1. Safeguarding Care Act 2014: Lewisham Health and Social Care Forum

2. The wellbeing principle  Wellbeing broadly defined: 9 areas in particular  Local authorities should also have regard to other key principles when carrying out their activities, such as beginning with the assumption that the individual is best-placed to judge their well-being 2 “The general duty of a local authority, … in the case of an individual, is to promote that individual’s wellbeing”.

3. Safeguarding  Safeguarding is the process of protecting adults with care and support needs from abuse or neglect  Key responsibility is with local authorities, in partnership with the police and the NHS  However, all organisations working with individuals who have care or support needs are affected  Strong existing practice in Lewisham and London.  Care Act puts adult safeguarding on a legal footing from April 2015 3

4. Principles The statutory guidance enshrines the six principles of safeguarding: 1. Empowerment – person-led decisions and informed consent 2. Prevention – it is better to take action before harm occurs 3. Proportionality – proportionate and least intrusive response, as appropriate to the risk presented 4. Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need 5. Partnerships – local solutions through services working with their communities 6. Accountability – accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. 4

5. Safeguarding Adults Board: Updated  Oversees adult safeguarding in each locality  Led by the Local Authority  Include the NHS and Police, plus other bodies as appropriate  To develop a shared plan for adult safeguarding, working with local people to decide how best to protect adults in vulnerable situations  To publish the safeguarding plan and report annually on its progress  Conduct Safeguarding Adult Reviews 5

6. Implications for Provider / VCS Organisations  Be familiar with the local multi-agency policy and procedures, and  Have internal procedures to direct staff on what to do if they encounter abuse.  Have a nominated lead for safeguarding  Understand that you must share information in cases of abuse.  All staff and volunteers should have at least basic safeguarding training.  Develop/refresh your provision of advice, signposting and prevention support  Providers of care regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have a duty to report any allegations of abuse or neglect to the CQC. 6