Care workers have a legal and moral duty to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those they care for.
What safeguarding means for people who use care services:
- Protecting them from abuse or things that are bad for their health or development.
- Making sure they grow up in circumstances that allow safe and effective care.
- Protecting their rights to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
- People and organisations working together to prevent the risk of abuse or neglect, and to stop them from happening.
- Making sure people’s wellbeing is promoted, taking their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs into account.
Six Principles of Safeguarding
Proportionality
The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
‘I am sure that the professionals will work in my interest, as I see them and they will only get involved as much as needed’.
Empowerment
People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.
‘I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process and these directly inform what happens’.
Protection
Support and representation for those in greatest need.
‘I get help and support to report abuse and neglect. I get help so that I am able to take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want’
Prevention
It is better to take action before harm occurs.
‘I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is, how to recognise the signs and what I can do to seek help’.
Partnership
Local solutions through services working with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.
‘I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. I am confident that professionals will work together and with me to get the best result for me’
Accountability
Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.
‘I know the role of everyone involved in my life and so do they.’
How will Safeguarding help me?
What if someone makes a referral about me? Or I need to make a referral, what do I do?