of their own enquiry or as a condition of ongoing registration.

Complex or Serious Concerns

Where the safeguarding concern is particularly serious or complex and requires a level of investigative experience and objectivity that cannot be assured internally.

What's Included

A complete, independent safeguarding investigation service.

Initial Assessment & Referral

Concern Review: we review the safeguarding concern and supporting information to assess urgency and severity.
Safeguarding Referral: confirmation that the concern has been appropriately referred to the local authority safeguarding team and CQC or Ofsted where required.
Risk Assessment: immediate assessment of ongoing risk to people receiving care, with recommendations for interim measures where needed.
Terms of Reference: agreed terms of reference for the investigation, aligned with local safeguarding procedures and regulatory requirements.

Evidence Gathering

Document Review: thorough review of care plans, risk assessments, incident reports, staff training records, and safeguarding policies.
Interviews: structured interviews with the person who raised the concern, the person(s) subject to the concern, staff, people receiving care (where appropriate and safe), and any other relevant witnesses.
Site Visits: on-site visits to observe the environment, review records, and conduct interviews in person.
Multi-Agency Liaison: coordination with local authority safeguarding teams, CQC, Ofsted, police, and any other agencies involved.

Analysis & Findings

Evidence-Based Findings: clear findings on whether the safeguarding concern is substantiated, partially substantiated, or unsubstantiated, based on the balance of evidence.
Regulatory Assessment: assessment of findings against CQC fundamental standards, Ofsted requirements, and local safeguarding board procedures.
Lessons Learned: identification of systemic issues, policy gaps, or training needs that contributed to the concern.

Investigation Report & Recommendations

Detailed Report: a professionally written safeguarding investigation report suitable for submission to the local authority, CQC, Ofsted, and commissioners.
Recommendations: practical recommendations for immediate actions, medium term improvements, and long term safeguarding improvements.
Action Plan Support: assistance with developing and implementing a safeguarding action plan, including monitoring arrangements and review points.
Presentation: support presenting findings to your management team, governing body, or regulator where required.

Who It's For: Services where the Registered Manager and Nominated Individual are the same person · Providers where a conflict of interest prevents an internal investigation · Services requested by CQC, Ofsted, or a local authority to commission an independent investigation · Providers dealing with serious or complex safeguarding concerns that require external expertise

Pricing

Clear pricing for independent safeguarding investigations. Synergy members save 20%.

Service	What's Included	Price	Member Price	Book
Full Safeguarding Investigation	Complete independent investigation: initial assessment, referral confirmation, terms of reference, evidence gathering, interviews, multi-agency liaison, report, and recommendations.	From £2,200	From £1,760	Enquire
Initial Assessment & Risk Assessment	Urgent review of the safeguarding concern, confirmation of referrals, immediate risk assessment, and recommendations for interim measures.	£550	£440	Book Now
Investigation Support (per day)	Day rate for investigation work: interviews, document review, site visits, multi-agency liaison, and report drafting.	£400/day	£320/day	Enquire
Safeguarding Action Plan	Development of a detailed safeguarding action plan in response to investigation findings, with timelines, responsibilities, and monitoring arrangements.	£400	£320	Book Now
Findings Presentation	Presentation of investigation findings to your management team, governing body, or regulator. Includes preparation of presentation materials.	£350	£280	Book Now

Full investigation prices depend on complexity, the number of parties involved, and the volume of evidence to review. A fixed quote is provided after the initial assessment. We prioritise urgent safeguarding referrals and can begin work within 48 hours where required.

Impartial Investigation of Safeguarding Concerns