Safeguarding Adults: A Complete Guide for Social Workers UK

Introduction to Adult Safeguarding

Adult safeguarding is about protecting adults who have care and support needs from abuse or neglect. The Care Act 2014 provides the statutory framework for adult safeguarding in England, placing clear duties on local authorities and their partners.

The principles and processes of adult safeguarding differ from children's safeguarding in important ways, particularly around the role of consent and the person's right to make their own decisions.

Who is an "Adult at Risk"?

Under the Care Act 2014, an adult at risk is someone who:

• Has care and support needs (whether or not these are being met)
• Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
• As a result of their care and support needs, is unable to protect themselves from the abuse or neglect

All three conditions must be met for the statutory safeguarding duties to apply.

Types of Abuse and Neglect

The Care Act identifies ten categories of abuse:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, pushing, restraint, misuse of medication
• Domestic abuse: Physical, psychological, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse by intimate partner or family member
• Sexual abuse: Rape, indecent exposure, inappropriate touching, sexual harassment
• Psychological abuse: Emotional abuse, threats, humiliation, coercive control, isolation
• Financial or material abuse: Theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure around wills or property
• Modern slavery: Human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude
• Discriminatory abuse: Based on protected characteristics
• Organisational abuse: Poor care practice within an institution or care setting
• Neglect and acts of omission: Ignoring needs, failing to provide access to services
• Self-neglect: Neglecting one's own health or environment

Making Safeguarding Personal

Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) is the key principle in adult safeguarding. It means:

• Putting the person at the centre of the safeguarding process
• Asking what outcomes they want from the safeguarding intervention
• Supporting them to achieve those outcomes
• Respecting their choices, even if we disagree with them
• Measuring success by whether their outcomes were achieved

Key Questions

• "What would you like to happen as a result of this safeguarding concern?"
• "What would help you feel safer?"
• "How would you like to be involved in this process?"
• "Is there anything you definitely don't want to happen?"

The Section 42 Duty

Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities to make enquiries (or cause others to do so) when:

1. An adult has care and support needs
2. They are experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
3. As a result of their care needs, they cannot protect themselves

The purpose of the enquiry is to decide what action, if any, is needed to protect the adult and by whom.

The Safeguarding Process

1. Concern Raised

A safeguarding concern is reported to the local authority. This can come from anyone—the person themselves, family, professionals, or members of the public.

2. Initial Assessment

The local authority assesses whether the three-part Section 42 test is met and whether a safeguarding enquiry is needed.

3. Safeguarding Enquiry

If the criteria are met, an enquiry establishes facts, determines the person's wishes, and agrees actions to protect them.

4. Safeguarding Planning

If ongoing protection is needed, a safeguarding plan is developed with the person and relevant agencies.

5. Review and Closure

The safeguarding concern is closed when the person is protected and/or their desired outcomes are achieved.

Capacity and Consent

Adults with capacity have the right to make their own decisions, including decisions that others may consider unwise. This means:

• Seek consent before taking action where possible
• Respect refusal of intervention (with capacity)
• Consider mental capacity for specific decisions
• Provide advocacy where needed
• Balance autonomy with duty of care

When Consent is Not Obtained

You may proceed without consent if:

• The person lacks capacity for this decision
• There is an overriding public interest (others at risk)
• A crime may have been committed
• Staff in a regulated setting are implicated

Advocacy

Under Section 68 of the Care Act, an independent advocate must be arranged if:

• The adult has substantial difficulty in being involved in the safeguarding process
• There is no appropriate person to support them

Multi-Agency Working

Effective adult safeguarding requires collaboration:

• Police: Criminal investigation and protection
• Health: Assessment, treatment, and information
• Care providers: Care quality and protection
• CQC: Regulatory concerns
• Housing: Accommodation and safety
• Finance: Financial abuse concerns

Self-Neglect

Self-neglect presents unique challenges:

• Often involves people with capacity refusing services
• Requires persistent, relationship-based engagement
• Multi-agency approach is essential
• Consider environmental health, fire service involvement
• Balance respect for autonomy with duty of care
• Document decisions and their rationale carefully

Recording Adult Safeguarding

Your records should include:

• The nature of the concern
• The adult's views and desired outcomes
• Capacity assessment if relevant
• Consent (or reasons for proceeding without)
• Actions taken and by whom
• Whether the adult's outcomes were achieved
• Rationale for decisions

Six Safeguarding Principles

The Care Act sets out six principles that should underpin all safeguarding work:

1. Empowerment: People are supported to make their own decisions
2. Prevention: Action before harm occurs
3. Proportionality: Least intrusive response
4. Protection: Support for those in greatest need
5. Partnership: Working together
6. Accountability: Transparency in safeguarding practice

Conclusion

Adult safeguarding is about protecting people while respecting their autonomy and right to make their own choices. Making Safeguarding Personal means putting the adult at the centre, asking what they want, and supporting them to achieve those outcomes. The role of the social worker is to balance protection with empowerment, ensuring that the adult's voice guides the safeguarding process.