Raising concerns

Safeguarding legislation

Responsibilities for safeguarding are enshrined in international and national legislation. Safeguarding for both children and adults has transformed in recent years with the introduction of new legislation, creating duties and responsibilities which need to be incorporated into the widening scope of NHS safeguarding practice.

Regardless of the developing context, all health organisations are required to adhere to the following arrangements and legislation.

Legislation for:

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998

Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003

Mental Capacity Act 2005

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006

Mental Health Act 2007

Children and Families Act 2014

Modern Slavery Act 2015

Serious Crime Act 2015

Safeguarding Children:

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989

Children Act 1989 and 2004

Promoting the Health of Looked After Children Statutory Guidance 2015

Children and Social Work Act 2017

Working Together to Safeguard Children Statutory Guidance 2018
PDF, 2300kb, 111 pages

Safeguarding Children and Young People: Roles and Competencies for Healthcare Staff 2019
PDF, 1192kb, 114 pages

Safeguarding Young People Transitioning into Adults, including Children in Care:

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989

Children Act 1989 and 2004

Promoting the Health of Looked After Children Statutory Guidance 2015

Children and Social Work Act 2017

Working Together to Safeguard Children Statutory Guidance 2018
PDF, 2300kb, 111 pages

Looked After Children: Roles and Competencies of Healthcare Staff 2020

Safeguarding Adults:

The Care Act 2014

Care and Support Statutory Guidance- Section 14 Safeguarding
PDF, 3700kb, 431 pages

Adult Safeguarding: Roles and Competencies for Health Care Staff 2018
PDF, 488kb, 44 pages