This module will provide an introduction to help understand what is meant by 'Safeguarding Adults' and why it is so important. We will think about how to recognise those most vulnerable adults and the different types of abuse and how to recognise these. 

By the end of the module we hope to meet the following objectives: 

1. Understand what safeguarding adults means and why it is important.
2. To be aware of those adults who are most vulnerable as well as who are most commonly perpetrators.
3. To be aware of the different types of abuse and what makes an adult vulnerable. 

We need to be mindful as we work through this course that the content, including thinking about abuse and safeguarding issues, could be distressing, particularly if it reminds you of some of your own experiences. It is therefore worth taking a moment to reflect on your support mechanisms and structures and who you would talk to if needed. This could be: 

• Your line manager 
• A trusted colleague 
• A friend 
• Support line (there is a downloadable sheet within this lecture detailing relevant support organisations relating to different types of abuse which may be helpful to speak to someone anonymously)  
• Taking some timeout alone for personal reflection.  

This is all part of good practice and self-care which allows us to stay in tune and alert to distress and risk, rather than being overwhelmed, burnout or at risk of turning away from concerns without meaning to.

Additional resources

• Pocket Principles of Protection (england.nhs.uk). This is a great pocket guide to download and refer to which highlights the main principles of safeguarding, summarises the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberties and the different types of abuse.
• Safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk in the NHS: Safeguarding accountability and assurance framework. This is a detailed document which sets out clearly the safeguarding roles, duties and responsibilities of all organisations commissioning NHS healthcare.