Safeguarding adults

Safeguarding adults can be a complex subject and care service providers have an important role in the protection of vulnerable adults. So, how do you make sure you are meeting Safeguarding Regulations? We’ve put together some top tips to help you make a good start…

Top Tips

1. Recognise

Everyone must know what to look for so you can recognise the signs of abuse. Make sure all staff are thoroughly trained in safeguarding. Don’t make assumptions and always remain inquisitive, trusting the person raising the alert in the first instance. Have an open door policy – be approachable. Make information available to visitors and family as well by providing posters naming who they should raise any safeguarding concerns with.

2. Record

Make sure all concerns are clearly recorded. Be prepared to thoroughly investigate any safeguarding incident raised.

3. Report

Have a robust safeguarding policy in place and make sure all staff know who to report to. Ensure there is a clearly defined internal safeguarding alert process and a member of staff designated as a safeguarding lead. Share information where you can and feedback to staff who have raised the safeguarding alert.

4. Refer

Always refer safeguarding alerts promptly, following the correct procedure. Know who to report to and where to get help, keeping a note of the key individuals names from the local safeguarding authority. Share best practice between employers. Do not be frightened of reporting incidents to the police if needed.

5. Review

Make sure you always review safeguarding issues and look to see if there is anything that can be done differently to improve situations to avoid the same thing happening in the future.