Tips for Writing and Implementing a Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedure Document

You do not have to follow them word for word, but they provide a useful framework to start from.

• Separate safeguarding adults policy
  Your Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure document should be separate from your Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedure document. You must ensure that all the definitions and legislation you reference are up to date and relevant. Ensure that the board of your organisation is signed up to the policy and procedures.
• Relevant case studies
  Include some case studies that are relevant to your organisation. You can either adapt the examples in the template or use concerns that you have encountered in your organisation.
• Include links to relevant documents
  Reference your organisation’s policies and procedures that link to the document. For local policies and procedures, include the details of local authority safeguarding adult teams and support organisations.
• Define responsibilities
  Define the roles, responsibilities, and accountability of staff and volunteers. In particular, you should have a clear job description for the lead officer for adult safeguarding.
• Working document
  Consider how you will ensure that the policy and procedures will become working documents that everyone in your organisation is able to refer to and follow.
• Training implications
  You should also think about any training needs that may arise from introducing and implementing the document.
• Open discussion
  Include discussions about safeguarding in your team meetings and supervision sessions.
• Complaints procedures
  Consider including a complaints procedure, or a right to appeal. An individual should have the right to complain if their concern is not followed up, or if it is ignored by the organisation. This right should apply whether the concern is regarding themselves or another person.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any advice and support in writing and implementing your Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedure document.

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