Effective safeguarding is underpinned by two key principles:

• safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility; for services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part
• professionals and organisations must work in partnership to protect children and adults in need.

These two key safeguarding principles are supported by the RCN’s Principles of Nursing Practice.

This aligns with the core principles of safeguarding, which are:

1. Empowerment – people should be supported to make their own decisions and give informed consent.
2. Prevention – it is better to be proactive and take action before any harm occurs.
3. Proportionality – any response should be proportionate to the risk presented and must consider the person’s situation and wishes.
4. Protection – people at risk of abuse and neglect should have access to support, representation and advocacy.
5. Partnership – local solutions should be sought in collaboration with services, communities and people.
6. Accountability – there should be clear lines of responsibility, accurate record keeping and regular monitoring and review of safeguarding processes.

As a nurse, midwife, health visitor or health care assistant (HCA) you are responsible for safeguarding those in your care and you must respond to any safeguarding concerns.

Here are the key stages to follow:

• Identify safeguarding risks – all health and social care staff should be alert to signs of abuse, exploitation or neglect. These signs may include changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, withdrawal and low mood.
• Follow protocols – Health and social care organisations should have clear policies and procedures for responding to safeguarding concerns. Health and social care staff must adhere to local policy and process.
• Report the concerns – any suspected or observed abuse must be escalated to the appropriate safeguarding lead or local authority as per your organisations local area safeguarding procedures.
• Collaborate with other agencies – effective safeguarding often requires collaboration with other provider services and relevant organisations.
• Empowering people - health and social care staff can support the development of education for people and their carers about how to access support when it is needed.
• Participate in enquiries - compile and deliver reports as requested, debriefing after incidents and (where appropriate) developing a protection plans.
• Promote a safe environment – health and social care staff are able to create a culture where people feel safe to disclose their abuse and seek help and support.
• Reflect - on the outcomes and learning from safeguarding incidents, changing process and practice where necessary.

You will need to check the relevant statutory guidance and legislation for the country where you work.

Download the summary of changes for the second edition of this publication (2024).