---
title: UK Safeguarding and Whistleblowing Legislation Guide | Speak Out Safe
description: A plain-English guide to UK whistleblowing, safeguarding and child protection law, statutory guidance and regulator requirements, with official sources.
---

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Legislation guide

# UK safeguarding and whistleblowing law, in plain English.

The key laws, statutory guidance and regulator requirements on safeguarding, child protection and whistleblowing, with what each means for your organisation and a link to the official source.

[Whistleblowing law](https://speakoutsafe.uk/uk-safeguarding-whistleblowing-legislation#whistleblowing)[Safeguarding children](https://speakoutsafe.uk/uk-safeguarding-whistleblowing-legislation#children)[Safeguarding adults](https://speakoutsafe.uk/uk-safeguarding-whistleblowing-legislation#adults)[Cross-cutting duties](https://speakoutsafe.uk/uk-safeguarding-whistleblowing-legislation#cross-cutting)[Sector regulators and standards](https://speakoutsafe.uk/uk-safeguarding-whistleblowing-legislation#regulators)[Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland](https://speakoutsafe.uk/uk-safeguarding-whistleblowing-legislation#devolved)

## Key dates to watch

- **6 April 2026**Sexual harassment became its own category of whistleblowing disclosure (Great Britain).
- **30 October 2026**Employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including by third parties.
- **2027**Planned limits on non-disclosure agreements covering harassment and discrimination.
- **2027/28 season**Clubs in the top five tiers of English men’s football will need a licence from the Independent Football Regulator.
- **Date to be set**Mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (England).

1 of 6

## Whistleblowing law

ActIn force

### [Employment Rights Act 1996, Part IVA (protected disclosures)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/part/IVA)

**Applies to:** All employers in England, Scotland and Wales

Inserted by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. Protects workers who disclose information they reasonably believe shows wrongdoing in the public interest, such as crime, breach of a legal obligation, danger to health and safety, sexual harassment or a cover-up. Workers are protected from detriment and employees from unfair dismissal.

**What it means for you**Give workers a clear, safe route to raise concerns, and make sure nobody suffers detriment for speaking up.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/part/IVA)

ActRoyal Assent 18 December 2025; phased commencement

### [Employment Rights Act 2025](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/36)

**Applies to:** All employers in Great Britain

Since 6 April 2026 sexual harassment is its own category of qualifying whistleblowing disclosure. From 30 October 2026 employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including by third parties. Limits on non-disclosure agreements covering harassment and discrimination are planned for 2027.

**What it means for you**Update whistleblowing and harassment policies, and treat reports of sexual harassment as potential protected disclosures.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/36)

RegulationIn force (amended with effect from 2 June 2026)

### [Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2014](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/2418)

**Applies to:** Workers raising concerns outside their organisation

Lists the regulators and other bodies, such as the FCA, CQC, Charity Commission and NSPCC, to which workers can make protected disclosures outside their own organisation. The list is updated from time to time.

**What it means for you**Name the relevant prescribed persons in your whistleblowing policy so staff know their external options.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/2418)

Regulator requirementIn force

### [FCA Handbook, SYSC 18 Whistleblowing](https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/sysc18)

**Applies to:** UK banks, building societies, insurers and certain investment firms

Firms in scope must run effective internal whistleblowing arrangements, including anonymous reporting, protection from victimisation, record keeping and training, overseen by a whistleblowers’ champion with an annual report to the board. Staff must be told they can report directly to the FCA or PRA.

**What it means for you**Regulated firms need auditable reporting channels, an anonymous option and annual board reporting on how well whistleblowing works.

[Read the official source](https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/sysc18)

PolicyCurrent; National Guardian’s Office closed end of June 2026

### [Freedom to Speak Up: the national speak up policy (NHS England)](https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-national-speak-up-policy/)

**Applies to:** NHS organisations and providers of NHS services in England

Sets the minimum standard for local speaking-up policies across the NHS. NHS England took on some of the National Guardian’s Office functions from 1 July 2026, and the Freedom to Speak Up Guardian role remains an NHS Standard Contract requirement.

