Quality statement

We expect providers, commissioners and system leaders live up to this statement:

We work with people to understand what being safe means to them as well as with our partners on the best way to achieve this. We concentrate on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. We make sure we share concerns quickly and appropriately.

What this quality statement means

• There is a strong understanding of safeguarding and how to take appropriate action.
• People are supported to understand safeguarding, what being safe means to them, and how to raise concerns when they don’t feel safe, or they have concerns about the safety of other people.
• There are effective systems, processes and practices to make sure people are protected from abuse and neglect.
• There is a commitment to taking immediate action to keep people safe from abuse and neglect. This includes working with partners in a collaborative way.
• People are appropriately supported when they feel unsafe or experience abuse or neglect.
• Where applicable, there is a clear understanding of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and this is only used when it is in the best interest of the person.
• Safeguarding systems, processes and practices mean that people’s human rights are upheld and they are protected from discrimination.
• People are supported to understand their rights, including their human rights, rights under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and their rights under the Equality Act 2010.

I statements

I statements reflect what people have said matters to them.

• I feel safe and am supported to understand and manage any risks.

Subtopics this quality statement covers

• Safeguarding requirements (including children/young people)
• Mental Capacity
• People’s human rights
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) (Liberty Protection Safeguards)
• Closed cultures
• Harassment and abuse (and in the community)
• Sexual safety and empowerment

Also consider

• Duty of Candour

Local authority assessments

We consider this quality statement, safeguarding, under theme 3: how the local authority ensures safety within the system.