Welcome To Wirral

Who is responsible for safeguarding adults?

Adult safeguarding should be of concern to everyone. Every agency involved in social care and health – as well other agencies providing services to vulnerable adults - has a role in safeguarding vulnerable adults, however councils are charged with the leading role.

In Wirral the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board makes sure that a wide range of agencies, services and people work together to safeguard vulnerable adults.  These partners include health, housing, police, hospital, care quality commission, voluntary sector and people who use services and carers.

Keeping safeguarding person-centred

Where abuse happens, the seriousness of the abuse, the relationship between the alleged perpetrator and the vulnerable adult and especially the views of the vulnerable adult will all influence how we respond.

The needs of the vulnerable adult are the most important part of safeguarding. The purpose of safeguarding is to enable people to retain their independence, well-being and choice and to access their right to a life free from abuse and neglect. In Wirral we take a person-centred approach, which is also sensitive to a person’s cultural needs.  The focus is always on the empowerment and well-being of the person. It is our aim to listen to the person, ensure that their voice is heard, and strike a balance between protecting individuals and promoting their safety, whilst recognising people’s rights to independence and choice, and supporting and enabling individuals to take risks.