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Safeguarding is one of the most important responsibilities carried out by Local Authorities (Councils). Councils have legal duties to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation, harm, and situations where their safety or wellbeing may be at risk.
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OPEN HELPProtecting Children, Vulnerable Adults, Families & Communities – Understanding Local Authority Safeguarding Responsibilities
Safeguarding is one of the most important responsibilities carried out by Local Authorities (Councils). Councils have legal duties to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, exploitation, harm, and situations where their safety or wellbeing may be at risk.
Safeguarding is not just the responsibility of social workers. It involves partnership working between:
- Local Authorities
- Schools and colleges
- Health services
- Police
- Housing providers
- Care providers
- Community organisations
- Families and carers
The primary aim of safeguarding is to prevent harm, reduce risks, protect vulnerable individuals, and promote safety, wellbeing, dignity, and independence.
Councils must take safeguarding concerns seriously and respond appropriately when concerns are raised.
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting people from:
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Exploitation
- Violence
- Significant harm
- Unsafe living conditions
- Coercion or control
- Financial abuse
- Discrimination
- Modern slavery
- Domestic abuse
Safeguarding also involves promoting:
- Safety
- Wellbeing
- Independence
- Human rights
- Dignity
- Positive outcomes
Who Do Safeguarding Duties Protect?
Local Authorities have safeguarding responsibilities towards:
Children & Young People
Under:
- Children Act 1989
- Children Act 2004
Vulnerable Adults
Under:
- Care Act 2014
Individuals At Risk
This may include:
- Disabled people
- Older adults
- Individuals with mental health needs
- People with learning disabilities
- Individuals experiencing domestic abuse
- People experiencing exploitation
- Individuals with care and support needs
Safeguarding Children
Children Act 1989
The Children Act 1989 places duties on councils to:
- Safeguard children.
- Promote children's welfare.
- Investigate concerns where harm may be occurring.
- Support children in need.
Children Act 2004
The Children Act 2004 strengthened safeguarding responsibilities and introduced greater partnership working between agencies.
Councils must work with:
- Police
- NHS organisations
- Schools
- Probation services
- Other safeguarding partners
to protect children from harm.
When Might A Child Need Safeguarding Support?
Examples may include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Domestic abuse within the household
- Child exploitation
- Online abuse
- Criminal exploitation
- Radicalisation concerns
- Significant family breakdown
Every concern should be assessed based on the individual circumstances.
Child Protection Responsibilities
Where there is reason to believe a child may be suffering significant harm, councils have legal duties to investigate and assess risk.
Possible actions may include:
- Child protection enquiries
- Multi-agency assessments
- Family support services
- Child protection conferences
- Safety planning
The welfare of the child should remain the primary consideration.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 places legal duties on councils to protect adults with care and support needs who may be experiencing abuse or neglect.
Who May Be Protected?
Examples may include:
- Older adults
- Disabled adults
- Individuals with mental health conditions
- People with learning disabilities
- Individuals receiving care services
Types Of Adult Safeguarding Concerns
These may include:
Physical Abuse
Assault, injury, restraint or misuse of medication.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Threats, intimidation, humiliation, coercion, or harassment.
Financial Abuse
Misuse of money, property, benefits, pensions, savings, or assets.
Neglect
Failure to provide necessary care, support, food, medication, or protection.
Sexual Abuse
Any unwanted sexual activity or exploitation.
Discriminatory Abuse
Abuse based on disability, race, religion, sex, age, sexuality, or other protected characteristics.
Organisational Abuse
Poor care practices within organisations or care settings.
Domestic Abuse
Including coercive and controlling behaviour.
Modern Slavery
Forced labour, trafficking, servitude, or exploitation.
Types Of Abuse & Harm
Safeguarding concerns are not limited to physical violence.
Abuse may take many forms:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Coercive control
- Neglect
- Exploitation
- Grooming
- Online abuse
- Discriminatory abuse
- Organised abuse
Abuse can occur in:
- Homes
- Schools
- Care settings
- Communities
- Online environments
- Relationships
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns should always be reported promptly.
You do not need proof that abuse is occurring before raising a concern.
If you are worried that someone may be at risk, it is generally better to report the concern and allow professionals to assess the situation.
What Information May Be Helpful?
Where possible provide:
- Names
- Addresses
- Dates
- Description of concerns
- Witness information
- Relevant evidence
- Immediate risks
However, lack of detailed information should not prevent someone from raising a genuine safeguarding concern.
What Happens After A Report?
Councils may:
- Assess the information received.
- Contact other agencies.
- Carry out enquiries.
- Undertake risk assessments.
- Arrange support services.
- Take safeguarding action where necessary.
Not every report will result in formal intervention, but all concerns should be considered appropriately.
Safeguarding & Human Rights
Safeguarding decisions should balance:
- Protection from harm
- Human rights
- Personal choice
- Independence
- Proportionality
Public authorities should seek to protect individuals while respecting legal rights wherever possible.
Advanced Claimant Protection
Individuals involved in safeguarding processes have important rights.
Right To Be Treated Fairly
Right To Dignity & Respect
Right To Have Concerns Taken Seriously
Right To Be Heard
Right To Submit Evidence
Right To Reasonable Adjustments
Right To Protection From Discrimination
Right To Privacy & Data Protection
Subject to safeguarding and legal requirements.
Right To Challenge Decisions
Where review or complaint routes are available.
Evidence Standards Handbook
When raising safeguarding concerns:
✓ Keep records of incidents.
✓ Record dates and times.
✓ Save relevant communications.
✓ Retain photographs where appropriate.
✓ Keep copies of reports made.
✓ Maintain a timeline of events.
✓ Record names of professionals involved.
✓ Keep written responses received.
Good records may assist investigations and future reviews.
Accountability & Oversight
Safeguarding services are subject to oversight through:
Local Authority Complaints Procedures
Children's Services Complaints
Adult Social Care Complaints
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
Courts
Regulatory Bodies
Such as Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) where relevant.
Relevant Legislation
Key safeguarding legislation includes:
Children Act 1989
Children Act 2004
Care Act 2014
Equality Act 2010
Human Rights Act 1998
Mental Capacity Act 2005
Data Protection Act 2018
UK GDPR
Domestic Abuse Act 2021
Useful Resources
Find Your Local Council:
https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
NSPCC:
Childline:
Ann Craft Trust (Adult Safeguarding):
Care Quality Commission:
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman:
Information Commissioner's Office:
Safeguarding Checklist
✓ Report concerns promptly
✓ Keep records and evidence
✓ Record dates and incidents
✓ Request reasonable adjustments if needed
✓ Keep copies of correspondence
✓ Ask for decisions in writing where appropriate
✓ Follow complaint procedures if concerns are not addressed
✓ Escalate serious concerns where necessary
✓ Prioritise safety and wellbeing
✓ Seek emergency help immediately if someone is in immediate danger
Key Message
Safeguarding is about protecting children, vulnerable adults, and individuals at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and significant harm. Local Authorities have important legal duties under the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and Care Act 2014 to investigate concerns, protect vulnerable people, and work with partner agencies to promote safety and wellbeing.
Safeguarding concerns should always be taken seriously and reported promptly. Early action, accurate information, and proper support can play a vital role in protecting individuals and preventing harm.