What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding adults is the process of enabling adults with care and support needs to protect themselves from abuse or neglect. This includes adults with care and support needs who are already experiencing, or are at risk of, abuse or neglect. 

As part of the safeguarding process, professionals must consider:

• whether the adult's care and support needs mean that they are unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect
• how people and organisations can work together to minimise and/or prevent the risk of abuse or neglect
• the views, wishes, feelings and beliefs of the adult, particularly when deciding on any actions to take.

Podcast - what is safeguarding?

Listen to the West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board podcast providing an introduction to safeguarding,  types of abuse and, how to refer any safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding thresholds

The Safeguarding Thresholds guidance provides professionals with examples of the different categories of issues  and the best course of action for non-reportable,  requires consultation and reportable issues.

Revisiting Safeguarding Practice

The Department of Health and Social Care has published an independent report ' Revisiting safeguarding practice '.

This document is intended to encourage all safeguarding practitioners, and those responsible for adult safeguarding, to reflect on and revisit their current practice.

How do I raise a concern?

If you are concerned about an adult with care and support needs who is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, the best way to report your concern is to make a safeguarding referral using the online form on the West Sussex County Council website.

If  you are unsure of whether a safeguarding referral is appropriate, please refer to the Safeguarding Thresholds document for guidance.

If you still have questions, please call 0330 22 28400 to speak with a social care practitioner in the Safeguarding Adults Hub.