7 Minute Briefing
Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 mandated local authorities to introduce Safeguarding Adults Boards. Each Safeguarding Adults Board must have representation from -
- local authorities
- police
- integrated care board (Place)
Best practice under the Care Act Guidance recommends that each Safeguarding Adults Board has an independent chair.
Statutory
The Safeguarding Adults Board has three statutory obligations to -
- write a strategic action plan
- publish an annual report
- undertake Safeguarding Adult Reviews
Safeguarding Adult Review
A Safeguard Adult Review is undertaken when -
- an adult dies as a result of abuse or neglect, concern that partner agencies could have worked more effectively to protect the adult
- an adult has not died, but the Safeguarding Adults Board knows or suspects that the adult has experienced abuse or neglect and the individual would have been likely to have died but for an intervention
- an individual has suffered permanent harm, reduced capacity or quality of life as a result of the abuse or neglect
and
- there are clearly identified areas of learning and practice improvement or service development that have the potential to significantly improve the way in which adults are safeguarded in the future
Sub groups
The Safeguarding Adults Board has a Strategic Delivery Group, which is responsible for delivering the aims, ambitions and priorities. Together with an Assurance, Performance and Governance Group, responsible for a calendar of audits. Assuring the Safeguarding Adults Board that any change in practice resulting from Safeguarding Adult Review has been embedded. Identifying gaps in training and considering joint policy and procedures.
Safeguarding Adults Boards must -
- assure itself that local safeguarding arrangements are in place as defined by the Care Act 2014 and statutory guidance
- assure itself that safeguarding practice is person-centred and outcome-focused
- work collaboratively to prevent abuse and neglect where possible
- ensure agencies and individuals give timely and proportionate responses when abuse or neglect have occurred
- assure itself that safeguarding practice is continuously improving and enhancing the quality of life of adults in its area