1.1. Explain protection in relation to safeguarding

This guide will help you answer 1.1. Explain protection in relation to safeguarding.

Protection in safeguarding means keeping people safe from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation. In health and social care, it is about taking active steps to protect children, young people, and adults at risk. Protection is one part of safeguarding. Safeguarding covers a wider set of actions that promote welfare, while protection is more focused on immediate action to stop harm.

Staff in health and social care must know what protection means. They must act quickly if someone is at risk. Protection is not just about reacting when harm has happened. It includes preventing harm by putting safety measures in place before problems arise.

What is Protection?

Protection is about stopping harm from happening or continuing. In practice, it can involve:

• Removing a person from a harmful situation
• Reporting concerns to the right authority
• Setting up safety plans
• Making sure the person receives medical or emotional support

Protective action may need to happen at once. For example, if a worker witnesses physical abuse, they may need to call emergency services and inform a safeguarding lead straight away.

Protection is guided by laws, policies, and procedures. Workers must follow these guidelines to protect the person’s safety and rights.

Difference Between Safeguarding and Protection

Safeguarding is a broad term. It includes creating safe environments, teaching people about their rights, and supporting wellbeing. Protection is part of safeguarding, but it is more focused on direct measures when someone faces harm.

For example:

• Safeguarding: training staff on spotting early signs of abuse.
• Protection: calling social services to stop ongoing abuse.

Both are important in health and social care. Workers must understand how protection fits within safeguarding.

Who Needs Protection?

Protection applies to everyone, but certain people may be more at risk. These people include:

• Children and young people
• Older adults
• People with physical disabilities
• People with learning disabilities
• People with mental health conditions
• People with communication needs
• People in unsafe living situations

These groups may not be able to defend themselves easily. They may depend on others for care and may not always recognise abuse or know how to report it.

Types of Harm That Require Protection

Harm can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial. Neglect is another form of harm that requires protection.

Common types of harm include:

• Physical abuse: hitting, slapping, pushing, or restraining in a harmful way.
• Emotional abuse: threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation.
• Sexual abuse: unwanted touching, sexual activity, or exploitation.
• Financial abuse: stealing money or possessions, misusing a person’s funds.
• Neglect: failing to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, or medical care.

Recognising these types helps workers take the right protective action.

Legal Framework for Protection

Several laws in the UK require protection as part of safeguarding. Workers must understand and follow these.

Key laws include:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004: Places duty on professionals to protect children from harm.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children: Government guidance for organisations and agencies.
• Care Act 2014: Sets local authority duties to protect adults at risk of abuse or neglect.
• Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR: Protects personal information.
• Human Rights Act 1998: Supports the right to life, freedom from torture, and respect for privacy.

These laws give clear guidance on taking action, reporting, and working with other agencies.

Signs and Indicators of Harm

Recognising signs early is key to protection. This may include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Changes in behaviour
• Withdrawal from social contact
• Sudden loss of money or possessions
• Poor hygiene or malnutrition
• Fear of certain people
• Reluctance to be left alone with certain individuals

Workers must be alert and record any concerns carefully. Observations should be factual, without personal judgement.

Immediate Protective Actions

When a risk is identified, protective actions may include:

• Removing the person from danger
• Providing first aid
• Contacting emergency services
• Reporting to a safeguarding officer or line manager
• Recording all observations and actions
• Passing the matter to local authority safeguarding teams

Speed and accuracy are important. Delays can lead to greater harm.

Multi-Agency Working in Protection

Protection often involves several organisations working together. This can include:

• Social services
• Police
• Health care providers
• Education services
• Housing agencies
• Charities and voluntary groups

Each has a role in keeping individuals safe. Good communication between agencies helps create strong protection plans.

Balancing Protection with Rights

When protecting someone, workers must also respect their rights. This includes:

• Right to privacy
• Right to be heard
• Right to make informed choices

Sometimes, protection may involve acting against a person’s wishes. This can happen if they are in immediate danger or if they lack capacity to make a safe decision. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 provides guidance in these cases.

Protective Policies and Procedures

Workplaces have policies and procedures that set out how to act in safeguarding situations. These may include:

• Clear reporting lines
• Contact details for safeguarding leads
• Codes of conduct
• Risk assessment procedures
• Confidentiality rules

Following these helps maintain legal compliance and consistent care standards.

Worker Responsibilities in Protection

All health and social care workers have a duty to:

• Remain alert to signs of harm
• Record and report concerns
• Follow protection procedures
• Work respectfully with the person at risk
• Keep information confidential except when sharing is needed for safety

Training in safeguarding and protection is usually part of staff induction and ongoing learning.

Barriers to Protection

Sometimes, protection can be difficult due to:

• Fear of making a mistake
• Not wanting to cause trouble
• Lack of knowledge about signs of abuse
• Uncertainty about reporting procedures
• Cultural differences or language barriers

Training, supervision, and clear workplace policies help overcome these barriers.

Whistleblowing and Protection

Workers may sometimes need to raise concerns about colleagues or practices. Whistleblowing protections allow employees to report issues without fear of unfair treatment. This can be important where harm is coming from within the organisation.

Role of Risk Assessment in Protection

Risk assessments help identify situations where harm could occur. This might involve:

• Checking safety of buildings and equipment
• Reviewing staffing levels
• Assessing behaviours that could put someone at risk
• Planning supervision and support

Regular risk assessments mean protection can start before harm occurs.

Support for Victims After Protection

After protective action is taken, people may need ongoing support, such as:

• Counselling or therapy
• Medical treatment
• Help with finding safe housing
• Ongoing contact with a social worker
• Support groups

Recovery from harm can take time. Ongoing protection may be needed to prevent it happening again.

The Importance of Record Keeping

Accurate records are important. Records may be used in investigations or court cases. Good records include:

• Date and time observations were made
• Factual description of events
• Any actions taken
• Names of people involved
• Who the concern was reported to

Clear, accurate recording supports strong protection measures.

Creating a Protective Culture

A protective culture within an organisation encourages everyone to speak up and put safety first. Key elements include:

• Regular safeguarding training
• Encouraging open discussion about safety concerns
• Having visible safeguarding leads
• Reviewing policies regularly

When protection is a shared value, staff act quickly to prevent harm.

The Role of the Public in Protection

Members of the public can help in protection by reporting concerns to:

• The police
• Local authority safeguarding teams
• Helplines such as NSPCC (for children) or Action on Elder Abuse

These reports can lead to quicker intervention and support.

Final Thoughts

Protection within safeguarding is about taking quick, clear, and effective action to keep people safe from harm. In health and social care, this means staying alert, following procedures, and working with others to address risks. It involves not just stopping harm that has occurred, but also putting measures in place to prevent future incidents.

A professional approach to protection builds trust, supports safety, and upholds the dignity of those receiving care. Every worker plays a direct role in this process. By knowing the signs of harm, understanding the law, and acting without delay, you can make a real difference in a person’s safety and wellbeing.