Get it Sorted – Protected – Proved – Completed

Safeguarding is essential to protect vulnerable adults. But safeguarding processes can sometimes lead to false or mistaken allegations against attorneys acting under a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) or deputies. Those allegations can trigger investigations by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and the local authority, and even when the concerns prove unfounded, the fallout within families can be lasting and damaging.

We help you respond calmly and decisively—so the situation is handled properly, with evidence, and with the right protective steps in place.

This service is for you if

  • You are an attorney or deputy facing allegations of abuse, exploitation, or misconduct.
  • You are a family member raising genuine concerns and need the safest route to protect a vulnerable person.
  • You are caught in a family dispute and need clarity on what evidence matters and what happens next.

What you get

Deliverables (tangible outputs):

  • A written Action Plan: what to do now, what not to do, and how to protect the person and yourself
  • An evidence checklist and pack structure (finance, care, decisions, communications)
  • A chronology + issues list (the backbone of any investigation response)
  • A response bundle for the OPG/local authority, with supporting documents organised and indexed
  • A case tracker with deadlines, contacts, and “next step” milestones

How investigations work

Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)

An OPG investigation examines whether there are grounds to remove an attorney or deputy or impose restrictions. Depending on the outcome, the Public Guardian may decide to pursue the matter in the Court of Protection, where the court can determine:

  • whether misconduct has occurred, and
  • whether the attorney/deputy should be removed or replaced.

Local authority safeguarding

A local authority safeguarding process looks at whether the vulnerable person is at risk of harm and what protective measures are needed. It is focused on risk, safety, and immediate welfare.

Signs of abuse (what professionals look for)

There is no single checklist that proves abuse. Signs vary by person and circumstance. Any concerns should be taken seriously and acted upon promptly, with professional advice where needed.

Financial abuse (examples)

  • Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
  • Missing funds or sudden changes to spending patterns
  • Theft, fraud, undue pressure, misuse of property or benefits
  • Dishonest gain of money, possessions, or assets

Physical abuse (examples)

  • Unexplained bruising or injuries
  • Fearfulness around certain people or reluctance to go home
  • Slapping, pushing, kicking, violence
  • Misuse of medication (e.g., sedating someone)
  • Inappropriate “punishments” (e.g., withholding food)

Sexual abuse (examples)

  • Withdrawal from contact or sudden over-friendliness seeking approval
  • Pain or difficulty sitting/moving
  • Sexual assault, rape, or sexual acts without consent
    (including where the person cannot give consent or has been pressured)

Emotional/psychological abuse (examples)

  • Sudden anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or isolation
  • Intimidation, threats, restraint, threats of abandonment
  • Controlling contact with others
  • Threats to restrict liberty

Neglect (examples)

  • Deteriorating hygiene or living conditions
  • Lack of medical care, missed appointments, untreated needs
  • Withholding medication, food, or heating
  • Failure to access healthcare or social care support

How it works (your timeline)

Urgency & safeguarding check
Immediate risk? Immediate protective steps? Who needs to be informed?

Evidence capture
Bank records, care notes, decision-making records, receipts, communications, capacity/best-interests documents.

Chronology & issues
We build a clear timeline of events and identify what the allegation actually is.

Strategy & response plan
What to disclose, how to respond, and how to avoid inadvertently worsening the situation.

Formal responses
Structured response to OPG/local authority, with organised evidence and clear explanations.

Escalation management
If the matter moves towards Court of Protection proceedings, we prepare the evidence and case presentation.

Completion & repair
Outcome recorded, future safeguards recommended, and (where possible) family arrangements stabilised.

Contact us Now on 0207 060 1210