Safeguarding and CSE awareness: questions and answers

1. A girl of about 14 gets in your taxi with two men in their thirties. They are not her family. She looks scared and does not speak. What should you think?

1. This could be exploitation, so stay alert and report it (correct answer)
2. She is just shy and quiet, so there is nothing to worry about
3. The men are paying, so it is not your business
4. She is with adults, so she must be safe

Answer: A. This could be exploitation, so stay alert and report it. A young person with older adults who are not family, who seems frightened, is a known warning sign of CSE. Note the details and report your concern. Avon and Somerset Police, This is not an excuse: Know the signs; DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.2

2. What is child sexual exploitation (CSE)?

1. Any argument between a child and their parents at home
2. Sexual abuse where someone uses power over a child (correct answer)
3. A child working a part-time job after school
4. A child travelling alone on a bus or train

Answer: B. Sexual abuse where someone uses power over a child. CSE is a form of child sexual abuse. A person or group uses an imbalance of power to trick, pressure or force a child into sexual activity. Avon and Somerset Police, This is not an excuse: Know the signs

3. For CSE, up to what age is a person a child?

1. Under 14
2. Under 16
3. Under 18 (correct answer)
4. Under 21

Answer: C. Under 18. CSE can happen to any child or young person under the age of 18. Avon and Somerset Police, This is not an excuse: Know the signs

4. Who can be a victim of child sexual exploitation?

1. Only girls from poor families who live in cities
2. Only children who live in care homes
3. Only children who have no friends
4. Any child, boy or girl, from any background (correct answer)

Answer: D. Any child, boy or girl, from any background. CSE can happen to any child under 18. Sefton's handbook says children of any class, race, religion or culture are vulnerable, and both boys and girls are at risk. Sefton Handbook, Child Sexual Exploitation; West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers; DfT Standards, 6.3

5. A girl of about 15 talks about her "boyfriend". He is much older and buys her expensive presents. Why might this worry you?

1. Teenagers always lie about how old their friends are
2. Older partners and costly gifts are common signs of grooming (correct answer)
3. Expensive presents show that her family is rich
4. It is normal for her age and there is no reason to think about it

Answer: B. Older partners and costly gifts are common signs of grooming. Abusers often pretend to be a boyfriend or girlfriend. Relationships with older people and new, costly items the child cannot afford are signs of CSE. Avon and Somerset Police, This is not an excuse: Know the signs

6. Most weeks, you drive the same teenage girl from a children's home to a hotel late at night. Different adult men meet her there. What should you do?

1. Report your concern to the police (correct answer)
2. Ask the men at the hotel who they are
3. Stop taking her but tell nobody why
4. Keep taking her, as the journeys are paid for

Answer: A. Report your concern to the police. Taking young people to or from hotels and B&Bs, and regular customers taking young people with them, are listed CSE warning signs. Report it to the police; do not question the men yourself. West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Signs to look out for; Redcar and Cleveland child exploitation guidance

7. A young passenger has two phones. They get many calls from people who are not their usual friends. What could this be?

1. A sign that they are popular at school
2. Normal for every teenager today
3. A possible sign of exploitation (correct answer)
4. A sign that they have a part-time job

Answer: C. A possible sign of exploitation. Calls and messages from outside a child's normal circle of friends, and phones they cannot afford, are listed signs of exploitation. Avon and Somerset Police, This is not an excuse: Know the signs

8. Two men ask you to take them and a very drunk girl of about 13 to a private house. What is the right thing to do?

1. Drive them, because the adults are in charge
2. Take them, then report it at the end of your shift
3. Ask the men to show you proof of her age
4. Call 999, as she may be in immediate danger (correct answer)

Answer: D. Call 999, as she may be in immediate danger. A drunk child with adults going to a private house may be at immediate risk. When the risk is immediate, contact the police on 999. Wolverhampton Licensing Policy, private hire driver condition 42; Sefton Handbook, Safeguarding Children

