Understanding the Multi-Agency Approach
Adult safeguarding is not the responsibility of a single person or organization. It operates on a multi-agency framework, recognizing that no single body has a complete view of a person's situation. Instead, a network of different agencies collaborates to protect and support adults at risk. This collaboration is guided by legislation, such as the Care Act 2014 in the UK, which establishes a framework for how different bodies work together. The goal is to ensure timely and effective responses to potential abuse or neglect, while prioritizing the individual's wellbeing and wishes.
The Local Authority: The Coordinating Leader
The local authority's adult social services department is the statutory lead agency for coordinating adult safeguarding arrangements. Under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014, the local authority has a legal duty to make or cause enquiries to be made when they have reasonable cause to suspect that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect.
This coordinating role involves several key functions:
- Assessing Concerns: Determining if a reported concern meets the criteria for a formal safeguarding enquiry.
- Commissioning Enquiries: Identifying who is best placed to lead the enquiry, which could be an internal social worker or another partner agency.
- Overall Oversight: Retaining accountability for the entire process, even if another organization is conducting the day-to-day enquiry.
- Ensuring Timeliness: Actively monitoring progress to prevent delays that could put the adult at further risk.
The Police: The Criminal Investigation Lead
When a safeguarding concern involves a suspected criminal offence, the police take the lead in the criminal investigation. Their investigation takes primacy over all other enquiries, but they work closely with the local authority and other agencies. While the police investigate the crime, the local authority maintains its ongoing responsibility to ensure the adult's wellbeing and safety are addressed through a separate safeguarding plan.
Other Essential Agencies and Roles
The multi-agency partnership extends beyond the local authority and police to include a wide range of organizations, all of whom have a duty to cooperate. These include:
- Health Services: Clinicians, GPs, and hospital staff play a crucial role in identifying abuse, responding to incidents, and supporting an adult's recovery. They can also be the first to flag a concern.
- Care Providers: Residential and domiciliary care agencies are often on the frontline and must have their own safeguarding policies and designated leads. They are key contributors to any enquiry related to their service users.
- Housing Organisations: Housing associations and local housing authorities are valuable partners, as housing issues can often correlate with increased risk of abuse or neglect.
- Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs): Within individual organizations, a DSL (or DSO) is the designated point of contact for safeguarding matters. They manage internal concerns, ensure policies are followed, and make referrals to statutory services when appropriate.
Comparison of Lead Agency Responsibilities
| Feature | Local Authority (Social Services) | Police | Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Co-ordinates multi-agency enquiries | Investigates potential criminal offenses | Manages internal safeguarding procedures |
| Scope | Broad oversight of the entire safeguarding process | Focused on criminal elements of a case | Organization-specific, point of contact for staff |
| Driving Factor | Statutory duty under the Care Act 2014 | Legal requirements for criminal justice | Internal policies and good practice |
| Accountability | Holds legal accountability for the safeguarding enquiry | Reports on criminal investigation outcomes | Ensures internal compliance and reporting |
The Principle of 'Making Safeguarding Personal'
At the heart of the modern safeguarding approach is the principle of 'Making Safeguarding Personal' (MSP). This means that the adult at risk is the central focus, and their wishes and desired outcomes must be respected wherever possible. The process should be person-led, with practitioners working collaboratively with the individual to help them manage their own risk and achieve their goals. In cases where the adult lacks the mental capacity to make decisions, a representative or advocate must be involved.
The Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB)
At a strategic level, a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) oversees the effectiveness of the safeguarding work being carried out by its member and partner agencies. The SAB's role is to ensure all partners are working together effectively and to review cases of serious abuse or neglect, aiming to learn lessons and improve future practice.
Conclusion
While the local authority takes the official lead for coordinating most adult safeguarding issues, it is the collaborative network of multiple agencies that truly drives the process. The police take the lead on criminal matters, but social services remain accountable for the individual's welfare. This multi-agency partnership, with the adult's wishes at its core, ensures a robust and person-centered approach to protecting those most at risk. For more on the statutory framework, visit the government's official guidance on adult care: Care and Support Statutory Guidance.
