What is Safeguarding Adults Week focusing on this year?
Safeguarding Adults Week is a national event hosted by the Ann Craft Trust, taking place from 16–25 November. This year’s campaign, ‘Every voice, every choice’, explores how co-production and making safeguarding personal can empower people, strengthen safeguarding practice and give individuals greater choice and control over decisions that affect their lives.
Our safeguarding team and Experts by Experience Advisory Board shared their perspectives on this important topic.
“Listening is good, but being heard is better”
Chris, a member of our Experts by Experience Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of being heard. Seeking feedback on safeguarding processes and other aspects of support is an essential first step. People also need to see how their feedback informs meaningful change.
At Response, we aim to put this into practice by involving the people we support in shaping and reviewing policies and practices, including those relating to safeguarding.
It is essential to understand how people feel most comfortable participating and sharing their concerns and experiences. This includes considering language, translation and accessibility needs so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to be heard.
Offering different ways to provide feedback and participate is also important. Options may include written feedback, a supportive group setting, or a one-to-one conversation with a support worker or trusted person.
Support should continue beyond the initial conversation, with clear next steps and updates on outcomes. This is particularly important when sharing or revisiting an experience may be difficult for the individual.
More Safeguarding Adults Week resources
- Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board resources and newsletter
- Ann Craft Trust safeguarding training materials and webinars