Safeguarding

Safeguarding is an umbrella term describing the measures, policies, and procedures that protect people’s health, well‑being, and human rights, and enable them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. It covers prevention, early identification of risks, and responses to concerns or confirmed abuse, with a focus on reducing risk and promoting safety across different settings.

Common contexts for safeguarding include child protection, safeguarding of vulnerable adults, and safeguarding within organizations such as schools, health services, and community groups. In child safeguarding, the aim is to keep children safe from maltreatment while promoting their welfare. In adult safeguarding, the emphasis is on supporting independence and choice while reducing risk of harm. Digital and information safeguarding protects people from online abuse, privacy breaches, and exploitation.

Key elements of safeguarding practice typically include clear policies and procedures, designated safeguarding leads, safeguarding training and supervision, safe recruitment, confidential reporting channels, and coordinated multi‑agency cooperation. A safeguarding cycle often involves identification or referral of concerns, assessment of risk, development of a safeguarding plan, implementation of actions, and regular review and updates.

Legislation and guidance governing safeguarding vary by jurisdiction but commonly require organizations that work with vulnerable groups to have safeguarding policies, to report concerns, and to cooperate with authorities. Challenges include balancing protection with autonomy, ensuring consistent practice across settings, addressing under‑reporting, and addressing safeguarding in online environments.