Embedding Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) in Supported Living: A Practical Guide
Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) is now a core expectation in supported living and a key theme in tenders. It moves safeguarding away from process-heavy, paternalistic responses toward empowering, person-led decision-making. When fully embedded, MSP strengthens rights, dignity, independence and trust between the person and the support team.
This guide explores how MSP principles can be applied across daily practice, positive risk-taking, incident response and safeguarding decision-making.
1. Start with what the person wants — not what the system wants
Traditional safeguarding often prioritised organisational risk avoidance over the individual’s voice. MSP reverses this by asking:
- “What does the person want to happen next?”
- “What matters most to them in this situation?”
- “How can we uphold their rights while managing concerns proportionately?”
Safeguarding becomes relational, not procedural.
2. Use accessible communication to ensure true involvement
Many adults in supported living communicate non-verbally or rely on visual supports. MSP requires providers to adapt communication so that safeguarding conversations are meaningful. This may include:
- Visual timelines and step-by-step explanations
- Social stories outlining what will happen next
- Objects of reference
- Video or photo prompts
- Working closely with SALT to refine communication plans
Inclusion is not optional — it is a safeguarding right.
3. Involve the person in risk planning
MSP means risk plans should be co-produced wherever possible. Good practice includes:
- Sharing draft plans in accessible formats
- Asking the person how risks make them feel
- Agreeing what “support” looks like from their perspective
- Ensuring language is neutral, respectful and free of labels
This co-production reduces anxiety, improves buy-in and strengthens outcomes.
4. Responding to safeguarding concerns in an MSP-consistent way
When concerns arise, providers must balance safety with choice. MSP-aligned responses include:
- Discussing with the person what they want to happen next
- Explaining necessary actions (e.g., LA referral) in clear language
- Maintaining the person’s dignity and privacy throughout
- Avoiding over-protection or unnecessary restrictions
Failure to involve the person can lead to disempowerment and retraumatisation.
5. Learning from safeguarding in a way that strengthens autonomy
MSP encourages learning that supports independence rather than limits it. Examples include:
- Identifying environmental or communication changes that reduce risk
- Supporting the person to understand patterns and triggers
- Using MDT reviews to refine PBS or emotional regulation strategies
- Ensuring actions do not unintentionally restrict opportunities
This approach aligns with strengths-based commissioning and outcomes-led practice.
6. MSP builds trust — the foundation of safe support
When people trust that staff will listen, respect their choices and uphold their rights, they are more likely to:
- Share concerns early
- Engage in risk planning
- Try new activities with confidence
- Develop greater independence
Trust is not documented in paperwork — it is experienced in relationships.
Embedding MSP creates a safeguarding culture that is empowering, rights-based and deeply person-centred — everything supported living is meant to be.