THE PRINCIPLES OF
SAFEGUARDING
Ian Whitehouse
Aims of This Presentation:
• The definition of Adult Safeguarding
• To understand what adult Safeguarding is and why it
matters
• Who is defined as an adult at risk
• The key Acts that impact on Adult safeguarding
• The aims of Safeguarding
• The 6 key principles of Safeguarding
Definition of Safeguarding Adults:
• Adult safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live
in safety, free from abuse and neglect’ (Care Act 2014, DoH,
2016:14.7).
Who would be an ‘Adult at Risk?’:
• An adult at risk is any person who is aged 18 years or over
and at risk of abuse or neglect because of their needs for
care and or support. (Care Act 2014)
Why does Safeguarding Matter – Who is at Risk?:
• Abuse continues on a daily basis
• Most vulnerable are commonly victims
• Sick – unable to get their own food or take care of
themselves, open to neglect
• Mentally disabled – can be manipulated eg Murder of
Stephen Hoskin
• Children – unaware of social norms
• Elderly – may be sick, have memory problems, open to
manipulation eg. Financially, sexually
Why Does Safeguarding Matter – Statistics of Abuse:
• More than 1 million older people being abused nationally
• 10% report abuse
• True figure may be more like 26% (Action on Elder Abuse,
2017)
• Abuse present in 9 out of 10 nursing and care homes (91
out of 92 homes asked) (Cooper, 2018)
• Worse when understaffed or staff burnt out
Legislation Impacting on Safeguarding:
• Human Rights Act (1998)
• Mental Health Act (2005)
• Care Act (2014)
Care Act (2014) states aim of Safeguarding:
• To prevent harm and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect to
adults with care and support needs
• To safeguard individuals in a way that supports them in
making choices and having control in how they choose to
live their lives - Making Safeguarding Personal
• To raise public awareness
The 6 Key Principles of Safeguarding (Care Act 2014):
Principle 1: Empowerment - Personalisation and the
presumption of person-led decisions and informed consent.
“I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the
safeguarding process and these directly inform what
happens.”
The 6 Key Principles of Safeguarding (Care Act 2014):
Principle 2: Prevention - It is better to take action before harm
occurs.
“I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is,
how to recognise the signs and what I can do to seek help.”
The 6 Key Principles of Safeguarding (Care Act 2014):
Principle 3: Proportionality - Proportionate and least intrusive
response appropriate to the risk presented.
“I am sure that the professionals will work for my best interests,
as I see them and they will only get involved as much as I
require.”
The 6 Key Principles of Safeguarding (Care Act 2014):
Principle 4: Protection - Support and representation for those
in greatest need.
“I get help and support to report abuse. I get help to take part
in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want and
to which I am able.”
The 6 Key Principles of Safeguarding (Care Act 2014):
Principle 5: Partnership - Local solutions through services
working with their communities. Communities have a part to
play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and
abuse.
“I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information
in confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. I am
confident that professionals will work together to get the best
result for me.”
The 6 Key Principles of Safeguarding (Care Act 2014):
Principle 6: Accountability - Accountability and transparency
in delivering safeguarding.
“I understand the role of everyone involved in my life.”
Conclusion:
• The definition of Adult Safeguarding
• To understand what adult Safeguarding is and why it
matters
• Who is defined as an adult at risk
• The key Acts that impact on Adult safeguarding
• The aims of Safeguarding
• The 6 key principles of Safeguarding
Conclusion:
• The definition of Adult Safeguarding
• To understand what adult Safeguarding is and why it
matters
• Who is defined as an adult at risk
• The key Acts that impact on Adult safeguarding
• The aims of Safeguarding
• The 6 key principles of Safeguarding
Make Safeguarding Adults
YOUR Business!
Thank You