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Introduction – 5 Reasons Why Safeguarding Is Important
Safeguarding is a fundamental part of creating safe environments for individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, care-recipients, and those with disabilities. Across the UK, safeguarding measures have been put in place to protect the well-being and rights of these individuals. The main 5 reasons why safeguarding is important are:
– To protect vulnerable people from harm,
– To prevent crime and exploitation,
– To promote equal opportunities,
– To build trust and confidence,
– And to uphold legal obligations.
Here, we’ll cover the 5 reasons why safeguarding is important and how everyone can play their part.
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to a set of measures and actions taken to protect individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, and other negative influences. It involves preventing and responding to situations where a person’s well-being or safety may be at risk. Safeguarding policies are applied in a range of workplaces, such as schools, care homes, hospitals… many public-facing businesses have a dedicated safeguarding policy.
The Care Quality Commission (the regulatory body overseeing care & healthcare providers) describes safeguarding as:
“Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, well-being and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. It’s fundamental to high-quality health and social care”
5 Reasons Why Safeguarding Is Important
Protecting Vulnerable People From Harm
The primary reason for safeguarding policies is to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. Vulnerable demographics, such as children, care-recipients, and those with disabilities, are at a higher risk of being subjected to various forms of harm. Safeguarding policies and procedures ensure that these groups receive the necessary protection, support, and care to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
For children, safeguarding involves measures to prevent child abuse, exploitation, and neglect. It includes promoting safe family environments, raising awareness of child protection issues, and providing support to children who have been the victim of abuse.
For the care-recipients and individuals with disabilities, safeguarding aims to prevent mistreatment, financial exploitation, neglect, and abuse, offering them the dignity and respect they deserve.
Preventing Crime and Exploitation
Safeguarding also contributes significantly to the prevention of crime and exploitation. By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, we can reduce the opportunities for criminals to take advantage of those in need. This protects individuals and contributes to everyone’s overall safety by preventing crime.
In cases of child exploitation, safeguarding measures help identify and support young victims, leading to the prosecution of offenders and the disruption of criminal networks. Similarly, safeguarding protects the elderly from financial scams, neglect and abuse, preserving their security and peace of mind. By preventing exploitation, we create a safer environment for everyone.
Promoting Equal Opportunities
Safeguarding plays a vital role in promoting equal opportunities for all members of society. By ensuring that vulnerable individuals are protected and supported, we create an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive regardless of their age, abilities, or circumstances.
In the UK, safeguarding measures should aim to eliminate discrimination and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and services.
Building Trust and Confidence
Safeguarding measures build trust and confidence within a working environment. When individuals know that their safety and well-being are a priority, they are more likely to seek help when needed and also tell someone if they see something that may not be right. This trust in safeguarding institutions and organisations creates a sense of security and belonging.
In the UK, various agencies and organisations, such as social services, schools, healthcare providers, and law enforcement agencies, play a crucial role in safeguarding. When these entities work together effectively to protect individuals, it strengthens the community’s trust in their ability to address issues and provide support when necessary.
Legal Obligations
Finally, safeguarding is essential in meeting legal obligations. The UK has enacted laws and regulations that mandate safeguarding measures for organisations working with vulnerable groups. We all have a legal duty to report suspicions of abuse or neglect, and failure to do so can result in criminal charges.
There are many sectors, such as education and healthcare, which require staff to undergo DBS Checks before they can start their role. DBS Checks play an important part in the role of safeguarding, as they can help with each of the 5 reasons why safeguarding is important.
Who are DBS checks for?
The key groups that DBS checks are geared towards safeguarding are Children (under-18s) and “Vulnerable Adults”.
For a quick definition, a Vulnerable Adult is any over-18 who is in receipt of some form of prescribed care or healthcare. For example, hospital patients, care home residents, people undergoing therapy, people seeing their dentist, are all examples of Vulnerable Adults.
For more info, visit our guide to the term ‘Vulnerable Adults’.
What Happens If An Organisation Has Poor Safeguarding Policies?
If an organisation has poor or no safeguarding policies, this could lead to:
- Abuse and neglect of Children or Vulnerable Adults being missed.
- An increase in abuse cases.
- Vulnerable people not being treated with respect or compassion.
- Confusion and distress for children or Vulnerable Adults because they have no one to turn to.
Summary: 5 Reasons Why Safeguarding Is Important
Safeguarding is of the utmost importance, as it serves to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, promote equal opportunities, prevent crime and exploitation, foster trust, and meet legal and ethical obligations. By prioritising safeguarding measures, we can create a safer and more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, free from harm and neglect.
Our DBS Checks allow you to feel secure, knowing that your staff in positions of trust with children or Vulnerable Adults are suitable for the role. We offer Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS Checks, and we process all checks received before 4:00pm, the SAME DAY. Feel free to get in touch on 0113 877 0171 if you’ve any questions!
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Further Reading
If you’ve found our post , “5 reasons why safeguarding is important” useful, these pages might also be of interest:
- What is a Standard DBS Check?
- Understanding The Different Types Of DBS Checks
- Is There A DBS Expiry Date?
- What Is A DBS Countersignatory?
About The Author
Kellie Dawson
Kellie is our in-house legal expert when it comes to DBS checks. With a background in the legal sector, she has become a recognised authority in this area.