People’s experiences of adult safeguarding services

Adult safeguarding services across the UK are undergoing transformation. Over the past 10 years, there has been increasing momentum to place service users firmly at the heart of safeguarding enquiries. The launch of the Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) Initiative in 2009 proposed a person-led, outcomes focused approach to safeguarding. 

Further supported by amendments to the Care Act 2014 which support use of a personcentred approach, there is extensive work being undertaken by authorities to embed this approach. Developing these new methods of practice requires significant service and cultural change. In order to facilitate this service change, the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has commissioned Healthwatch Cornwall, to undertake research on people’s experiences of adult safeguarding services.

This final report fully analyses findings from interviews with 29 service users and the two prior reports that have been published: “Experiences of Adult Safeguarding Services Interim report” and “Peoples’ experiences of safeguarding A review of UK findings and recommendations”. Understood together, findings from these reports provide an indepth understanding of services in Cornwall and comprehensive recommendations based on the findings.

The extensive work that has been undertaken by authorities across the UK provides insights into the diverse ways in which MSP can be embedded. We present these insights alongside the rich accounts of services in Cornwall that service users have provided. Together, these findings allow us to understand current experiences of safeguarding services in Cornwall and reflect on opportunities for improvement.