On 29 July, the Prime Minister set out his objectives to reform the social care system, and brought forward the timetable for Baroness Casey’s commission to inform that reform programme. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-sets-out-new-path-to-fix-social-care-together-29-july-2026

As part of its work, the Casey Commission has been considering the best way to provide safeguards against abuse and neglect. In response to its initial recommendations on safeguarding in March, we have set up a new National Adult Safeguarding Board. The board will work to strengthen national accountability for safeguarding and will also look at how data can be used to inform action at local and national level. Further information about the board’s work is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/national-adult-safeguarding-board

On 29 July, the Prime Minister set out his objectives to reform the social care system, and brought forward the timetable for Baroness Casey’s commission to inform that reform programme. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-sets-out-new-path-to-fix-social-care-together-29-july-2026

As part of its work, the Casey Commission has been considering the best way to provide safeguards against abuse and neglect. In response to its initial recommendations on safeguarding in March, we have set up a new National Adult Safeguarding Board. The board will work to strengthen national accountability for safeguarding and will also look at how data can be used to inform action at local and national level. Further information about the board’s work is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/national-adult-safeguarding-board

On 29 July, the Prime Minister set out his objectives to reform the social care system, and brought forward the timetable for Baroness Casey’s commission to inform that reform programme. Further information is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-sets-out-new-path-to-fix-social-care-together-29-july-2026

As part of its work, the Casey Commission has been considering the best way to provide safeguards against abuse and neglect. In response to its initial recommendations on safeguarding in March, we have set up a new National Adult Safeguarding Board. The board will work to strengthen national accountability for safeguarding and will also look at how data can be used to inform action at local and national level. Further information about the board’s work is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/national-adult-safeguarding-board

Safeguarding investigations are led by local authorities. The role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is to share relevant information, monitor risks to people using services, and determine whether regulatory action is required within its remit.

In June 2024, following concerns raised by relatives, the CQC followed its escalation procedures by raising a safeguarding alert with the local authority. The CQC met regularly with the provider and local authority to monitor the situation, sought updates on the outcome of the safeguarding investigation, and carried out internal risk reviews to monitor and oversee the provider's four services in Portsmouth. The CQC also considered whether the matter met the threshold for criminal enforcement action against Radis Community Care (Milton Village) but concluded that it did not.

Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to manage the risk to employees from work-related violence, which includes:

• verbal abuse,
• threats and intimidation,
• physical assault,
• abuse by customers or members of the public.

The duty extends to employees visiting customers' homes, including gas engineers. Employers are expected to assess and manage those risks. To assist employers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on how to assess the risks and put the right controls in place to protect workers. There is specific guidance on violence and aggression at work: Violence and aggression at work - HSE and for lone workers: Lone working: Protect those working alone - HSE

If an employee has experienced violence in connection with a work activity, HSE encourages them to report this to their employer. Employers, certain self-employed people and those in control of work premises must report certain workplace injuries, dangerous occurrences and occupational diseases to HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). Workers may also want to report instances of violence or intimidation to the police.

We recognise the importance of former child patients being able to seek redress for physical and sexual abuse suffered.

In some cases where there have been serious institutional failings which have contributed to abuse, financial redress schemes have been provided. There are currently no plans for a national financial redress scheme for all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse with a connection to National Health Service adolescent mental health units.

In cases where abuse has occurred, the Courts are always available to patients who have been affected, whether or not a compensation scheme has been set up or the deadline has been missed.

Supporting child and adult victims and survivors of sexual abuse is a core priority for NHS England, delivered through a network of 48 specialist sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) across the country. NHS England commissions SARCs through a distinct national service specification, including working with specialist support services, ensuring that children and young people up to the age of 18 years old receive trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate care and safeguarding support, and that adults receive tailored care that reflects their needs and rights, with clear referral pathways to health, justice, and specialist support services. Additionally, the Government is investing up to £50 million to roll out the internationally recognised Child House model across all NHS regions. The model brings health, justice, and social care professionals together in a safe, child-centred environment to reduce trauma and deliver the care children deserve.

Through the 10-Year Health Plan we are also expanding NHS Talking Therapies so that more adults with anxiety and depression can get the help they need.