A Safeguarding Adult Review (SAR) is a multi-agency process that considers whether or not serious harm experienced by an adult, or group of adults at risk of abuse or neglect, could have been predicted or prevented. The process identifies learning that enables the partnership to improve services and prevent abuse and neglect in the future.
Please note: if you have current safeguarding concerns you will need to refer to the Local Authority Safeguarding Team (report now).
Safeguarding Adult Review (SAR) criteria and purpose
The Care Act 2014 places a statutory duty on Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) to arrange for there to be a review of a case involving an adult in its area with needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority has been meeting any of those needs) where:
a) there is reasonable cause for concern about how the SAB, members of it or other persons with relevant functions worked together to safeguard the adult
and either of the following conditions are met:
b1) The adult has died, and the SAB knows or suspects that the death resulted from abuse or neglect (whether or not it knew about or suspected the abuse or neglect before the adult died)
or
b2) The adult is still alive, and the SAB knows or suspects that the adult has experienced serious abuse or neglect.
The purpose of a SAR process it not to apportion blame but to promote effective learning and improve how agencies work together to safeguard adults at risk. SABs look to review a case to identify what is helping and what is hindering safeguarding work, in order to remove barriers, promote good practice and prevent harm.
SSASPB 'Safeguarding Adult Review (SAR) Protocol'
The SSASPB SAR protocol sets out the criteria for conducting a SAR and outlines options for the methodology used for these learning reviews. The guidance and templates highlight roles and responsibilities within the process and clarify governance arrangements.
Please take the time to review the supporting appendices and if you wish to make a referral for consideration, complete a SAR referral form (SAR 2) and return to ssaspb.admin@staffordshire.gov.uk.
Local learning: SSASPB will publish information and learning about local Safeguarding Adult Reviews in the annual reports and in the ‘Reports and learning’ section of the website.