9. Is child sexual exploitation ever the child's fault?

1. No, it is never the child's fault (correct answer)
2. Yes, if the child agreed to go
3. Yes, if the child accepted gifts
4. Yes, if the child was drinking alcohol

Answer: A. No, it is never the child's fault. Exploitation is never the victim's fault. Children are groomed and may not see themselves as victims. Avon and Somerset Police, This is not an excuse: Know the signs

10. Which of these is a warning sign of CSE?

1. A child who travels to school with a parent
2. A child who pays the fare with coins
3. A child who asks how long the journey will take
4. A child who often goes missing from home (correct answer)

Answer: D. A child who often goes missing from home. Going missing from home and not saying where they have been is a listed sign that a child may be at risk of exploitation. Avon and Somerset Police, This is not an excuse: Know the signs

11. You think a child in your vehicle is in danger right now. Who should you call?

1. The police on 101
2. Your operator's office
3. The police on 999 (correct answer)
4. The council licensing office

Answer: C. The police on 999. If the risk is immediate, call the police on 999 straight away. Council guidance says this, for example Sefton's handbook and Wolverhampton's licence conditions. Wolverhampton Licensing Policy, private hire driver condition 42; Sefton Handbook, Safeguarding Children; DfT Standards, 6.3

12. You are worried about a young passenger, but there is no immediate danger. Which number can you call?

1. 999
2. 101 (correct answer)
3. 116 123
4. 111

Answer: B. 101. Call the police on 101 for concerns that are not an emergency. Use 999 only if someone is in immediate danger. National Crime Agency, County Lines

13. What is the phone number for Crimestoppers?

1. 0800 789 321
2. 08000 121 700
3. 0800 555 111 (correct answer)
4. 116 123

Answer: C. 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity. You can give information on 0800 555 111 without giving your name. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.3

14. You saw something worrying about a child. What is the right way to deal with it?

1. Follow the adults to find out more
2. Tell the adults what you think of them
3. Ask the child lots of questions
4. Write down what you saw and report it (correct answer)

Answer: D. Write down what you saw and report it. Your job is to record and report. Investigating is the role of the police and social workers, so do not investigate or confront anyone yourself. DfE, What to do if you're worried a child is being abused, paras 25 and 26; West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Actions to take

15. After a worrying journey, what should you write down?

1. Times, places, people and what happened (correct answer)
2. Only the fare and the way they paid for it
3. Only your opinion of the people
4. Nothing, in case you are wrong

Answer: A. Times, places, people and what happened. Guidance asks for clear facts: names, places and addresses, dates and times, descriptions of people and vehicles, and what was said or done. West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Information to share; Sefton Handbook, Child Sexual Exploitation

16. As well as the police, who else should you tell about a safeguarding concern?

1. Other drivers, through a group chat on your phone
2. Your council's licensing or safeguarding team (correct answer)
3. Your friends and family
4. The child's school by social media

Answer: B. Your council's licensing or safeguarding team. The DfT standards say to use the local safeguarding process. The first step is usually to contact the safeguarding lead at the council. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.3

17. Why should you report a concern rather than investigate it yourself?

1. Drivers have no duty to care about passengers
2. Police and social workers do the investigating (correct answer)
3. It would take too much of your working time
4. Only the operator is allowed to report a concern

Answer: B. Police and social workers do the investigating. Government safeguarding advice says it is the role of social workers and the police to investigate. Your part is to note what you saw and report it. DfE, What to do if you're worried a child is being abused, para 25

18. True or false: you must be sure that abuse is happening before you report a concern.

1. True
2. False (correct answer)

Answer: B. False. False. You do not need proof. Guidance says to report if you suspect a child is at risk, or if something gives you a real sense of unease. The police and social workers decide what happens next. DfE, What to do if you're worried a child is being abused, para 2; Sefton Handbook, Safeguarding Children; Redcar and Cleveland child exploitation guidance

