What is Safeguarding and Why is it important?
Safeguarding involves protecting individuals’ health, well-being, and human rights, ensuring they can live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. It plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality healthcare. Safeguarding children, young people, and adults is a shared responsibility.
Those most in need of safeguarding include:
- Children and young people
- Adults at risk, such as those receiving care at home, individuals with physical, sensory, or mental impairments, and people with learning disabilities.
Everyone working in healthcare—whether in hospitals, care homes, general practices, or community care—has a duty to protect children and vulnerable adults. This responsibility extends across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors within the NHS.
Key Principles of Safeguarding
Safeguarding is guided by six key principles that ensure individuals are protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. These principles provide a foundation for creating safe environments and ensuring that everyone involved understands their role in promoting well-being and safety. By following these principles, we can work together to prevent harm and support those in need.
People should be supported and encouraged to make their own decisions. This involves:
- Personalizing services to meet individual needs.
- Offering choice and control over decisions.
- Asking individuals about their desired outcomes.
You are asked what you want to happen, and services build safeguarding plans around your preferences.
Organizations should collaborate to prevent abuse by:
- Raising awareness about abuse and neglect.
- Training staff effectively.
- Providing clear, accessible information on abuse and available support.
You receive clear, straightforward information about abuse and know who to contact for help.
When responding to abuse, organizations must consider the level of risk and respond appropriately. Actions should:
- Respect the individual.
- Focus on the person’s best interests.
- Involve only the necessary level of intervention.
Services prioritize your best interests and only intervene when necessary.
Organizations must know how to respond to abuse by:
- Recognizing concerns.
- Acting to stop the abuse.
- Offering support to those at risk.
You can receive help and support to report abuse and participate in safeguarding efforts as much or as little as you choose.
Organizations should work collaboratively with each other and local communities. Communities also play a role in preventing, identifying, and reporting abuse.
What does this mean for adults?
Your personal information is handled securely and shared only when necessary to ensure your safety.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals, services, and organizations must be accountable for their actions. Clear roles and responsibilities ensure transparency in safeguarding efforts.
What does this mean for adults?
You understand the roles of all involved parties and how they work to keep you safe.
How to Recognize Safeguarding Concerns
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns.
- Fearful behavior or flinching when touched.
- Frequent visits to medical professionals for injuries.
Emotional Abuse
- Low self-esteem or self-confidence.
- Withdrawal from social interactions or activities.
- Excessive fear or anxiety.
Neglect
- Poor hygiene or unsuitable clothing.
- Persistent hunger or malnutrition.
- Frequent absences from school or work.
Financial Abuse
- Unexplained financial transactions.
- Lack of basic needs despite adequate income.
- Sudden changes in financial status.
Responding to Concerns
1. Recognize the Concern
Observe signs of abuse or neglect, and trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
2. Record Observations
Document what you’ve seen, heard, or been told. Be as specific and factual as possible.
3. Report the Concern
Share your observations with a designated safeguarding officer or the appropriate authority.
4. Follow Up
Ensure the concern is being addressed and support any ongoing safeguarding actions as needed.
Safeguarding Resources
NHS Safeguarding Guide
This comprehensive guide provides all you need to know about safeguarding and recognizing concerns.
Read the GuideSafe Guarding Contacts
Find find your local authority safeguarding details and contact numbers for reporting safeguarding concerns and accessing support.
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If you have any concerns or need help, you can reach out to us directly using the form below or by contacting the key services listed.
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