Safeguarding adults

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all adults at risk in our care. We expect our employees to share this commitment.

Adult safeguarding is everyone's business

Everyone has the right to live their life free from violence, fear and abuse, but not everyone can protect themselves.

Who do adult safeguarding duties apply to?

Under the Care Act 2014 adult safeguarding duties apply to an adult who:

  • has needs for care and support (whether the local authority is meeting any of those needs)
  • is experiencing, or at risk of, neglect or abuse
  • as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of neglect or abuse

The categories of abuse defined in the Care Act are as follows:

  1. Physical abuse.
  2. Domestic abuse.
  3. Sexual violence.
  4. Psychological abuse.
  5. Self-neglect.
  6. Financial or material abuse.
  7. Modern slavery.
  8. Discriminatory abuse.
  9. Organisational abuse.
  10. Neglect and acts of omission.

Things that may increase an adult risk of neglect or abuse

Some adults might be more at risk of neglect or abuse than others. The following could increase the risk of neglect or abuse:

  • physical disability
  • learning disability
  • sight or hearing loss
  • mental health problems
  • severe illness
  • dementia or confusion
  • old age
  • frailty

Also people who depend on others to look after them may not be able to stop someone else from hurting them or taking advantage of them.

Neglect and abuse can happen in many different places:

  • someone’s own home
  • care homes
  • a hospital
  • a day centre
  • public places

Anyone could be an abuser and it is often someone who is known and trusted.

It might be a:

  • family member or partner
  • neighbour
  • health or social care worker
  • another professional worker, for example a financial advisor or solicitor
  • volunteer worker
  • friend
  • service user

Contact us

For concerns about an adult who you think may be at risk of abuse or neglect, make an online safeguarding referral. If you are concerned that a child or adult is at immediate risk of significant harm call the police on 999.

Useful links