19. A young person tells you an adult is hurting them. What should you do?

1. Promise them you will keep everything they say a secret
2. Ask them to prove what they are saying
3. Tell them they must be mistaken
4. Listen calmly and do not promise to keep it secret (correct answer)

Answer: D. Listen calmly and do not promise to keep it secret. Listen and take it seriously. Government advice says not to promise you won't tell anyone, because you may need to tell others to protect the child. DfE, What to do if you're worried a child is being abused, para 29

20. Who should you report a concern to if you want to stay anonymous?

1. Crimestoppers (correct answer)
2. The person you are worried about
3. Your licensing officer by name
4. A local newspaper

Answer: A. Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers lets you give information without giving your name, on 0800 555 111. National Crime Agency, County Lines

21. What is "county lines"?

1. Bus routes that cross from one county into another
2. Taxi licences that are valid in more than one county
3. Gangs using children to move drugs between areas (correct answer)
4. A council map of the main roads in a county

Answer: C. Gangs using children to move drugs between areas. County lines is when gangs move illegal drugs from one area to another, often using children or vulnerable people they have pressured into it. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.3

22. In county lines, what is the "line"?

1. The road the gang uses to move the drugs
2. The border between two police areas
3. A queue of people waiting to buy drugs
4. A phone line used to take drug orders (correct answer)

Answer: D. A phone line used to take drug orders. The "county line" is the dedicated mobile phone line used to take drug orders. National Crime Agency, County Lines

23. A boy of about 15 with no local accent asks to go 80 miles during school hours. He pays in cash. What could this be?

1. A normal school trip
2. Warning signs of county lines exploitation (correct answer)
3. A boy visiting his grandparents
4. A good long fare with nothing to worry about

Answer: B. Warning signs of county lines exploitation. The DfT lists these warning signs: a child travelling alone, at unusual hours such as school time, over long distances, not local, paying in cash or prepaid. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.3

24. Which age group makes up most of the young people involved in county lines?

1. 8 to 10
2. 11 to 12
3. 15 to 17 (correct answer)
4. 12 to 14

Answer: C. 15 to 17. The DfT standards say children aged 15 to 17 are the majority, but they may also be much younger. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.3

25. What is "cuckooing"?

1. Gangs taking over a vulnerable person's home (correct answer)
2. A passenger running off without paying the fare
3. A driver working for two operators
4. A child running away from home

Answer: A. Gangs taking over a vulnerable person's home. Cuckooing is when dealers take over the home of a vulnerable person and use it for their crime. National Crime Agency, County Lines

26. Which payment pattern is a county lines warning sign?

1. Short journeys paid by a bank card
2. Long trips paid in cash or prepaid (correct answer)
3. A parent paying through an app
4. A school paying a monthly account

Answer: B. Long trips paid in cash or prepaid. Paying for journeys in cash or prepaid is one of the DfT's county lines warning signs, especially for a child travelling alone. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.3

27. You pick up several workers very early every day. One man speaks for them all and holds their passports. What could this be?

1. A sign of modern slavery (correct answer)
2. A normal company minibus service
3. A man being helpful to new workers
4. A sign that they are on holiday

Answer: A. A sign of modern slavery. Signs of modern slavery include being controlled by others, someone else holding their ID, and being moved to work in a group at odd times. Unseen, Spot the signs; Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

28. What is the number for the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline?

1. 0800 555 111
2. 0800 789 321
3. 08000 121 700 (correct answer)
4. 116 123

Answer: C. 08000 121 700. Call the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700, or report online. Call 999 in an emergency. Unseen, Spot the signs; Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

29. Which of these may be a sign that a passenger is a victim of modern slavery?

1. They ask you to turn the heating up a little on the way
2. They pay the fare with a bank card
3. They are carrying a lot of shopping
4. They seem afraid, and someone else speaks for them (correct answer)

Answer: D. They seem afraid, and someone else speaks for them. Victims often seem afraid, avoid eye contact, are not free to speak for themselves and seem controlled by another person. Unseen, Spot the signs; Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

