Section 9: Safeguarding children and adults at risk

Safeguarding means protecting children and adults at risk (sometimes called vulnerable adults) from harm and abuse. Licensed taxi and private hire (PHV) drivers are in a special position to help, because their vehicles are sometimes used by people who exploit children and vulnerable adults. This note covers who counts as a child or an adult at risk, the warning signs of abuse and exploitation, unaccompanied children, and how to report a concern. It brings together Section 9 of the PHV Driver's Handbook and Section 4 of the Taxi Driver Handbook, so it prepares you for both SERU assessments.

What safeguarding means and why it is your job

Keeping children and adults at risk safe from harm and abuse is everybody's responsibility. It is not just the job of social workers or the police. As a driver, you may carry passengers who are being trafficked, exploited or abused, or who need help in some other way. You might notice things that do not seem quite right, and you could be in a position to report something to the police that helps protect a person at risk.