Safeguarding

Unit 4

Principles of

safeguarding and
protection in

health and social care
This unit introduces the important area of
safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse. It
identifies different types of abuse, and the signs which
could indicate that abuse is occurring. It also considers
when individuals might be vulnerable to abuse and
what you should do if you suspect abuse. A range of
factors contributes to the vulnerability of individuals
who use social care services. There are some important
national policies and local systems in place to protect
and safeguard them. This unit focuses on the social care
worker’s role in this process, as well as the roles of other
professionals and agencies.

On completion of this unit you should:

know how to recognise signs of abuse
know how to respond to suspected or alleged abuse
understand the national and local context of safeguarding
and protection from abuse
understand ways to reduce the likelihood of abuse
know how to recognise and report unsafe practices
Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care

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Preparing to work in adult social care | Level 3

4.1 Recognising signs of abuse

What is ‘abuse’?
Most adults can protect themselves from threats of harm – they
are not vulnerable to abuse. However, some adults who use
social care services may need safeguarding because they are at
greater risk of, or have already experienced, abuse.
In 2000 the Department of Health published No Secrets which
defined abuse as: ‘a violation of an individual’s human and civil
rights by any other person or persons’.
Abuse can take many forms

Abuse can occur when individuals are deprived of their rights to:
privacy
independence

likely to suffer risk
and harm.

Safeguarding
Ensuring the
individual is safe
from abuse and
neglect, and
helping people
to make choices
independently.

Adult at risk
Anyone aged...