30. You are not sure if what you saw was county lines. Should you report it?

1. No, only report it if you are certain
2. Yes, trust your instincts and report it (correct answer)
3. No, wait until you have seen it happen three times
4. No, ask the young person first

Answer: B. Yes, trust your instincts and report it. The NCA says trust your instincts. Even if it is not county lines, the person may be exploited in another way. National Crime Agency, County Lines

31. Who is a vulnerable adult?

1. Any adult who is over 60 years old, whatever their health
2. Any adult who travels alone at night
3. Any adult who pays in cash
4. An adult who may not be able to keep safe from harm (correct answer)

Answer: D. An adult who may not be able to keep safe from harm. The DfT standards use the Care Act 2014 meaning: an adult with care and support needs who, because of those needs, cannot protect themselves from abuse or neglect. DfT Standards, 1. Introduction (Care Act 2014, s.42 definition)

32. A young woman leaves a club very drunk and alone. She cannot tell you her address. What is best?

1. Leave her at the side of the road to sober up
2. Take her back to your own home
3. Keep her safe and call the police for help (correct answer)
4. Drive around until she remembers

Answer: C. Keep her safe and call the police for help. Someone who is very drunk is vulnerable. Do not leave her somewhere unsafe and never take her to your home. Get help from the police. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.2

33. An older passenger with dementia seems confused about where they live. What should you do?

1. Stay calm, check details and get help (correct answer)
2. Drop them at the nearest bus stop
3. Charge for the time spent waiting
4. Leave them at the first house they point to

Answer: A. Stay calm, check details and get help. Treat them patiently. Check details with the operator or a carer, and call the police if you cannot get them home safely. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.2

34. A child of about 12 hails your taxi alone at midnight and asks to go across the city. What should you think about?

1. Only whether the child has enough money
2. The child's safety, and whether to report it (correct answer)
3. Only the quickest way across the city
4. Nothing, because children often travel alone

Answer: B. The child's safety, and whether to report it. A child travelling alone at unusual hours is a warning sign of exploitation. Think about their safety and report your concern. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.3

35. Which of these is a sign that an adult passenger may be at risk?

1. They ask you to use a different route home
2. They want to sit in the back seat
3. They seem afraid of the person with them (correct answer)
4. They ask for a receipt

Answer: C. They seem afraid of the person with them. Fear of a companion, being controlled, or not being allowed to speak are signs that an adult may be at risk of abuse. Unseen, Spot the signs; Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

36. A passenger takes a confused elderly man to a cash machine and tells him to take out money for them. What could this be?

1. A normal trip to the bank
2. A son helping his father
3. A private matter for the family
4. Financial abuse (correct answer)

Answer: D. Financial abuse. Making a vulnerable person hand over money can be financial abuse. Note the details and report your concern. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 6.2

37. Which kinds of abuse can happen to vulnerable adults?

1. Physical, sexual, emotional and financial (correct answer)
2. Only physical abuse that leaves marks
3. Only abuse by people they do not know
4. Only abuse that happens inside a care home

Answer: A. Physical, sexual, emotional and financial. Abuse can take many forms, and it is often by someone the person knows. The DfT standards list psychological, emotional and financial abuse among others. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 10.2

38. You drop off a child who is travelling alone. What is good practice?

1. Drive off as soon as they get out of the car
2. Drop them at the end of the road
3. Ask them to walk the last part
4. See them out safely, close to their destination (correct answer)

Answer: D. See them out safely, close to their destination. Wolverhampton's conditions say to drop passengers in a safe place as close as practicable to their destination, and to make sure they have got out safely before you set off. Wolverhampton Licensing Policy, private hire driver conditions 44 and 47

39. A passenger asks for your personal phone number so they can book you directly. What should you do?

1. Politely refuse and give the operator's number (correct answer)
2. Give it to them, as it means more work for you
3. Give it only to young passengers
4. Give it, but ask them not to tell anyone

