Protecting the vulnerable: reporting safeguarding concerns to the Office of the Public Guardian.
The OPG has updated its useful guidance (originally published on 29 April 2019) for those dealing with vulnerable people who have a registered Lasting Power of Attorney or a court appointed deputy.
The guidance compliments other related policies including the OPG’s Safeguarding strategy for 2019 to 2025 and the Government’s adult safeguarding strategy – you can read these here.
The guidance outlines the OPG’s duty to safeguard people at risk of abuse or neglect and it sets out its duty to investigate concerns reported about:
- deputies appointed by the Court of Protection
- attorneys appointed under an LPA
- attorneys registered under an Enduring Power of Attorney (i.e. those registered before the Mental Capacity Act came into force)
The guidance also includes information on how to report a concern – you can contact the OPG using this link. It is of note that the more information you provide the more this will assist the OPG in its investigation, details such as a full name, date of birth and evidence to support the concern. The OPG also sets out how it will investigate, including asking a Court of Protection visitor to assess the donor’s capacity and assess the concerns raised. The guidance is also clear that onward referrals to other agencies are possible.
It is envisaged that investigations would be concluded within 14 weeks and result in an application to the CoP.