Safeguarding v's safeguarding (BIG S little s)

BIG S/ little s

Course aim

This bite-size training session is suitable for anyone working with adults, who wants to increase their understanding of the term safeguarding and how this can impact decision-making when responding to individuals in need of support.

The session will explore the distinction between a formal Safeguarding response under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 (referred to as "Safeguarding with a capital 'S'") and the broader, more general approach to keeping people safe and ensuring their needs are met ("safeguarding with a small 's'").

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand between formal Safeguarding and general safeguarding practices aimed at promoting safety and well-being.

2.Recognise situations where a formal Safeguarding referral is required versus when general support or intervention may be more appropriate.

3.Use safeguarding principles to inform decision-making, applying professional judgement to respond appropriately and in a timely manner to concerns.

4.Collaborate effectively with other professionals and agencies to ensure appropriate care and treatment is provided.

5.Reflect on how awareness and communication of risk can influence safeguarding decisions.

Target audience

Any practitioner working with adults, including health, social, agencies (police, fire, ambulance) and/or voluntary sectors.

Session dates

29/09/2025

17/11/2025 (National Safeguarding Adults Week 2025)

Session timings

13:00 – 13:45 (45minutes)

This is a virtual training course and delegates will be sent an invitation via Microsoft Teams to join the event. Please note that your email address may be visible to other delegates on the Microsoft Teams  invite.