Under the Care Act (2014) the duty to safeguarding adults is everyone’s responsibility. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse and/or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the wellbeing, views, wishes and beliefs of adults are promoted within safeguarding arrangements.
All adults have the right to live their lives free of abuse and neglect and have the right processes in place to ensure their safeguard and better outcomes.
NHS West Hampshire CCG is committed to working with other statutory agencies, as set out in the Care Act (2014) to provide a person- centred approach to safeguarding vulnerable adults.
The Care Act (2014) defines adults at risk as anyone over the age of 18 years old who:
- Has needs for care and support
- Is experiencing, or is at risk of abuse/ and or neglect
- As a result of these needs is unable to protect themselves against the abuse and/or neglect
The CCG is a core member of the Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board and has a duty to co-operate with the Local Authority and the Police as statutory partners to safeguard adults. The CCG has the responsibility to ensure that effective systems are in place to safeguard adults and children at risk. The CCG, as the main commissioner of health care for its population, must work with other health and social care providers and stakeholders to ensure effective systems are in place that provides good outcomes for adults. The CCG employs experts in the field of safeguarding adults to support the CCG to meet its statutory duties.
The six principles of safeguarding underpin all safeguarding responses. The six principles are:
- Empowerment
- Protection
- Prevention
- Proportionality
- Partnership
- Accountability
Further information can be found on the Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board website.
What to do if you are worried:
If there is immediate risk to life or limb please call 999
If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult is being or is at risk of abuse and/or neglect please refer these concerns to the Local Authority:
In Hours (9-5): 0300 555 1386
Out of hours: 0300 555 1373
If a crime has been committed please also call the police on 101