Adult safeguarding

Training competences within the safeguarding framework

There are a defined set of competences laid out in the Intercollegiate Adult Safeguarding: Roles and Competences for Healthcare Staff. These range from levels one to six depending on the role of an individual within an organisation. Most healthcare professionals would require to attain level 2 competency as a minimum. Those involved in senior positions of support and training as well as investigation of potential abuses require higher levels of competency. The document gives a clear list of competences, knowledge and skills required at each level as well training requirements and the evidence required for revalidation. This document gives a detailed summary and new information about what competences and skills are required by all health professionals in adult safeguarding.

Further information is also available from the Educational Resources and Key References and Links sections. Please also refer to the Training and Educational Resources sections in the Child Protection and Safeguarding area of this website.

Acting on suspected abuse

Always act when abuse is suspected. This should normally be done through and in line with your own organisations internal procedures. However, if you feel that your concerns are not being dealt with adequately the National Whistleblowing Helpline (Tel: 08000 724 725) provides free confidential advice to NHS staff who are unsure whether they have a whistleblowing concern, how to raise this concern internally or escalate it externally. Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.