Essential Safeguarding Checklist for Adult Safeguarding Leads

As a safeguarding lead, your role is critical in ensuring adults at risk are protected, supported, and empowered. This checklist covers key responsibilities, policies, training, and best practices to help you maintain a strong and effective safeguarding culture within your organisation.

Key Safeguarding Responsibilities

Legislation & Guidance

Are you up-to-date on all relevant safeguarding legislation (e.g., Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998, Domestic Abuse Act 2021)?

Are safeguarding decisions in line with statutory guidance and local procedures?

Policies & Procedures

Do you have clear and up-to-date safeguarding policies and procedures?

Are policies easily accessible and regularly reviewed?

Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined?

Does your organisation have policies on:

• Whistleblowing & complaints

• Confidentiality & data protection (GDPR)

• Prevent Duty (if applicable)

• IT usage & social media

• Complaints Policy

  
  

Training & Support

Do all staff and volunteers receive mandatory safeguarding training?

Is training tailored to different roles and updated regularly?

Do staff feel confident and well-supported in handling safeguarding concerns?

Do designated safeguarding leads and deputies have access to ongoing professional development?

Thresholds & Decision-Making

Are safeguarding concerns being screened appropriately?

Are decisions proportionate, evidence-based, and defensible?

Is there a clear escalation process for complex or high-risk cases?

Risk Assessment & Incident Response

Do you have robust systems for identifying and assessing risks?

Are risks reviewed regularly, and are control measures in place?

Are falls, unwitnessed incidents, and recurring concerns properly recorded and acted upon?

Communication & Multi-Agency Working

Do you have clear protocols for sharing information with partner agencies?

Are you working effectively with health, housing, police, advocacy services, and social care?

Do safeguarding meetings involve multi-agency collaboration to ensure a coordinated approach?

Records Management & Documentation

Do you have a secure and efficient system for recording safeguarding concerns?

Are records accurate, confidential, and reviewed regularly?

Are actions and decisions clearly documented to demonstrate accountability?

Mental Capacity & Decision-Making

Are decisions being made in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005?

Are capacity assessments done properly and recorded clearly?

Is the least restrictive option always considered to promote autonomy?

Person-Centred & Trauma-Informed Practice

Are interventions supportive rather than restrictive?

Do staff understand that behaviour may be a response to past trauma?

Are adults at risk given choice, dignity, and respect in safeguarding interventions?

Review, Reflection & Continuous Improvement

Do you regularly review safeguarding practices and policies?

After major safeguarding incidents, do you conduct post-incident debriefs?

Are you learning from Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) to improve practice?

Are staff encouraged to reflect on safeguarding decisions and identify areas for growth?

Final Thoughts

Safeguarding is not just about compliance—it’s about creating a culture where people feel safe, heard, and empowered. Regular review, training, and reflection help ensure that safeguarding remains effective and person-centred.

Save this checklist & share it with your team!

#SafeguardingAdults #SafeguardingLeads #AdultProtection #ReportAbuse #DutyToAct #CareAct #SocialWork #TraumaInformedPractice