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Safeguarding Adults Legislation in Northern Ireland

Find out more about the latest Safeguarding Adults legislation in Northern Ireland here.

• Adult Safeguarding Operational Procedures: Adults at Risk of Harm and Adults in Need of Protection 2016

  The Adult Safeguarding Operational Procedures: Adults at Risk of Harm and Adults in Need of Protection 2016 outline the operational aspects of safeguarding adults at risk and are intended for use by all organisations working with, or providing services to, adults, across the statutory, voluntary, community, independent and faith sectors. This includes paid staff and volunteers.

  They describe what organisations need to do to provide a safe environment and how to respond appropriately to situations in which an adult is at risk of being harmed or abused.

• Prevention and Protection in Partnership 2015

  This policy provides the framework within which social workers, social care providers, health care providers and those involved in the community can work to prevent harm to adults at risk, recognise it, respond to it when it happens, and help those affected obtain justice.

• The Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

  The Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 provides a statutory framework for people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves, and for those who now have capacity but wish to make preparations for a time in the future when they lack capacity. When the Act is fully commenced, the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (the 1986 Order) will be repealed for anyone over the age of 16.

• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007

  The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (Northern Ireland) 2007 was passed to help avoid harm, or risk of harm, by preventing people who are deemed unsuitable to work with children and adults at risk from gaining access to them through their work. The Independent Safeguarding Authority was established as a result of this Act.

  On 1st December 2012, the Criminal Records Bureau and Independent Safeguarding Authority merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Organisations with responsibility for providing services or personnel to at-risk groups have a legal obligation to refer relevant information to the service.

• The Sexual Offences Order 2008

  The Sexual Offences Order 2008 provides for the protection of adults from sexual abuse. It provides a legislative framework for sexual offences, including offences against people with a mental disorder.