1 – AC M9 Understand how to safeguard individuals

1.1 Explain how relevant legislation and principles relate to safeguarding and protection from abuse and neglect

Providing assistance and safeguarding the rights of individuals who might be in danger isn’t only an ethical duty; it’s also mandated by legal frameworks intended to ensure their safety. These laws direct healthcare and social service workers on ways to enhance security, support autonomy, and defend rights.

The Care Act 2014 lays out key principles aimed at safeguarding:

• Protection – Prioritising the security of those facing the greatest danger.
• Partnerships – Collaborating with local agencies effectively.
• Accountability – Being clear about responsibilities.
• Empowerment – Encouraging individuals to make choices for themselves.
• Prevention – Acting early to stop risks from escalating.
• Proportionality – Addressing concerns with approaches that are minimally invasive.

Other significant legal frameworks address equality and freedoms. The Human Rights Act 1998, for instance, defends essential liberties (Legislation.gov.uk, 1998). Similarly, the Equality Act 2010 works against discrimination while promoting fairness (Equality and Human Rights Commission).

For cases concerning decision-making ability, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its 2019 amendments provide procedures around supported or substitute decisions (UK Parliament). Meanwhile, Liberty Protection Safeguards help maintain individual autonomy without sacrificing protection.

At an organisational level, systems like the Health and Social Care Act focus on improving standards within care environments (UK Parliament).

To ensure effective safeguarding practices reflect these principles day-to-day, organisations must consistently align policies and interventions with legal guidance. Regardless of one’s role — whether frontline worker or senior manager — understanding this framework ensures care remains both protective and respectful of human dignity.

Other answers in the full document:

• 1.2 Identify the relevant:

  • national policies and frameworks

  • local systems relating to safeguarding and protection from abuse and neglect.

• 1.3 Explain the roles of different agencies in safeguarding and protecting individuals’ right to live in safety and be free from abuse and neglect.

• 1.4 Give examples of how reports into serious failures of upholding individuals’ rights to live free from abuse and neglect have influenced current practice.

• 1.5 Identify sources of information and advice about own role in relation to:

  • safeguarding concerns

  • whistleblowing

  • accountability for decision-making

  • information sharing.

• 2.1 Explain what is meant by each of the following terms:

  • safeguarding

  • abuse

  • harm.

• 2.2 Describe factors that may contribute to an individual being more vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

• 2.3 Define each of the following forms of abuse and neglect:

  • physical abuse

  • domestic abuse

  • sexual abuse

  • psychological abuse

  • financial/material abuse

  • modern slavery

  • discriminatory abuse

  • organisational abuse

  • neglect/acts of omission

  • self-neglect.

• 2.4 Describe indicators that may raise concerns that an individual is, or is at risk of, being abused and/or neglected.

• 2.5 Describe indicators that may cause concerns about a perpetrator’s behaviour.

• 3.1 Explain how the likelihood of abuse or neglect may be reduced by:

  • working with person-centred values

  • enabling active participation

  • promoting choice and rights

  • working in partnership with others

  • supporting individuals with awareness of personal safety.

• 3.2 Explain the importance of an accessible complaints procedure for reducing the likelihood of abuse or neglect.

• 4.1 Explain the main actions to take if there are suspicions that an individual is being abused or neglected.

• 4.2 Describe how to respond if an individual discloses that they are being abused.

• 4.3 Describe how to share information about suspicions or disclosures of abuse or neglect and the potential issues relating to consent.

• 4.4 Describe how the individual and others should be kept informed and involved about their safeguarding concern appropriately and in line with policies and procedures.

• 4.5 Identify ways to ensure that evidence of abuse or neglect is preserved.

• 4.6 Identify how and when to seek support in relation to responding to safeguarding concerns.

• 4.7 State how to respond to suspicion or disclosure that a child or young person is being abused or neglected.

• 5.1 Describe unsafe practices that may affect the wellbeing of individuals.

• 5.2 Explain the actions to take if unsafe practices have been identified.

• 5.3 Describe the actions to take if suspected abuse or unsafe practices have been reported but no action has been taken in response.

• 6.1 Explain the importance of balancing measures for online safety with the benefits for individuals accessing electronic systems and devices, and the right to make informed decisions.

• 6.2 Describe the potential risks presented by:

  • use of electronic communication devices

  • use of the internet

  • use of social networking sites

  • carrying out financial transactions online.

• 6.3 Describe ways of working inclusively with individuals to reduce the risks presented by each of these types of activity.