Safeguarding Adults Awareness Survey

Healthwatch North Yorkshire worked with the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Board to assess awareness of adult safeguarding among the public, care staff and care home managers. Between September and December 2017, 309 surveys were completed. Overall, awareness of safeguarding was high, with 89% of members of the public saying they would know what to do if someone they cared about was being abused, and all care staff and managers reporting that they would know how to respond to a safeguarding concern. 

Members of the public said they would want support if reporting a safeguarding concern, particularly clear information, guidance through the process and help ensuring the person at risk remained safe. Family, friends, the police and North Yorkshire County Council were identified as key sources of support. Many respondents stressed the importance of being listened to, receiving regular updates and understanding what was happening throughout safeguarding investigations. 

Care staff and managers generally reported good awareness of safeguarding responsibilities and high levels of training. However, managers raised concerns about delays in safeguarding investigations, difficulties contacting safeguarding teams, poor communication, lengthy forms and a lack of feedback on outcomes. Many felt safeguarding teams were under pressure and that investigations could take too long to complete. 

Healthwatch concluded that safeguarding awareness was generally strong across all groups surveyed. However, the report identified opportunities to improve communication, provide clearer information and support for both the public and providers, reduce delays in investigations and strengthen feedback mechanisms so that people raising safeguarding concerns understand what actions have been taken and why.