Social services, as a part of their comprehensive assessment process, may indeed engage in conversations with your neighbours. This is not an invasion of privacy, but rather a standard procedure aimed at gathering as much relevant information as possible to ensure the welfare and safety of individuals involved. The primary objective of social services is to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly children and the elderly. Therefore, if there are concerns about potential risks or harm, they are obligated to conduct a thorough investigation. This could involve speaking with neighbours who may have pertinent observations or insights regarding the situation. However, it’s important to note that any information shared is strictly confidential and used solely for the purpose of the assessment. Social services must adhere to stringent data protection laws, ensuring that personal information is handled with utmost care and discretion.