A Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) is a process for all partner agencies to identify the lessons that can be learned from particularly complex or difficult Safeguarding Adults cases and implement changes to improve services in the light of these lessons.
Section 44 of the Care Act 2014 placed a duty on local Safeguarding Adults Boards (SAB) to arrange SARs:
- when an adult, with needs for care and support, (whether or not the local authority was meeting any of those needs) in its area dies as a result of abuse or neglect, whether known or suspected, and there is concern that partner agencies could have worked more effectively to protect the adult, or
- if an adult in its area has not died, but the SAB knows or suspects that the adult has experienced serious abuse or neglect and there is concern that partner agencies could have worked more effectively to protect the adult
The aim of the process is to learn lessons and make improvements rather than to blame individual people or organisations. SARs can also be used to explore examples of good practice where it is likely that lessons can be applied to future cases.
How to make a Safeguarding Adults Referral
The Review and Learning Group considers all referrals for SARs.
This multi-agency group advises the Safeguarding Adults Board whether a SAR should be undertaken, or it may advise other actions should be taken instead.
Any agency or a relative can make a referral to the Review and Learning group. Find out more about how to make a Safeguarding Adults Review Referral.
For information about Safeguarding Adults Reviews in the City of York see our SAR policy and procedure.
Information for families and carers
Safeguarding Adult Reviews are undertaken to see whether any lessons can be learned about the way organisations worked together to support and protect the person who suffered harm. The people carrying out the review understand this is likely to be a very difficult time for families, friends and carers, but they want to learn as much as possible about how to do things better in the future.
We want families and carers to be involved in the process as much as possible. We believe families, carers and where appropriate, the person who suffered harm, should have the opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have, and to share their thoughts and opinions.
See our SAR information for families and carers leaflet for full details.
When we have completed a Safeguarding Adults Review we publish the findings and recommendations in a report, with the agreement of family members or appropriate others. Action plans are then produced and implemented, which are monitored by the SAB.
