2 – AC M9 Understand how to safeguard individuals

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

Protecting vulnerable individuals from harm is mandated by legislation. These laws offer critical guidance for health and social care professionals seeking to uphold people’s well-being and independence.

The Care Act 2014 sets forth foundational safeguarding principles:

• Empowerment – Support people in their own decision-making
• Prevention – Intervene proactively to avoid harm
• Proportionality – Use the least intrusive response
• Protection – Advocate for those most at-risk
• Partnership – Coordinate services locally
• Accountability – Maintain transparency

Additional statutes address aspects of individual safety and rights. The Human Rights Act 1998 safeguards fundamental freedoms (Legislation.gov.uk, 1998). The Equality Act 2010 counters discrimination and disadvantages (Equality and Human Rights Commission).

Mental capacity legislation guides decision-making support. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 amended by the Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019 governs substituting judgment when a person cannot decide for themselves (UK Parliament). Liberty Protection Safeguards enable individualised support without violating personal agency.

And for system-level quality assurance, the Health and Social Care Act raises care delivery standards across healthcare settings (UK Parliament).

Using this legislative toolkit means regularly cross-checking policies, assessments, and interventions against statutory guidance. Day-to-day decision-making must carefully apply the law best suited to upholding safety while preserving rights and dignity in that situation.

In short, familiarity with this legal framework is fundamental for all professionals – from direct care staff to organisational leaders – in anchoring protection firmly at the heart of caring communities.

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.