Introduction

This Joint Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures sets out the framework for how agencies across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, North Yorkshire, Wakefield and City of York respond to concerns raised about abuse and neglect of adults at risk. These sit alongside all the support and work across the region to prevent abuse and neglect from occurring.

Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about working together to support adults to make decisions about the risks they face in their own lives, and protecting those who lack the mental capacity to make these decisions. The Joint Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures are underpinned by a commitment to being person led and outcome focused, upholding the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal, including sharing learning,expertise, and to develop best practice across a wider region to the benefit of adults at risk of abuse and neglect.

An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those care and support needs), and as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding adults requires organisations to work closely together, in partnership, to support and safeguard adults at risk of abuse and neglect. Strong partnerships are those whose work is based on an agreed policy with common definitions and a good understanding of partners’ roles and responsibilities.

Safeguarding adults is however far more than a set of guidance or procedures; it is all we do in all our work, in our practice, and our communities to prevent abuse and promote the wellbeing of adults with care and support needs. It includes the preventative work of our care and health services, the support of our neighbourhoods and communities, the courage of everyone who has ‘blown the whistle’, and the actions of every individual who looks out for the welfare of their friends and neighbours. 

This Joint Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures seeks to promote strong partnerships arrangements by:

• A commitment to the six safeguarding principles; empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership working and accountability;
• A commitment to the principle of Making Safeguarding Personal;
• Providing a framework for multi-agency working and partnership;
• Providing a framework for recognising and taking action to prevent the abuse of adults at risk;
• Defining the responsibilities of partner organisations in responding effectively to safeguarding adult concerns;
• Providing common values, principles and practice that underpin the safeguarding of adults at risk;
• Identifying the different types of abuse, signs, symptoms and indicators;
• Setting standards of practice that safeguard adults at risk.