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
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2006
Safeguarding Children:
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989
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
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:
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