Safeguarding Adults Week runs from 17th –21st November 2025, led by the Ann Craft Trust. This national initiative raises awareness of adult safeguarding and encourages organisations and individuals across the UK to share knowledge, improve practice, and help build safer communities.

Why Prevention Matters

This year’s theme, “Prevention: Act Before Abuse”, shifts the focus from reacting to incidents to actively preventing harm. It’s about recognising early signs of risk and taking action before abuse or neglect occurs.

What are the 6 key national principles of safeguarding?

  1. Empowerment – People being supported and encouraged to make their own
    decisions and be able to give informed consent; i.e. “Individuals are asked what they
    want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process, and these directly inform what
    happens.”
  2. Prevention of harm and abuse – in that it is better to act before harm occurs; i.e.
    “Individuals receive clear and simple information about what abuse is, how to
    recognise the signs and what they themselves can do to seek help.”
  3. Proportionality – The least intrusive response is made dependent upon but
    appropriate to the risk presented; “i.e. Individuals are sure that the professionals will
    work in their best interest, and they will only see them and only get involved as much
    as is needed.”
  4. Protection – Support and representation for those in greatest need; “i.e. Individuals
    get help and support to report abuse and neglect. They get help so that they are
    enabled to take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which they want.”
  5. Partnership – Local solutions through services working with their communities; i.e.
    “Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting, and reporting neglect and
    abuse. Individuals know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in
    confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. Individuals are confident that
    professionals will work together and with them to get the best result for them.”
  6. Accountability – Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding; i.e.
    “Individuals understand the role of everyone involved in their lives and so do those
    involved.”

What is the Legal Duty of Local Authorities?

Under the Care Act, local authorities must make a safeguarding enquiry if an adult:

• Has care and support needs (regardless of whether these are being met)
• Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect
• Cannot protect themselves due to those care and support needs

For more information about Safeguarding in North East Lincolnshire visit SaferNEL and see the North East Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board Multi-agency policy and procedures.

Need Help or Advice?

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, call the Single Point of Access (SPA) on 01472 256256 (option 2).
If a crime is in progress or someone is in immediate danger, dial 999.