**What it means for you**NHS-funded providers should align local policies with the national policy and keep guardian details visible and current.

[Read the official source](https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-national-speak-up-policy/)

Regulator requirementIn force

### [How to report a serious incident in your charity (Charity Commission)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-report-a-serious-incident-in-your-charity)

**Applies to:** Charity trustees in England and Wales

Trustees must report serious incidents promptly, including safeguarding incidents, significant losses and suspected crime. The Commission is also a prescribed person, so people who work or volunteer for a charity can report serious wrongdoing to it directly.

**What it means for you**Charities need a clear internal escalation route so trustees learn about serious incidents quickly and report them on time.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-report-a-serious-incident-in-your-charity)

ActIn force from 1 September 2025

### [Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, section 199 (failure to prevent fraud)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/56/section/199)

**Applies to:** Large companies, partnerships and incorporated charities

A large organisation commits an offence if an associated person commits a specified fraud intending to benefit it, unless it had reasonable fraud prevention procedures. Large means meeting two of three tests: over 250 employees, over £36 million turnover or over £18 million total assets.

**What it means for you**Speak-up channels and investigation records are key evidence that your fraud prevention procedures are reasonable.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/56/section/199)

ActIn force

### [Bribery Act 2010, section 7 (failure to prevent bribery)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/23/section/7)

**Applies to:** Commercial organisations carrying on business in the UK

A commercial organisation commits an offence if an associated person pays a bribe to win or keep business for it, unless it can prove it had adequate procedures to prevent bribery. Confidential reporting routes are commonly treated as part of those procedures.

**What it means for you**Keep proportionate anti-bribery procedures, including a confidential way for staff and third parties to report suspected bribery.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/23/section/7)

EU lawIn force across the EU through national laws; not part of UK law

### [EU Whistleblowing Directive (EU) 2019/1937](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1937/oj/eng)

**Applies to:** UK organisations with entities or operations in EU member states

Requires EU employers with 50 or more workers to provide secure internal reporting channels, acknowledge reports within seven days and give feedback within three months. Each member state applies it through its own national law, so details vary.

**What it means for you**UK groups with EU subsidiaries should check each country’s implementing law and local channel requirements.

[Read the official source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1937/oj/eng)

Order in CouncilIn force

### [Public Interest Disclosure (Northern Ireland) Order 1998](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1998/1763/contents/made)

**Applies to:** All employers in Northern Ireland

Gives workers in Northern Ireland whistleblowing protection broadly equivalent to Great Britain’s. The Employment Rights Act 2025 changes, including sexual harassment as a qualifying disclosure, do not extend to Northern Ireland.

**What it means for you**Organisations in both jurisdictions should note the differences and apply the higher standard consistently.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1998/1763/contents/made)

2 of 6

## Safeguarding children

ActIn force

### [Children Act 1989](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents)

**Applies to:** Local authorities, courts and partner agencies in England and Wales

The foundation of child protection law in England and Wales. The child’s welfare is paramount, and under section 47 local authorities must investigate where a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.

**What it means for you**Staff should know how to refer concerns about significant harm to local children’s social care without delay.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1989/41/contents)

ActIn force (amended by the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026)

### [Children Act 2004](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/31/contents)

**Applies to:** Local authorities, NHS bodies, police and other named bodies in England

Section 11 requires named bodies to carry out their functions in a way that safeguards and promotes children’s welfare. The Act also sets up local safeguarding partnerships, which now include education and childcare agencies.

**What it means for you**Expect local safeguarding partners to ask for information and assurance about your arrangements.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/31/contents)

Statutory guidanceCurrent edition, published 18 March 2026

### [Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2)

**Applies to:** All organisations working with children in England

The main guidance on how organisations and practitioners work together to protect children. The 2026 edition introduces a single family help offer and strengthens guidance on child sexual abuse, online harms and group-based exploitation.

