The following six key principles underpin all adult safeguarding work:

  1. Empowerment: people being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent
  2. Prevention: it is better to take action before harm occurs
  3. Proportionality: the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented
  4. Protection: support and representation for those in greatest need
  5. Partnership: local solutions through services working with their communities – communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse
  6. Accountability: accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice