Co-Production in Safeguarding, Risk and Rights-Based Practice

Safeguarding systems are most effective when they reflect the lived realities of people receiving support. Commissioners and inspectors increasingly expect co-production to inform safeguarding in tenders and broader approaches to positive risk-taking, particularly where rights and restrictions are involved.

Embedding lived experience into safeguarding strengthens both prevention and response.

Why Lived Experience Matters in Safeguarding

People using services are often best placed to identify early warning signs, unsafe practices or environments that feel restrictive or disempowering.

Co-production ensures safeguarding approaches remain person-centred rather than procedurally driven.

Commissioner Expectations and Assurance

Commissioners expect safeguarding systems to reflect Making Safeguarding Personal principles, including involvement in risk planning, reviews and learning from incidents.

Evidence of co-produced safeguarding policies or review processes can provide strong assurance.

Co-Producing Risk Assessments and Reviews

Risk assessments should be developed with individuals, not imposed upon them. This includes discussing perceived risks, acceptable levels of risk and the impact of restrictions.

Reviews that include lived experience perspectives often lead to more balanced and proportionate plans.

Restrictive Practice and Human Rights

Co-production is particularly important where restrictive practices are used. Involving people and advocates in reviewing necessity, duration and alternatives supports rights-based practice.

Learning from Safeguarding Incidents

Involving people with lived experience in learning reviews can surface insights that professionals may overlook and strengthen organisational learning.

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