CQC Partnership to Strengthen Safeguarding Responsibilities

The Care Quality Commission’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, announced at the Carers UK State of Caring Conference on Wednesday 7 May an important step forward clarifying the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in safeguarding adults. In partnership with NHS England, the Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), the ‘Safeguarding Adults – Roles and Responsibilities in Health and Care Services’ document sets out how individuals and organisations should work together to prevent abuse and neglect from happening and ensure the safety and well-being of anyone who has been affected.

Andrea Sutcliffe, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said: “Safeguarding adults is everyone’s responsibility. It should not be difficult and confusing for the public and professionals, and I am pleased that working with our partners we have been able to set out how we should work together. I am delighted to have made this announcement at the Carers UK State of Caring Conference. Putting the person at the centre of all we do is vital and carers do that every day.”

Cllr Katie Hall, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board and Dr Adi Cooper, ADASS’s Safeguarding Joint Lead, said: “These safeguarding roles and responsibilities highlight the importance of everyone working together including councils, CQC, health and the police to keep people safe. It outlines the practical opportunities there are for us to join-up in the vital everyday work we do.

“Poor care, neglect and abuse are all part of the same problem and addressing this locally requires action from anyone involved in looking after those who need care.”