**What it means for you**Align your child safeguarding policy, referral routes and training with the 2026 edition and local procedures.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children--2)

Statutory guidanceIn force from 1 September 2026

### [Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2)

**Applies to:** Schools and colleges in England

Statutory guidance covering safeguarding leadership, training, safer recruitment, allegations against staff, online safety and child-on-child abuse. All staff should now read Part One in full.

**What it means for you**Schools and colleges need confidential ways to raise concerns, low-level concerns and allegations about staff.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2)

ActIn force

### [Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/47/contents)

**Applies to:** Organisations providing regulated activity with children or adults in England and Wales

The legal basis for the Disclosure and Barring Service barring scheme. It is an offence for a barred person to work in regulated activity, and organisations must refer to the DBS anyone they remove because they harmed, or posed a risk to, a child or vulnerable adult.

**What it means for you**Document your DBS checks and your process for referrals after a safeguarding-related dismissal or resignation.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/47/contents)

ActIn force since 28 June 2022

### [Sexual Offences Act 2003, section 22A (positions of trust)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/22A)

**Applies to:** Sports clubs, coaches, and faith and religious organisations

Extends the abuse of position of trust offences to anyone who regularly coaches, teaches, trains or supervises a 16 or 17 year old in a sport or religion. Sexual activity with that young person is a criminal offence even if they consent.

**What it means for you**Sports and faith organisations should cover this in codes of conduct, training and how they handle concerns about coaches.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/section/22A)

ActRoyal Assent 29 April 2026; reporting duty not yet in force

### [Crime and Policing Act 2026: duty to report child sexual abuse](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/crime-and-policing-act-2026)

**Applies to:** Adults in regulated activity with children in England, including volunteers

Creates a legal duty for adults in specified roles to tell the police or local authority when they have reason to suspect a child sex offence. Failing to report can lead to a barring referral, and obstructing a report is a criminal offence.

**What it means for you**Prepare now by identifying roles in scope, updating procedures and recording when, and to whom, reports are made.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/crime-and-policing-act-2026)

ActRoyal Assent 29 April 2026; phased commencement

### [Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2026/21/contents)

**Applies to:** Local authorities, schools, children’s homes and safeguarding partners in England

Strengthens multi-agency child protection with a duty to share safeguarding information, a consistent identifier for children, education as a safeguarding partner and multi-agency child protection teams. Provisions are coming into force in stages.

**What it means for you**Prepare for stronger information-sharing duties and follow commencement regulations as they are made.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2026/21/contents)

ActIn force

### [Online Safety Act 2023](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50/contents)

**Applies to:** Online platforms and search services, especially those used by children

Requires online services to assess and reduce the risk of illegal content and, where children are likely to use them, to protect them from harmful content, including through age checks. Ofcom enforces the Act through codes of practice.

**What it means for you**If you run online community or messaging features, check whether the Act applies and keep risk assessments current.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/50/contents)

3 of 6

## Safeguarding adults

ActIn force

### [Care Act 2014, section 42 (adult safeguarding enquiries)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/section/42)

**Applies to:** Local authorities, care providers and partners in England

A local authority must make, or arrange, enquiries when it has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult with care and support needs is being abused or neglected, or is at risk of it, and cannot protect themselves.

**What it means for you**Know how to raise an adult safeguarding concern with the local authority, and cooperate fully with any enquiry.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/section/42)

ActIn force

### [Mental Capacity Act 2005](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents)

**Applies to:** Anyone working with people aged 16 or over who may lack capacity, in England and Wales

People are presumed to have capacity and must be supported to make their own decisions. Any decision made for someone who lacks capacity must be in their best interests. The Act underpins the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

**What it means for you**Train staff to assess capacity and record best-interests decisions when safeguarding adults.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contents)

ActIn force

### [Domestic Abuse Act 2021](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17/contents)

**Applies to:** Public bodies and organisations in England and Wales

Creates a legal definition of domestic abuse covering physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse and coercive control. Children who see, hear or experience its effects are recognised as victims in their own right.

**What it means for you**Include domestic abuse in safeguarding and wellbeing policies, and handle disclosures from staff sensitively.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17/contents)

4 of 6

## Cross-cutting duties

ActIn force

### [Equality Act 2010](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15)

**Applies to:** All employers and service providers in Great Britain

Prohibits discrimination, harassment and victimisation linked to protected characteristics. Victimisation protection covers people who make or support a discrimination complaint, which often overlaps with whistleblowing.

**What it means for you**Protect people who raise harassment or discrimination concerns from retaliation, and handle reports consistently.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15)

ActIn force since 26 October 2024; strengthened from 30 October 2026

### [Equality Act 2010, section 40A (duty to prevent sexual harassment)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/40A)

**Applies to:** All employers in Great Britain

Inserted by the Worker Protection Act 2023. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees. From 30 October 2026 this becomes all reasonable steps, and employers must not permit harassment by third parties such as customers.

**What it means for you**Assess harassment risks, publish a policy, train staff and provide accessible, confidential reporting routes.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/40A)

ActIn force

### [Modern Slavery Act 2015, section 54 (transparency in supply chains)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/section/54)

**Applies to:** Commercial organisations with turnover of £36 million or more

Qualifying businesses must publish an annual, board-approved slavery and human trafficking statement describing the steps they have taken to tackle modern slavery in their business and supply chains.

**What it means for you**Reporting channels open to workers and suppliers are strong evidence of effective modern slavery checks.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/30/section/54)

Statutory guidanceIn force since 31 December 2023

### [Prevent duty guidance (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance)

**Applies to:** Schools, colleges, universities, NHS bodies, local authorities and police

Specified authorities must have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, by understanding local risks, training staff to recognise radicalisation and referring concerns through safeguarding routes.

**What it means for you**Treat radicalisation concerns as a safeguarding matter, and make sure staff know how to escalate them.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance)

ActIn force (amended by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025)

### [Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents)

**Applies to:** All organisations that handle personal data

Data protection law allows personal information to be shared to safeguard children and adults at risk, and includes a specific safeguarding condition for sensitive data. Data protection should not stop you sharing information to protect a child.

**What it means for you**Record your legal basis for sharing safeguarding information, and keep reports secure and access-controlled.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2018/12/contents)

ActIn force (main UK GDPR changes from February 2026)

### [Data (Use and Access) Act 2025](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/18/contents)

**Applies to:** All organisations that handle personal data

Creates recognised legitimate interests in the UK GDPR, one of which is safeguarding vulnerable people, so organisations can rely on it without the usual balancing test. Processing must still be necessary and proportionate.

**What it means for you**Review privacy notices and records wherever you rely on safeguarding as your legal basis for sharing.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/18/contents)

5 of 6

## Sector regulators and standards

RegulationIn force

### [CQC: Regulation 13, safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/2936/regulation/13)

**Applies to:** CQC-registered health and social care providers in England

Providers must protect people using their services from abuse and improper treatment, have systems to prevent abuse and investigate allegations as soon as they become aware of them. The CQC can prosecute certain breaches.

**What it means for you**Be able to show a prompt, recorded response to every safeguarding allegation or concern.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/2936/regulation/13)

Regulator requirementIn use since 10 November 2025

### [Ofsted education inspection framework (from November 2025)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025)

**Applies to:** Early years settings, schools and further education providers in England

Ofsted’s renewed framework judges safeguarding separately as met or not met, and no longer gives a single overall effectiveness grade.

**What it means for you**Be able to show inspectors effective, well-recorded safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/education-inspection-framework/education-inspection-framework-for-use-from-november-2025)

Regulator requirementIn force from 1 August 2025

### [Office for Students condition E6: harassment and sexual misconduct](https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/for-providers/student-protection-and-choice/harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/condition-e6-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/)

**Applies to:** Registered higher education providers in England

Universities and colleges must prevent and respond to harassment and sexual misconduct affecting students, publish a single comprehensive source of information, train staff, and not use non-disclosure agreements that stop students speaking about it.

**What it means for you**Provide accessible, well-publicised reporting routes and records showing how each report is handled.

[Read the official source](https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/for-providers/student-protection-and-choice/harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/condition-e6-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/)

Regulator requirementCurrent

### [Safeguarding duties for charity trustees (Charity Commission)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-duties-for-charity-trustees)

**Applies to:** All charities in England and Wales

Trustees must take reasonable steps to protect people who come into contact with their charity from harm, with policies reviewed at least yearly, suitable checks, an open culture where people feel safe raising concerns, and prompt reporting when things go wrong.

**What it means for you**Trustees should receive regular safeguarding reports and be satisfied that concerns can be raised safely.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safeguarding-duties-for-charity-trustees)

ActRoyal Assent 21 July 2025; licensing from the 2027/28 season

### [Football Governance Act 2025 (Independent Football Regulator)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/21/contents)

**Applies to:** Clubs in the top five tiers of English men’s football

Sets up the Independent Football Regulator to oversee clubs’ financial sustainability through licensing, with clubs publishing a corporate governance statement. It focuses on finances, ownership and governance rather than safeguarding directly.

**What it means for you**Credible whistleblowing arrangements are likely to support licence applications and governance statements.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/21/contents)

StandardCurrent

### [Football’s safeguarding framework (The FA)](https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding/section-1-footballs-safeguarding-framework)

**Applies to:** All clubs and leagues affiliated to The FA

The FA sets the safeguarding policy and rules for football in England, built on safer recruitment, easy reporting of concerns and prompt investigation alongside statutory agencies, with separate policies for children and adults at risk.

**What it means for you**Give players, parents and staff a clear, confidential way to report concerns to welfare officers.

[Read the official source](https://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/safeguarding/section-1-footballs-safeguarding-framework)

StandardCurrent (2025/26 season)

### [Premier League and EFL safeguarding standards](https://www.premierleague.com/en/about/safeguarding)

**Applies to:** Premier League and EFL clubs

League rules require clubs to meet safeguarding standards checked by independent audit, including a Head of Safeguarding, board-level leadership, safer recruitment and published safeguarding, complaints and whistleblowing procedures supported by electronic case management.

**What it means for you**Clubs need a case management system that shows auditors how concerns are reported and handled.

[Read the official source](https://www.premierleague.com/en/about/safeguarding)

StandardCurrent

### [Standards for safeguarding and protecting children in sport (NSPCC CPSU)](https://sport.nspcc.org.uk/resources-and-tools/tools/standards-for-safeguarding-and-protecting-children-in-sport/)

**Applies to:** Sports governing bodies, clubs and organisations

Ten standards setting out what sports organisations should have in place to keep children safe, from responding to concerns to codes of behaviour, training and monitoring. Widely used as the benchmark for children’s safeguarding in sport.

**What it means for you**Use the standards to assess yourself, and make sure children, parents and volunteers know how to report concerns.

[Read the official source](https://sport.nspcc.org.uk/resources-and-tools/tools/standards-for-safeguarding-and-protecting-children-in-sport/)

6 of 6

## Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Statutory guidanceCurrent

### [National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 (updated 2023)](https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-guidance-child-protection-scotland-2021-updated-2023/)

**Applies to:** All agencies working with children in Scotland

Scotland’s national guidance on how agencies work together to protect children, from recognising concerns to inter-agency referral discussions and child protection planning, following the Getting it right for every child approach.

**What it means for you**Base child protection procedures in Scotland on this guidance and local committee procedures, not English guidance.

[Read the official source](https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-guidance-child-protection-scotland-2021-updated-2023/)

ActIn force; PVG membership mandatory since 1 April 2025

### [Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 and the PVG Scheme](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2020/13/contents)

**Applies to:** Organisations in Scotland with regulated roles, paid or voluntary

Reformed criminal record disclosure in Scotland. Anyone in a regulated role with children or protected adults, paid or voluntary, must be a Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme member before they start.

**What it means for you**Check which roles in Scotland are regulated, and confirm PVG membership before anyone starts.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2020/13/contents)

ActIn force

### [Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2007/10/contents)

**Applies to:** Councils, public bodies and service providers in Scotland

Councils must make inquiries where an adult may be at risk of harm, and named public bodies must cooperate. The Act also provides for protection orders and Adult Protection Committees.

**What it means for you**Make sure staff in Scotland know how to refer an adult at risk to the council’s adult protection team.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2007/10/contents)

ActIn force

### [Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2014/4/contents)

**Applies to:** Local authorities and their partners in Wales

Part 7 sets the safeguarding framework for Wales, including adult protection and support orders and regional Safeguarding Boards. Relevant partners must report children and adults they suspect are at risk.

**What it means for you**Follow the Wales Safeguarding Procedures and know how to report concerns to the local authority.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2014/4/contents)

StandardCurrent

### [Wales Safeguarding Procedures](https://safeguarding.wales/en/)

**Applies to:** Practitioners in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors in Wales

National procedures setting out roles and responsibilities for safeguarding children and adults at risk in Wales, with practical pointers for practice.

**What it means for you**Use the Wales procedures, not English guidance, for services or staff based in Wales.

[Read the official source](https://safeguarding.wales/en/)

Order in CouncilIn force

### [Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1995/755/contents)

**Applies to:** Health and Social Care Trusts and organisations working with children in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s main child welfare law, broadly equivalent to the Children Act 1989. The child’s welfare is paramount, and the authority must investigate where a child is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.

**What it means for you**Staff in Northern Ireland should know how to refer concerns to their local Health and Social Care Trust.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1995/755/contents)

PolicyCurrent (refreshed August 2017)

### [Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland](https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/co-operating-safeguard-children-and-young-people-northern-ireland)

**Applies to:** Statutory, voluntary, community and faith organisations in Northern Ireland

The Department of Health’s overarching policy for safeguarding children in Northern Ireland, setting out how organisations and individuals should work, alone and together, to protect children and young people.

**What it means for you**Align child safeguarding policies and escalation routes in Northern Ireland with this policy.

[Read the official source](https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/co-operating-safeguard-children-and-young-people-northern-ireland)

ActIn force

### [Safeguarding Board Act (Northern Ireland) 2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/7/contents)

**Applies to:** Member agencies and relevant bodies in Northern Ireland

Establishes the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, which coordinates and checks the effectiveness of its member agencies’ work to safeguard children.

**What it means for you**Follow the Board’s regional child protection procedures for referrals and multi-agency working.

[Read the official source](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2011/7/contents)

PolicyCurrent policy; Adult Protection Bill before the Assembly

### [Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership (Northern Ireland)](https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/adult-safeguarding-prevention-and-protection-partnership-key-documents)

**Applies to:** All organisations working with adults in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has no adult safeguarding law yet, so this 2015 policy sets expectations for all sectors. An Adult Protection Bill introduced in June 2025 would put adult protection into law.

**What it means for you**Follow the regional policy now, and plan for new legal duties once the Bill passes.

[Read the official source](https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/adult-safeguarding-prevention-and-protection-partnership-key-documents)

**Please note.** This guide is a plain-English overview for information only, not legal advice. Laws and guidance change, and some provisions apply only in parts of the UK. Always check the official source and take professional advice for your circumstances. Last reviewed 14 October 2026. Spotted a change? [Let us know](mailto:hello@speakoutsafe.uk).

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