Safeguarding Adults Legislation in the UK
What is the current legislation for Safeguarding Adults in the UK?
With so many pieces of legislation and guidance relating to Safeguarding Adults, it is hard to remember them all. Here we list and summarise the pieces that are relevant to all UK countries. To find country-specific legislation, please select the relevant country: England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Data Protection Act 2018
The Data Protection Act 2018 sets out the framework for data protection legislation in the UK, replacing the Data Protection Act 1998. It supports the protection of information by outlining how personal data must be stored, collected and processed, and is relevant to adult safeguarding practice because it sets out when information should be shared, and lines of responsibility for the collection and processing of data.
Link: Data Protection Act 2018
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 promotes equality of opportunity by making it illegal to discriminate against people living with disabilities on the basis of their disability.
Link: Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 makes it an offence to discriminate on the basis of nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Link: Equality Act 2010
Human Rights Act 1998
The Human Rights Act 1998 consists of 14 articles reflecting those used in the European Convention on Human Rights, to give rights to every person living in the UK. It came into force in October 2000. Articles 2 and 3 are of particular relevance to adult safeguarding, as these are the right to life and the right to freedom from torture and inhumane or degrading treatment, respectively.
Link: Human Rights Act 1998
Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is an international human rights law which protects and promotes individuals’ fundamental right and freedoms. It aims to ensure all people can gain freedom, equality and dignity.
Link: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS):
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) promotes high standards of social care services and influences the development of social care legislation and respective policy.
Link: www.adass.org.uk
Protect (formerly Public Concerns at Work)
Protect provide specific guidance and advice on whistleblowing, all of which is free of charge and confidential.
Link: https://www.pcaw.org.uk/
Skills for Care
Skills for Care offer tools and support to assist the social care workforce to achieve best practice, supporting the implementation of underpinning legislation.
Link: www.skillsforcare.org.uk
The Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE)
The Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE) provides guidance on best practice using evidence-based practice. SCIE is a leading support agency and independent charity working with organisations that support adults, families and children working across the UK.
Link: https://www.scie.org.uk/about/
Skills for Care
Skills for Care offer tools and support to assist the social care workforce to achieve best practice, supporting the implementation of underpinning legislation.
Link: www.skillsforcare.org.uk
The Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE)
The Social Care Institute of Excellence (SCIE) provides guidance on best practice using evidence-based practice. SCIE is a leading support agency and independent charity working with organisations that support adults, families and children working across the UK.
Link: https://www.scie.org.uk/about/
