The following six key principles underpin all adult safeguarding work:
- Empowerment: people being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give 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 – communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse
- Accountability: accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice