Adult safeguarding: early messages from peer reviews

Purpose This report aims to summarise the principal conclusions from the pilot reviews and key learning points to assist the improvement of safeguarding policy and practice. Design/methodology/approach A pilot programme of peer reviews of adult safeguarding arrangements was carried out in four English local authorities by Local Government Improvement and Development in 2009‐2010. The pilot programme sought to customise, test and adapt this established peer review methodology to adult safeguarding. Findings Key messages from the peer reviews of the adult safeguarding arrangements include: outcomes and experience of people who use services; leadership, strategy and commissioning; service delivery, effective practice and performance and resource management; and working together. Originality/value Councils may need to revisit how they develop their safeguarding arrangements in the light of major policy, financial and demographic shifts over the next few years.