Safeguarding is a term used to describe measures taken to protect the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults. It involves preventing and stopping the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time ensuring that the individuals well-being is promoted, including having regard to their views, wishes, feelings, and beliefs in deciding on any action. The following are some key principles that underpin all safeguarding work:

• Empowerment: People being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.
• Prevention: It is better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportionality: The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
• Protection: Support and representation for those in greatest need.
• Partnership: Local solutions through services working with their communities.
• Accountability: Accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice.

Safeguarding is important for people who, due to issues such as dementia, learning disability, mental ill-health, or substance abuse, have care and support needs that may make them more vulnerable to abuse or neglect. It is everybodys business, and all organizations that work with or come into contact with children and vulnerable adults should have safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure that every individual, regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation, has a right to equal protection from harm.