Safeguarding Procedures Section 42

Provides an overview of the purpose, principles and legal basis of Section 42 adult safeguarding enquiries.

Explains how concerns about abuse or neglect should be identified, reported and acted upon.

Explains how safeguarding concerns are assessed, decisions are made, and actions are coordinated when determining whether a Section 42 enquiry is required.

Explains how Section 42 safeguarding enquiries are planned, coordinated and carried out to establish the facts, assess risk and support the adult’s safety and wellbeing.

Explains how self‑neglect concerns are assessed and managed, including capacity, risk, legal options and the multi‑agency safeguarding response.

Explains how safeguarding plans are developed and reviewed to keep adults safe when risks remain after an enquiry.

Explains when and how safeguarding enquiries can be closed, including required actions, communication, and responsibilities once Section 42 duties are complete.

Explains how adults and other parties can appeal safeguarding enquiry outcomes or raise complaints, and how agencies should respond and learn from them.

Sets out what organisations must do when concerns are raised about someone working with adults at risk, including reporting, disclosure and safeguarding responsibilities.

Explains how quality concerns in care settings are monitored and managed, and how safeguarding processes link with provider oversight to keep adults safe.

Provides guidance on assessing, understanding and managing safeguarding risks in a balanced, person‑centred and proportionate way.

Provides definitions of key safeguarding terms, roles, agencies and legal concepts used throughout the adult safeguarding procedures.