Answer: A. Politely refuse and give the operator's number. Keep contact professional. Wolverhampton's conditions say drivers must not request or keep passengers' personal contact details or try to start a personal relationship with them. Wolverhampton Licensing Policy, private hire driver condition 16; West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Suggested code of conduct

40. Should you ask a passenger travelling alone to sit in the front seat?

1. Yes, it is more friendly for a long journey
2. Yes, if they are a young person
3. No, let them choose where to sit (correct answer)
4. Yes, at night for their safety

Answer: C. No, let them choose where to sit. Let the passenger choose. Wolverhampton's conditions say passengers must be allowed to sit in their choice of licensed seat. Wolverhampton Licensing Policy, private hire driver condition 32

41. Which of these is unprofessional for a driver?

1. Asking which route the passenger prefers
2. Comments about a passenger's body or looks (correct answer)
3. Asking if the heating is comfortable for them
4. Telling the passenger the fare at the end

Answer: B. Comments about a passenger's body or looks. Codes of conduct say drivers must not make offensive or inappropriate comments, and Nottingham's conditions ban conversation of a personal or sexual nature. Breaking conditions can cost you your licence. West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Suggested code of conduct; Nottingham driver conditions (Conduct of Driver)

42. When is it right to touch a passenger?

1. Only when needed to help, with their agreement (correct answer)
2. Whenever you want to show you are being friendly
3. When they are drunk and laughing
4. When they are a regular passenger

Answer: A. Only when needed to help, with their agreement. Drivers should not touch passengers unnecessarily or inappropriately. If someone may need help, ask them first rather than assume. West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Suggested code of conduct

43. After a journey you find a passenger on social media and send them a message. Is this acceptable?

1. Yes, if they seemed friendly
2. Yes, if you are both adults
3. No, it breaks professional boundaries (correct answer)
4. Yes, if you do not mention the journey

Answer: C. No, it breaks professional boundaries. Using what you learn on the job to contact a passenger, including through social networks, misuses their personal details. Wolverhampton's conditions also ban trying to start a personal relationship with a passenger. West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Suggested code of conduct; Wolverhampton Licensing Policy, private hire driver condition 16

44. Why must a driver never offer young passengers alcohol, cigarettes or free rides?

1. It costs the operator money
2. These are ways abusers groom children (correct answer)
3. It may make other passengers jealous
4. It is only a problem if you get caught

Answer: B. These are ways abusers groom children. The Casey report, quoted in the DfT standards, found drivers who offered children cigarettes, alcohol or free rides in return for sex. Gifts and favours are grooming tools. DfT Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards, 3.1 (Casey report)

45. A passenger flirts with you during a journey. What should you do?

1. Flirt back, as they started it
2. Ask them for their phone number
3. Offer them a cheaper fare
4. Stay polite and professional (correct answer)

Answer: D. Stay polite and professional. Drivers should remain professional at all times and must not try to start a personal relationship with a passenger, whatever the passenger does. West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Suggested code of conduct; Wolverhampton Licensing Policy, private hire driver conditions 16 and 17

46. Who is responsible for keeping professional boundaries in your vehicle?

1. The passenger, if they are an adult
2. The operator, through its rules
3. Nobody, if the journey is short
4. You, the driver, at all times (correct answer)

Answer: D. You, the driver, at all times. A driver has responsibility for the safety of their passengers and a lot of control over them. Codes of conduct say drivers must remain professional at all times. Wolverhampton Guidelines on Fitness and Propriety, para 1.19; West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Suggested code of conduct

47. A teenage passenger starts talking about sex. What should you do?

1. Do not join in; change the subject (correct answer)
2. Answer their questions honestly and openly
3. Share your own experiences
4. Laugh and make a joke about it

Answer: A. Do not join in; change the subject. Never join in sexual talk with a child. Conditions and codes of conduct ban conversation of a sexual nature and sexualised language. Report it if it suggests the child is at risk. Nottingham driver conditions (Conduct of Driver); West Sussex CSE handbook for taxi drivers, Suggested code of conduct

48. What does ACT stand for in counter-terrorism?

1. Alert, Call, Tell
2. Anti-Crime Team
3. Action Counters Terrorism (correct answer)
4. Act, Check, Take cover

Answer: C. Action Counters Terrorism. ACT, Action Counters Terrorism, is the police campaign asking the public to report suspicious activity. Counter Terrorism Policing, ACT and Run Hide Tell

49. A passenger leaves a bag on the back seat. It looks odd and you can see wires. What should you do?

1. Open it to see what is inside
2. Move away from it and call 999 (correct answer)
3. Drive it to the nearest police station
4. Throw it out of the car

Answer: B. Move away from it and call 999. Visible wires make an item obviously suspicious. ProtectUK says do not touch it, move people away to a safe distance and call 999. ProtectUK, Incident procedures (HOT and the 4Cs)

50. A passenger asks you to drive past a stadium many times. They film the entrances and security guards. What should you do?

1. Ask them why they are filming
2. Ignore it, as filming is not a crime
3. Post the video on social media
4. Report it to the police or ACT (correct answer)

Answer: D. Report it to the police or ACT. If you see something that does not feel right, report it at gov.uk/ACT or on 0800 789 321. Call 999 in an emergency. Counter Terrorism Policing, ACT and Run Hide Tell

51. What is the anti-terrorist hotline number?

1. 0800 789 321 (correct answer)
2. 0800 555 111
3. 08000 121 700
4. 116 123

Answer: A. 0800 789 321. You can call the police in confidence on 0800 789 321, or report online at gov.uk/ACT. Counter Terrorism Policing, ACT and Run Hide Tell

52. What is the police advice if there is a firearms or weapons attack?

1. Stop, Look, Listen
2. Run, Hide, Tell (correct answer)
3. Hide, Wait, Fight
4. Film, Share, Report

Answer: B. Run, Hide, Tell. Run to a place of safety if you can. If you cannot, hide. Tell the police by calling 999 when it is safe. Counter Terrorism Policing, ACT and Run Hide Tell

53. Under Run, Hide, Tell, when should you call 999?

1. Before you try to run
2. Only after the attack has ended
3. When it is safe to do so (correct answer)
4. Only if someone is hurt

Answer: C. When it is safe to do so. Get to safety first. Then tell the police by calling 999 when it is safe to do so. Counter Terrorism Policing, ACT and Run Hide Tell

54. You saw something strange but are not sure it is linked to terrorism. Should you report it?

1. No, only report it if you have proof
2. No, the police are too busy
3. No, wait to see if it happens again
4. Yes, it is OK if you are not sure (correct answer)

Answer: D. Yes, it is OK if you are not sure. The ACT campaign says trust your instincts. It is OK if you are not sure; the police will check it. Counter Terrorism Policing, ACT and Run Hide Tell

55. A passenger tells you they want to end their life. What should you do?

1. Change the subject to something happier for them
2. Tell them they are being silly
3. Listen, take them seriously and offer support (correct answer)
4. Ask them to get out of the car

Answer: C. Listen, take them seriously and offer support. Talking about suicide does not make it more likely. Listen, stay calm, and signpost them to help such as the Samaritans. Samaritans

56. What is the phone number for the Samaritans?

1. 111
2. 116 123 (correct answer)
3. 101
4. 0800 555 111

Answer: B. 116 123. Samaritans can be called free from any phone on 116 123, day or night. Samaritans

57. A passenger asks to go to a high bridge. They seem very low and say goodbye to their family on the phone. What should you do?

1. Call 999, as they may be in immediate danger (correct answer)
2. Drop them off where they asked and drive away
3. Give them the Samaritans number later
4. Ask them to pay before you go

Answer: A. Call 999, as they may be in immediate danger. If someone may harm themselves now, it is an emergency. Call 999 and stay with them if it is safe. Samaritans