Principles of Safeguarding

There are six principles which underpin all adult safeguarding work. All agencies, sectors and settings should familiarise and uphold these principles.

Principle	Description	Outcome for the adult at risk	In practice this means
Empowerment	Presumption of person led decisions and informed consent.	"I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding intervention and these directly inform what happens."	Having clear and accessible systems for adult's views to be heard and influence change. Giving people relevant information and support about safeguarding and the choices available to them to ensure their own safety.
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."	Raising public awareness about safeguarding, including how to recognise and report it. All staff are clear on their roles and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding people at risk.
Proportionality	The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.	"I am sure that the professionals will work in my interests, as I see them: and they will only get involved as much as needed."	The person is at the centre of all responses to the safeguarding concern and any action taken is based on their preferred outcomes or best interests. An approach of positive risk taking in which the person at risk is fully involved.
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 any safeguarding process to the extent to which I want and to which I am able."	Organisations having effective processes to be able to identify and respond to concerns or emerging risks. Consideration of 'capacity' is part of the safeguarding intervention, and where people lack capacity decisions are always made in their best interests.
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 will 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."	Information is shared between organisations in a way that reflects its personal and sensitive nature. Ensuring local information sharing protocols are in place and staff understand and use them.
Accountability	Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.	"I understand the role of everyone involved in my life and so do they."	The roles and responsibilities of the organisations are clear so that staff understand what is expected of them and others.

With additional consideration to the ethos of making safeguarding personal the 6 principles (above) should also be viewed with the following statements:

Empowerment: "Talk to me, hear my voice, what I have to say";
Prevention: "Support me to be safe, now and into the future";
Proportionality: "Work with me to resolve my concerns";
Protection: "Work with me, to support me to be safe";
Partnership: "Work together; with me. I am a partner too";
Accountability: "Work with me, knowing you have done all you should".