In order for safeguarding to work effectively we need everyone to understand what it is, why it’s relevant to them and what they should do in the future should they suspect abuse is occurring.

“If you see something Say Something”

Everyone working in adult social care, including leaders, managers and front-line care staff, needs to understand their own responsibilities for the safety of the people they support, and must have the right skills and knowledge to recognise and respond effectively to potential abuse or neglect.

New NICE Guidance on Safeguarding Adults in Care Homes

The new NICE guidance covers keeping adults in care homes safe from abuse and neglect. It includes potential indicators of abuse and neglect by individuals or organisations, and covers the safeguarding process from when a concern is first identified through to section 42 safeguarding enquiries. There are recommendations on policy, training, and care home culture, to improve care home staff awareness of safeguarding and ensure people can report concerns when needed.

Remember a Section 42 Safeguarding Enquiry can lead to difficult, protracted and lengthy safeguarding investigations being initiated by the local authority. Health and social care Providers are often summonsed to meetings at short notice with little or no agenda, only to face a room filled with numerous stakeholders and a set of allegations not previously shared with them, leaving Providers feeling bewildered. Make sure you are prepared and have Investigated all safeguarding allegations meticulously and have maintained effective documented records.

Useful Links:

Overview | Safeguarding adults in care homes | Guidance | NICE
Safeguarding (skillsforcare.org.uk)