Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Under the Care Act 2014, all care workers have a duty to protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect. The Care Handbook provides the tools and guidance you need to recognise abuse, raise concerns, and follow the correct procedures to keep people safe.
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult's wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings, and beliefs.
Under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to make enquiries — or cause others to do so — where an adult has needs for care and support, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves. The Care Handbook supports care workers in understanding their role within this framework.
Key duty:Under Regulation 13 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, providers must have systems and processes designed to ensure that service users are safeguarded from abuse. CQC inspectors will review safeguarding policies, procedures, and records as part of the “Safe” key question.
Understanding Abuse in Care Settings
Recognised types of abuse
Including physical, financial, neglect, and modern slavery
Maximum time to report
Safeguarding concerns should be reported within 24 hours
Care Act 2014
The legal duty to make safeguarding enquiries
In This Section
Six Principles of Safeguarding
The Department of Health's Care and Support Statutory Guidance sets out six principles that should underpin all safeguarding work:
Empowerment
People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent.
Prevention
It is better to take action before harm occurs.
Proportionality
The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
Protection
Support and representation for those in greatest need.
Partnership
Services offer local solutions through working closely with communities and other services.
Accountability
Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice.
Authoritative Resources
Important Notice:The safeguarding resources provided by Care Handbook are for guidance only and do not replace your organisation's safeguarding policies or local authority procedures. If you suspect abuse or neglect, follow your organisation's safeguarding procedure and report to your designated safeguarding lead immediately. In an emergency, call 999. All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the local authority under the Care Act 2014.