What is Safeguarding?
Blog Series: It's Everyone's Business
What is Safeguarding?
Its everyone business- we hear this all the time. but what does it really mean?
In many places, the word "safeguarding" might seem like a buzzword or something that only applies to children or adults at risk. But the truth is, we all need safeguarding at times. Safeguarding can hold different meanings across the UK and around the world, but the core idea remains the same: it's about protecting people's well-being.
Safeguarding Around the World
Safeguarding isn't just a UK thing—different countries have their own terms and approaches to the same concept. While the terminology might vary, the goal remains the same: ensuring the safety and well-being of people. Here’s a quick look at how safeguarding is viewed globally:
United Kingdom (UK) – Safeguarding: The primary term used for protecting vulnerable individuals, ensuring their rights, health, and safety.
United States (US) – Child Protection / Welfare Services: In the US, "safeguarding" is often referred to as "child protection" for minors, with adult safeguarding covered under services like mental health, social services, and domestic violence resources.
Canada – Protection Services / Well-Being Services: Often referred to in a broader context, focusing on child protection, well-being, and mental health support for all citizens.
Australia – Child Protection / Duty of Care: In Australia, the term "duty of care" is frequently used, focusing on the responsibility to ensure the safety of vulnerable people, especially in education and healthcare settings.
New Zealand – Vulnerable Person’s Protection / Manaaki Tangata: "Manaaki Tangata" is a Māori term that reflects care and protection, aligning with the country's holistic approach to safeguarding.
India – Ayushman Bharat Scheme-The Ayushman Bharat scheme, launched by the Indian government, is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of millions.
Ireland – Safeguarding and Protection: Similar to the UK, Ireland uses the term "safeguarding" for both children and adults, with specific services for those at risk of abuse or neglect.
Germany – Kinderschutz (Child Protection) / Schutz von Erwachsenen (Protection of Adults): Different terms are used for child and adult protection, with a focus on "Schutz," meaning protection.
France – Protection de l’Enfance (Child Protection) / Bien-être Social (Social Well-being): Terms focus on both child protection and broader social welfare services.
Japan – Anzen Hoshō (Safety Protection) / Seikatsu Fukushi (Life Welfare): These terms safety and welfare for all individuals in various community settings.
Each country has its approach to safeguarding based on its legal framework, culture, and societal needs, but the core principles of protecting individuals and ensuring well-being remain the same. I particularly like the Māori term, of Manaaki Tangata - that encapsulates why I became a social worker, why I continue to find ways to demonstrate care.
The 6 Principles of Safeguarding
These principles aren't just for professionals—they’re something we all practice, often without even realizing it:
Prevention: We try to stop harm before it happens.
Protection: We want to protect those we care about while also empowering them.
Proportionality: We aim to be fair and balanced in our approach to care.
Accountability: Most of us are happy to take responsibility for our actions.
Partnership: When things get complicated, we seek guidance and work together.
Empowerment: We encourage others to make their own decisions and provide support.
In everyday life, these principles guide how we interact with others, but in the workplace, safeguarding can sometimes feel like an afterthought. Unfortunately, some wait until things go wrong to address it, while others may not recognise its importance at all—especially when it comes to safeguarding staff.
Why is Safeguarding Important in the Workplace?
When we prioritise safeguarding, everyone benefits. Here’s why it matters:
Improved Productivity: When staff feel safe and valued, they are more engaged and productive, this is an obvious benefit.
Employee Well-being: Feeling cared for at work boosts morale and mental health.
Staff Retention: Happy employees are more likely to stay.
Cost Savings: All of the above - effectively saves money.
At RiseStrong, we ask: why wouldn't you want your staff to feel cared for, safe, and valued? Why wouldn't you invest in real training and practical policies that aren't just files gathering dust on a shelf?
Safeguarding in Everyday Scenarios
Because we always think it will not happen here- lets understand how safeguarding plays out in different environments, we should look at a few examples:
Retail: A customer seems distressed and confused. Instead of ignoring them, you take a moment to ask if they’re okay, recoginsing the signs of distress, taking steps to find supportive and a safe space to sit until they feel better. That’s safeguarding.
Fiona Pilkington’s tragic story is a stark reminder of the need for vigilant safeguarding, even in places where we might not expect it. Fiona and her daughter, Francecca, who had learning disabilities, were subjected to relentless harassment and abuse from local youths. Despite frequent visits to local shops where this harassment often occurred, no one stepped in to help or report their concerns to authorities.Had the shop staff been trained in safeguarding, they might have recognised the signs of abuse and distress. They could have reported the incidents to the police or local safeguarding teams, potentially preventing the tragic outcome.
Lesson Learned:
In a retail environment, safeguarding means being aware of the people around you—customers, colleagues, and the community. If you notice someone, like Fiona and her daughter, repeatedly experiencing distress or harassment, it's crucial to take action. Whether it's offering a safe space, reporting concerns to management, or directly contacting safeguarding authorities, your intervention could make a life-saving difference.This example demonstrates that safeguarding is not just about policy—it’s about recognising when someone is at risk and taking steps to protect them. Whether you're in a small shop or a large retail chain, everyone has a role to play in safeguarding.
To learn more and the cristisms of the police here Fiona Pilkington (Leicestershire) | Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board (hampshiresab.org.uk)
These examples show that safeguarding isn't just about ticking boxes—it's about looking out for each other in all kinds of settings.
Restaurant: In a restaurant, safeguarding might involve recognising when a fellow staff member is overwhelmed and you have noticed a difference in their well-being. Stepping in and supporting them to navigate the feelings safely is safeguarding.
Bank: In a bank, safeguarding could mean protecting a customer who seems vulnerable from a potential scam or ensuring that staff have access to support services and know how to raise the concern.
Chemist: Imagine you’re working in a chemist when a young person comes in to request the morning-after pill. They seem nervous, avoiding eye contact, and glancing frequently at someone standing outside, who appears to be watching them from a distance. The person outside doesn't come in but seems to be subtly directing the young person’s actions. Would you or your staff know what to do?
Book your safeguarding training with us at RiseStrong and make your workplace a safer, more caring environment for everyone.
Join Us Next Time
In our next blog, we’ll explore the Sexual Harassment Update Update
