Articles

Consent, Coercion and Undue Influence in Safeguarding: When “Agreement” Isn’t Valid

People may appear to consent to risky situations while under coercion, manipulation or undue influence. This article explains how providers recognise invalid consent, apply safeguarding decision-making lawfully, and evidence proportionate...

Deprivation of Liberty in Safeguarding: Recognising When Restrictions Become Unlawful

Safeguarding often introduces restrictions quickly, but restrictions can drift into unlawful deprivation of liberty if not reviewed and evidenced. This article explains how providers recognise deprivation of liberty risk, apply...

Fluctuating Capacity in Safeguarding: Managing Risk When Decision-Making Changes

Capacity in safeguarding is not always stable. This article explores how providers manage fluctuating capacity, adjust safeguarding responses, and evidence lawful, proportionate decision-making over time.

Best Interests Decisions in Safeguarding: Practical Application Under Pressure

Best interests decisions in safeguarding often occur under time pressure and heightened risk. This article explains how providers apply the Mental Capacity Act in safeguarding contexts while evidencing proportionality, rights...

Information Sharing and Consent in Safeguarding: Proportionate Disclosure That Stands Up to Review

Safeguarding often requires sharing information quickly, but providers must still work lawfully and proportionately. This article explains how to evidence decision-making when sharing without consent, handling confidentiality, and coordinating with...

Consent, Coercion and Undue Influence in Safeguarding: Making Defensible Decisions

Consent in safeguarding is rarely straightforward, especially where people may be pressured, fearful or financially dependent. This article explains how providers test consent, identify coercion, and evidence decision-making that stands...

Best Interest Decisions in Safeguarding: Evidence, Proportionality and Accountability

When people lack capacity, safeguarding decisions must be made in their best interests. This article explores how providers evidence lawful best interest decisions that balance protection, proportionality and accountability.

Mental Capacity Assessments in Safeguarding: Getting It Right Under Scrutiny

Mental capacity assessments are frequently tested during safeguarding enquiries and inspections. This article explains how providers must assess, record and review capacity decisions in ways that remain defensible under commissioner...

Consent, Risk and Safeguarding: When Respecting Choice Becomes Unsafe

Respecting choice is fundamental in adult social care, but safeguarding demands careful judgement where consent exposes people to harm. This article explores how providers balance autonomy, risk and protection within...

Mental Capacity and Safeguarding: Making Lawful, Person-Centred Decisions in Practice

Mental capacity decisions sit at the heart of safeguarding practice. This article explains how providers must assess capacity lawfully, balance consent and protection, and evidence decision-making that withstands scrutiny from...