The PERSON approach

Safeguarding and quality concerns in North Yorkshire – routes available to providers and professionals

Safeguarding in North Yorkshire includes a range of approaches to help people stay safe, support quality, and address concerns at the right level.

Not all issues need a formal safeguarding concern, but all concerns should be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

The PERSON approach

The PERSON approach supports early conversations, learning, and continuous improvement in residential care settings.

It can be used by visiting professionals where:

• quality‑related issues are identified that are not, at that point, a formal safeguarding concern
• there is an opportunity to address issues through professional discussion and reflection
• good practice is observed and should be recognised and shared

Professionals are expected to discuss concerns first with the registered manager or responsible person and use PERSON as a prompt to support improvement.

The PERSON approach does not replace safeguarding procedures. Where concerns indicate abuse or neglect, formal safeguarding processes must be followed.

The PERSON form is hosted by North Yorkshire Council on the reporting adult abuse (safeguarding) webpage.

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Risk Notification Returns (RNRs)

Providers delivering contracted services are required to notify North Yorkshire Council of reportable incidents or risks that may affect quality, safety, or service continuity.

This is done by completing a Risk Notification Return (RNR) without delay and submitting it to the council’s Quality and Service Continuity Team.

The RNR process supports:

• early awareness of emerging risks
• proportionate responses and support
• wider system assurance and oversight

You can obtain a Risk Notification Return form via the North Yorkshire Partnerships website and return completed forms to:
HASQuality@northyorks.gov.uk

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Formal safeguarding concerns

Where there is reason to believe an adult is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, formal safeguarding procedures must be followed in line with local safeguarding adults guidance.

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How these routes fit together

These approaches are complementary and form part of a wider safeguarding and quality system in North Yorkshire. Choosing the right route helps ensure concerns are responded to promptly, proportionately, and effectively, while supporting learning, improvement, and prevention.