Safeguarding adults

Protecting adults with care and support needs from abuse and neglect.

What it means

Adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014 applies where an adult has care and support needs, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and cannot protect themselves.

Why it matters

Providers must have policies, train staff, and refer concerns to the local authority. It is inspected, and failures are the most serious findings a care provider can receive.

What it looks like in practice

The six principles: empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership and accountability. Making Safeguarding Personal means asking the adult what outcome they want.\n\nTypes of abuse are defined in the statutory guidance and include organisational abuse and self-neglect.

What to watch out for

Not referring because you are investigating internally. The duty is to refer; the local authority decides.\n\nAnd whistleblowing — staff raising concerns are protected, and retaliation is a separate and serious matter.

Where to get proper advice

Your local safeguarding adults board, the Care Act statutory guidance, and SCIE's free resources.